BT3100 lift mechanism not working

[mnmphd]

I was making hte last cut of the day and the crank felt tight.
I tried to lower then raise the blade and then something slipped
the crank now spins quite easily, but the motor does not move

Without a complete disassembly, I am guessing I stripped the
motor bracket ( I saw what was probably the treads on the lift
shaft.

So, Has anyone done this before? Any chance of repairing this with
a helicoil?

Since it looks like I will be doing some major disassembly, any other
things I should check for wear/replace while I have it all apart. I
just assume buy all the parts at once.

Thanks in advance for any tips/info.

Mark

[Black wallnut]

Yes, this has happened to others. Yes you can fix it with a helicoil.

[mnmphd]

Anyone know the proper thread pitch?

[JimD]

9/16x12. Search on "helicoil" and you will get information on installation.

Jim

[Brian G]

I suggest checking the Member Classified fourm for a motor lift bracket from a part out first. The price and, especially time, may be more in your favor than doing the helicoil repair.

I did the helicoil repair a few years ago. It can be done, but buying a replacement is a whole heck of a lot easier, in my opinion.

I'm still waiting for the guy that borrowed the helicoil kit I bought, plus the 19/32" drill bit, to return them. He disappeared.

[mnmphd]

I decided to just purchase a new motor bracket since it was the less expensive
option and the lack a a helicoil of the proper size locally didn't provide the
instant gratification to justify the difference.

After tearing it all down, I chased the lift screw with a die, cleaned out the saw,
and applied some spray on dry lube I got at the BORG (teflon from GUNK) I
reassembled the saw.

It is together, but the motion is very stiff and there is definely some binding.
If I loosen the 4 screws holding the motor bracket to it's mate it is better
but still not great.

How tight should these screws be?

Will replacing the shims help?

thanks

[rja]

Make sure the riving knife is not rubbing on the back of the casting as it goes up and down.

[mnmphd]

I finally got the time to finish fixing the saw.
After my first attempt, i was not satisfied with the result.
I torn it down again, and passed the lift screw through the die
for a slightly deeper cut using Tap Magic - much better.

I also realized I was tightening the motor bracket way to much.
I replaced one flat shim, and polished up the second. Teflon coated
both, added some graphite in the wells formed by the spring shim,
as well as the threads of the lift screw and crown gears. It works
much better now.

While I was at it I took the handle apart since it wobbled a bit which made
lifting harder. The plastic handle was worn enough that the shaft had a lot
of play. I whipped up a sleeve with the metal barrel of an glue brush, sprayed
it with a little lube it feels much better. Slightly stiffer than ideal but better
than all the play I had before. I am sure it will loosen up with use.

The saw did require some minor adjustments, though only by a 32nd or so.
It may have been fine since the last alignment but I have a better rule so
why not.

Thanks for the input it helped work out some kinks.