BT 3100 /3000 elevation question

[Two Much]

Reading the forum last night I saw a question that a gentleman asked re: loosening the four mounting bolts. We have a BT 3000, we've had it for a long time -- it was sticking while elevating. I used graphite on the shims, and do it regularly every time I change blades, this resolved the problem, it's a one hand operation and goes smoothly up and down for about 12 years or so...

Now for my problem...On my other saw which is a BT3100... I've tried everything and the only way to get it to run reasonably well -- is to loosen the mounting bolts...
as the gentleman asked on the other thread, how loose can I make the mounting bolts?

I have never had the shims out of the 3100, does it use the wavy shim rather than the flat shim like the 3000? If it uses the wavy shim, would that be the reason keeping the bolts loose makes it operate better/smoother?

Cliff

[steve-norrell]

Cliff:

Waxing the shims is important and will help alot. However, don't overlook lubing the gear mechanism -- bevel gear, shaft, gear shaft, handle shaft (#23 - 27 on the parts diagram).

Mine was getting pretty stiff also, an little dry silicone lube to those shafts helped alot. You may have to remove the side of the casing to access the complete mechanism, but sounds like a periodic cleaning and lubing would be a good idea.

Regards, Steve

[biggles99]

There is a thread that I just replied too as well called "Difficulty in raising the blade" that may or may not help. It helped me with my BT3100 (which is different than yours), but it has lots of good pictures...

Tim

[Black wallnut]

It may be that the locking nut at the bottom of the elevation shaft is too tight. You might try backing it of an 1/8 or 1/4 turn.

[Two Much]

Thank you gentlemen for the responses.
Another thought I want to add...I have the BT 3000 downstairs in my workshop, and it works
like a charm compared to the 3100.
I have the 3100 in my garage...perhaps the dampness, etc... from the one in the garage is why
the blade is so difficult to raise and lower? What are your thoughts on how the temperature
changes effect the saw? My garage is not heated.

Cliff

[LCHIEN]

Thank you gentlemen for the responses.
Another thought I want to add...I have the BT 3000 downstairs in my workshop, and it works
like a charm compared to the 3100.
I have the 3100 in my garage...perhaps the dampness, etc... from the one in the garage is why
the blade is so difficult to raise and lower? What are your thoughts on how the temperature
changes effect the saw? My garage is not heated.

Cliff

as long as the saw is well lubed enought to prevent rust from forming then I don't think dampness/temperature should have that big an effect... I have my BT3000 in a non-conditioned garage in Houston where the summertime humidty is 90% and the temperature varies around the year from freezing to 100 F.