question on BT3100

[SARGE..g-47]

It's an excellent saw as all have mentioned, Old Folks. All TS and all WW machines will have quirks. When you have moving parts there is going to be wear and you replace worn parts eventually. With a lot of aluminum on board you get the trade-off of maybe a little sooner but at much less original cost of the saw.

I sold mine to move up to a Uni-saw... not because it wasn't a good saw but because it has it's limits of what it can do and I surpassed them in what I do in my shop. I just sold my Uni-saw 3 HP to move up to a 5 HP TS as I have surpassed the Uni-saw's limits. And I can assure you that routine maintenance and parts will eventually wear out on a Uni-saw or any other saw you purchase.. bar none.

So.... "roses have thorns and silver fountains mud"... William Shakespear

Good luck...

[Sawatzky]

It is a good saw. I upgraded to a contractor saw. Did I really need to? Probably not. I don't think I gained any capacity. In fact I lost some as I lost the wide rail extensions. I had zero problems with the saw, but like others have said I never really liked the SMT. With proper care I would expect the BT to go for a long time. I ugraded becasue I wanted a heavier saw, not because the BT was unable to do what I wanted or was falling apart.

[Bruce Cohen]

When I purchased my 3100, it was a toss-up between it and then no defunct Inca 12". The Inca cost about $1,500.00, the 3100 less than three hundred. At that time, money wasn't to much of a deciding factor, but after playing with a 3100, I found the action to be as smooth as the more expensive Inca, which at that time was made in Switzerland and exhibited the same tolerances as a good watch.

I've had it for quite a while and really never had any major or serious minor problem with it.

True, it does take a lot more time and finess to set up to run accuractly, but to me that's part of the fun. What I do suggest it a blade change and a "T-Nuts" zero clearence throat plate, makes a world of difference.

I'm currently using a Freud Fusion blade ($99.00) but it cuts flawlessly, both cross and rip, and if you use alot of sheet goods, NO CHIP OUT on either side.

I wouldn't use to build a house, but I wouldn't use the Inca either. These sawa were made for cabinet makers, not "gross: construction.

BWT, this site swayed me in the direction of buying the 3100.

Best of luck in your choice.

Bruce