Is it really impossible now to buy a BT3100 at a store?

[Saminhillsboro]

I started looking for a saw in my price range and have heard and seen many good things about the BT3100. There was one for sale in my area (Raleigh) on Craigslist for $100 but it was gone in a snap. There's another for sale here on C-list but with a lot of bells and whistles so the fellow (very nice, talked to him on the phone) wants $400. I see his point of view, but I'd rather just get a new one in the box for $260 or whatever.

I tried calling around to several HDs in my area to see if they had a left over one, but they don't even know what I'm talking about...all they have are the new ones. It sounds like the window of opportunity to buy this saw new from a store has passed...or has it? Any suggestions?

[eweu]

You can get the Craftsman branded version (model 21829) of the BT3100 right now on sale for $399. That's more money, of course, but it's just slightly more accessorized than the BT3100 is (rolling stand, router mounting kit). It's probably your only option for a new one.

I was in the same situation earlier this year when I got my 21829. I couldn't find a BT3100 locally. Needless to say, I'm very happy with the saw.

[radhak]

My local HD(s) never had any BT3s for the past many months, but now i am suddenly seeing NIB and display pieces at full and discount prices. So you could just be patient, and fortune might still favor you

[crokett]

You won't find one at the Hillsborough location or Burlington. Both of those stores are too new Ito have stocked them. You may find one in the Durham stores or Raleigh.

Here is a link from Nov 9 in Raleigh on Craigslist. Probably sold but the link is still there.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/232399336.html

[Saminhillsboro]

Thank Eweu...is the 21829 otherwise identical to the 3100 in terms of construction and performance? May be a silly question...how would you know, right? :-)

[eweu]

Thank Eweu...is the 21829 otherwise identical to the 3100 in terms of construction and performance? May be a silly question...how would you know, right? :-)

Not a silly question. They are identical save for a few minor items. The color, obviously, is different. The table is smooth as opposed to ribbed. The accessory table might have more holes drilled for direct mounting of routers (not sure about that).

I haven't come across any tip, jig, or procedure documented here that doesn't also apply the the Craftsman saw.

For me it came down to waiting out for a craigslist ad or spending the extra money and getting to work sooner. I opted to spend the money and I've already enjoyed the saw so much I don't even think about it.

Once you hit $400 for a saw, you're close to some of the new hybrid saws and used contractor saws. I'm extremely space limited working in half of a two car garage, so I like the easy mobility and small footprint of the BT3100. You still have to weigh your options.

[gjat]

Search some of the threads. Within the last month, people have posted seeing them in various stores. You may work out a deal if you have friends or relatives nearby or if it's someone who has posted here awhile and seems trust worthy (LOL?) to buy it and have it shipped for less than $300. It may have been in Bargin Alerts...

I found the thread. It may be worth the drive:

"If anyone is interested, I found a NEW in the BOX with plastic cover still
on the box... a BT3100 for $239.20 at Home Depot in Gastonia, N.C. store.
HD store # 3606 2870 E. Franlikn Blvd. Gastonia,N.C. 28056
phone # (704) 865-9532. A good deal waiting for someone for sure! "

[eezlock]

new Bt3100

I started looking for a saw in my price range and have heard and seen many good things about the BT3100. There was one for sale in my area (Raleigh) on Craigslist for $100 but it was gone in a snap. There's another for sale here on C-list but with a lot of bells and whistles so the fellow (very nice, talked to him on the phone) wants $400. I see his point of view, but I'd rather just get a new one in the box for $260 or whatever.

I tried calling around to several HDs in my area to see if they had a left over one, but they don't even know what I'm talking about...all they have are the new ones. It sounds like the window of opportunity to buy this saw new from a store has passed...or has it? Any suggestions?

Sam, I found a BRAND NEW Bt3100 in the box with the plastic cover still
on it at Home Depot on Franklin Blvd. in Gastonia, N.C. last week for
$239.00. Their phone number is (704) 865-9532. give them a call, they
may still have it in stock. eezlock

[Saminhillsboro]

Thanks for the tip about the saw in Gastonia...I called this a.m. and they couldn't find it. Maybe it sold.

[ke4rdb]

I listed a Like New BT3100 ( 6 mo old) in the classified section for $225 and have not recieved any interest. I'm in the Mooresville area. This BT comes with all paperwork, and extra dado plate, if interested let me know, I need the space (bought a Ridgid TS3650) and will take $200, but you will need to pick it up. I will be listing it in the Charlotte area Craigs List after the 1st of Dec.

JW

[jerrye]

Used BT

crokett: I went this weekend and looked at the BT3000 you linked to on Craigslist. AVOID!! Saw is stored outside, uncovered, meaning anything ferrous is severly rusted; owner (widow of original owner) did not have side table with router opening, blade guard, wrenches, and didn't know where they were; no power available to start saw. She did drop her price $10, but I thought it was too much of a gamble. I saw a BT3100 on www.ncwoodworker.net for sale: I think it is in Mooresville IIRC.

[Veramacor]

The craftsman paint job looks pretty cool maybe thats the difference in price

It is good to know that there is still a NIB BT clone still available though.

[Larry David]

$359

You can get the Craftsman branded version (model 21829) of the BT3100 right now on sale for $399. That's more money, of course, but it's just slightly more accessorized than the BT3100 is (rolling stand, router mounting kit). It's probably your only option for a new one.

I was in the same situation earlier this year when I got my 21829. I couldn't find a BT3100 locally. Needless to say, I'm very happy with the saw.

If you are in the Craftsman Club you can buy the saw for $359 until 12/9.

[Stick]

I tried calling around to several HDs in my area to see if they had a left over one, but they don't even know what I'm talking about...all they have are the new ones. It sounds like the window of opportunity to buy this saw new from a store has passed...or has it? Any suggestions?

Lots of them here in Canada....but at $499!

[JSCOOK]

Actually that is $399 CDN ($350 USD) plus taxes ... and I got a $50 Gift Card with mine when I got the BT3100-1 in September ...

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/s...k=P_PartNumber

Lots of them here in Canada....but at $499!