Who is still using thier BT3 ?????

[jrnewhall]

Still use my BT thanks to you

I've had my 3100 for 3.5 years and use it as the mainstay of my shop. I added a Herc-u-lift and built a router table on the right hand side using ideas from this forum. (Including a router fence on closeout from Sears for $29 from the Bargain alerts). I recently plumbed it for better dust collection. I'm not sure why I would get another saw unless this one dies on me. I'm going to attempt two Morris chairs this winter out of QS Oak. I'll let you know if that project changes my mind.

Without this forum though, I'm not sure I would love my saw as much as I do. I found the forum when the height adjustment became too stiff after my first couple of projects and from this forum, I learned to clean the whole thing out and use candle wax to lube it. It's been perfect ever since I and feel like I know how to align it and keep it tuned from what I've learned here.

BT3central does cost me a lot of money because of the Bargain Alert section though.

~JRN

[gad5264]

I'm still using my BT3000 that I bought in the early 90's. I like it so much I also have a BT3100 new in the box just waiting for a little dust.

[RodKirby]

<Darth Vader voice on> "Mark....feel the power of the dark side"

I'm another one who crossed over

[maxparot]

Mine is still the centerpiece of my shop. Haven't been doing a lot of woodworking lately though. I've been involved in a number of home improvement projects of late. I see no reason for my upgrading any time soon. The BT is still capable of meeting my needs.

[massanutten]

I'm another one who crossed over

Not me - mine is center piece of my shop, my older RAS is collecting dust from non use.

[leehljp]

I do! Believe it or not, most cabinet saws would be a downgrade for me.

Cabinet saws offer more power. But in every other regard (riving knife, dust collection, fence that locks front and back, low weight [I have a bad back]), I prefer my BT3K!

Give me a BT3K w/ a sharp blade and I can get anything I need to done.

Same for me! I have two, one in the US and one in Japan. I have a third that I found in a construction yard here in bad shape. It runs and is in storage. When I retire, both will go back with me.

I had my dad's unisaw for a while and got rid of it because it was just too much to maintain and keep accurate all the time, - and I am tinkerer. I must have the (great) BT saws that switchers never had. I must have had the cast iron unisaw that others never dreamed existed.

IF I had a 25 HP 6 phase unisaw, I wouldn't rip any faster than I do now. NO unisaw is more smoother in cutting than what I have here on this side of the Pacific. And none are any MORE accurate. What mine will NOT do is take a large pounding such as dropping a 4 x 4 (or even a 2x4) on the SMT or fence.

[Russianwolf]

Still use mine 3100 frequently, but not as much as normal at present since I'm using the lathe more.

IF/When I go over to the dark side, it will not be for a US type saw, but a Euro type saw that the BT3 took most of it's advances from. Of course the minimum is around $3k for those saws.

[Lonnie in Orlando]

Yessir!

Bought my BT3000 in July 1996. HD matched a 25% Lowes coupon. Saw was $496, minus $124 25% coupon. $372 out the door. Was a great deal in 1996.

Added long fence, folding outfeed table, router kit, wide table kit (still in the box), micropositioner, wheels, accessory kit with stops and knobs, etc. Most of which were on sale or close out. I don't think any other saw could match this configuration for twice the price.

The best accessories were free: the Ryobe site, and later Sam's BT3 Central. Both taught me how to use the saw and taught me woodworking.

I bought various replacement parts from Ryobe as the saw was being discontinued, so that I can keep it running long into the future. Regret not buying brushes and brush holders. Probably need to buy a couple of belts -- have never had to replace the originals.

I'm using it more than ever before. I semi-retired last year during a two-year remodel of our house. I used it every day for four months to help the workers and to do my own personal projects for the house. And I still use it every week for more new projects and for everyday maintence on this 100 year old house.

- Lonnie

[mschrank]

Still use my BT3000 that I bought around 7 years ago. I've made a few pieces of furniture and all my shop cabinets with, but mostly it gets used for general carpentry/around the house kind of tasks.

I don't have any immediate plans to switch saws...I have other priorities like a jointer and decent bandsaw (and maybe a lathe...?) that I want to acquire before I even think about plunking down big bucks for uni or powermatic.

[MilDoc]

Me. But way too much rain this year - floods the shop floor no matter what I've tried. So, no sawdust in months.

[Uncle Cracker]

Still enjoying my many years of trouble-free use from my BT3000. It's all the saw I have ever needed.

[DUD]

I've had Mine since 1995. paid big bucks for it, and has been worth itself many times over.

I don't see Me replacing Mine for a long time. BTW it is still extremely accurate. Bill

[cwsmith]

"Still" doesn't apply to me as I'm a pretty new owner, having purchased mine a year ago. But right now, it's the main cutting tool in my makeshift shop and I love the accuracy and features of the BT3100.

I picked up mine on their last sale, when they also offered a rebate. So at $150, I figure I have a fantastic bargain and a tremendous tool. So far, I've added the Herc-U-Lift and have made a couple of jigs with it. Used in on a flooring install and I'm really looking forward to fitting out the new library and building new fireplace cabinetry.

The BT is my first table saw and I really am enjoying learning new skills with it. Nice tool and I certainly don't see any need for even thinking replacement at this point.

CWS

[thestinker]

Don't know how "vetran" I am, but yes, still using mine. Am still working on finishing up the workbench so it will be an outfeed table for the saw and have a set of rails I need to so something with.

[big tim]

Still using mine. BT3000 bought in early 2000.

Tim