BT3000 to 3100 Upgrade ???

[movnup]

I just saw a BT3100 on craigs list that he only wants $100. Beside the better shim design and black colored rails / different top top material it is worth the time to swap them out and part out / sell the first one ???

I couldn't find the article that used to be on the forum for the differences .... Thanks!!!

[crokett]

Parting out your BT3000 you should be able to make your money back and then some. I'd say if you have the money to spend, go for it. At worst you have 2 saws and one can be a dedicated dado saw or something.

[Tanzer]

BT3000 to 3100 Upgrade ???

If you part out your BT3100 I'd be interested in the front & rear rails.

[LCHIEN]

from the BT3 FAQ

The BT3100 is like a BT3000 except for the following:

•

splayed base

•

improved vertical shim retention

•

improved riving knife shim set (easy entry)

•

different front panel,

•

different paint scheme (blue and yellow instead of gray/black)

•

gray metal-flake powder covered top instead of gray anodized top

•

SMT base is black instead of clear (natural Aluminum) anodize

•

black instead of silver rails. Slight but not significant profile shape, all known accessories

still fit
•

different shape on rip fence front rail clamp but same basic mechanism

•

different elevation crank – plastic with yellow hub (and not the same as Sears, either)

•

no instructional video tape (although lately some new owners have reported receiving

DVDs)
•

Notably it does share the nice 36T Freud thin kerf blade.

BT3100-1 version which the main change appears to be a new power switch
As of about December, 2005 the Freud Italian-made blade on new BT3100s seems to be replaced
by a Chinese-made blade.
Key components/spares/accessories available from Ryobi distributors and Sears are all

interchangeable.

If you want a copy of the BT3 fAQ, send me you e-mail addy by PM

[Popeye]

Go buy it Jim. Unless the motor is burned up it's worth more than that in spare parts and there are some things from your saw that will come in handy on the new one. I'm thinking of the accessory table first. Pat

[John Hunter]

When I got my BT3100 I mounted it on the old BT3000 stand which I prefer. Then put the old 3000 on the 3100 stand and converted it into a permanent dado saw.

[mrojec]

I'd be interested in the motor from your BT3000 if you buy the 3100.
Mark