Shims, shims, what about shims?

[WestofLongBeach]

I believe the single word, besides maybe fence, that one reads on this forum is shims. And they seem to be fairly critical.

If they're critical as they sound like when people here write about them, I don't believe they are the ones you use to center the riving blade assembly. And they need lubrication. And I don't know what they are.

It appears you access them by removing the blade by the normal procedure, and then can see some of them.

What are they, and what do I do about them to remain a happy BT owner?

And when I say "happy", I just ripped a long piece about a sixteenth of an inch thick from a piece of maple one-by, that came off in perfect condition, ready to sand.

The accuracy and delicacy of this saw absolutely freaks me.

Don.

[Black wallnut]

Don IIRC you have posted in a previous topic that you have a BT3100. If this is true you do not need to worry any about your shims. The shims that are referenced in many posts refer to some shim guides that were redesigned in the 3100 upgrade.
The shims that caused problems on the BT3000 saws and only on a relatively small number of saws were captured between the locker bracket and guide holder. They were made of thin bent stainless steel and relied on small bent tabs on top and bottom. These tabs were prone to breakage when ever there was a bind. Once broken the shim would simply fall out.

[LCHIEN]

yes, only BT3000 owners and sears 22811 owners need worry about the shims.

BT3100 owners have newer design that doesn't have the problem although lubrication probably doesn't hurt to keep it running smoothly.

[seagypsy]

Shims

I bought a poor,tired BT3K , figuring it needed a good home. Turns out one of the reasons its tired is no shims. By the serial number it was manufactured in 1993. Would it be OK to upgrade to the 3100 shims? Or do I need to get the original shims? Which leads to the next question, where is the best place to order them? Many thanks Steve

[LCHIEN]

I bought a poor,tired BT3K , figuring it needed a good home. Turns out one of the reasons its tired is no shims. By the serial number it was manufactured in 1993. Would it be OK to upgrade to the 3100 shims? Or do I need to get the original shims? Which leads to the next question, where is the best place to order them? Many thanks Steve

If you send me your email address via PM, i will send you the BT3 FAQ which answers those qeustions and about 100 others.