Where can I buy one?

[mashtun]

Hello all
Well here is the ultimate newbie question, and that is where can I buy a BT3100. Ryobi no longer shows it on their website, and I can't find anywhere that sells one. Are thier new saws as good?

I have read about the craftsman models, but none of the part numbers mentioned here seem to match up to a saw on Sears.com. There is one that could be it, that is model# 21829. It has a sliding miter table. Is this the new sears version of the BT3100?

Last Quesiton. I am looking to replace a crappy Craftsman, that some one gave me. I am better off buying a different saw such as lower end Jet or Delta?

Thanks
John

[Knottscott]

The 21829 is basically a BT3100 with a few updates and add-ons....many of the parts are interchangeable with a BT. It's actually made by Ryobi, and goes on sale <$400 pretty frequently.

You could probably buy a used BT also.

I wouldn't go with a lower end anything for a TS. Jet and Delta makes some good entry level full size cast iron contractor and hybrid saws that go on sale in the $400-$500 range, but I'd avoid their $200 plastic/aluminum benchtops like the plague.

[JR]

Hi, mashtun, welcome to BT3Central!

Yes, the 21829 at Sears is the BT3. It has a new fold-up base, but otherwise is principally the same thing. Check ou the Bargain Alerts section for a sale price on this saw that expires at the end of September, IIRC.

No, the other Ryobi table saws are not recommended. Cheesy low-end junk you would want to replace as soon as you got used to it.

I'm still using my old BT3000, so I'll leave it to others to suggest other saws inthis price range.

JR

[gad5264]

PM sent for information

[Black wallnut]

Welcome to the forum! Others have already answered about the Craftsman version. You mentioned that you might also want to look at other saws. There are many good saws on the market these days so it will boil down to what you think will work best for you, the way you work, the projects you do. The Ryobi BT3 series of saw is not for everyone and some that have used them for a number of years have since changed to a different design. I am not one of these people. If you check the "Finished Projects" forum you will see a topic of mine of my most recient project that was built using a BT3K. My point is that the BT3 is a capable saw and is still worth serious consideration. That said it is not for everyone and to get its full benefit requires somewhat different thinking and methods. Short of my tenoning jig there is no other tennoning jig that is designed specifically for this saw, there are some that will work but some others require slight modification plus you will have to use the miter slot accessory.

The BT3 saws also have to be treated with kindness. They simply will not take abuse like cast iron will. The adjustments need to be done in a specific order and do take some time. My saw has kept its adjustment for rather long periods of time and so have others had the same experience.

Good luck on your decision but remember that we welcome you regardless of which saw you decide to buy and use.

[mashtun]

Where can I buy One.

Thanks for all the info guys. As to the Jet model I was found the Jet model# 708100 on Sears.com for $529, only 129 more that the sears model.

As I said I am getting rid of a craftsman model, that has a non standard Miter slot. So non standard, that even when I bought the saper part off of Sears part website, I still can't make Panel sled, because the sears part does not fit the slot. I get about 2 to 3 degrees of play in the slot.

I just don't want to end up with something that will limit what I kinds of accessories I can buy for it again.

Any Thought on the Jet, or any other compariable saw?

John

[JR]

There was a recent poll in Tool Talk you might find helpful.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=32704

[Knottscott]

Thanks for all the info guys. As to the Jet model I was found the Jet model# 708100 on Sears.com for $529, only 129 more that the sears model.

The 708100 is not overly well known yet, but it is gaining popularity and has a very good track record so far...it's considered a hybrid because of it's inboard motor. It features an enclosed internal motor and an elegant trunnion system that uses a well designed one piece cast blade shroud to connect the trunnions. It also offers a standard full size 27" deep cast iron main table. The wings are steel, not cast iron, but those can be upgraded in the future. This saw goes on sale for ~ $400 and is a stout machine in it's price range IMHO.

If you stay with higher quality models from the well known names, you'll get a good serviceable tool. Check out each saw in consideration, and determine which features have the most appeal to you. Of the full size saws, most will have similar power, mass, and electrical requirements. Blade selection and good alignment have the most impact on the end performance.

[dkerfoot]

Welcome Mashtun!

I am guessing you are a homebrewer?