Saw won't turn off

[csanders1953]

Was using my BT3100 today and when I turned it off it continued to run. I was able to power down by unplugging plug on side outlet. The tips of the plug were black. I was a little concerned that this happened since the saw is only 3 years old and has been lightly used. Is it the power supply switch or something else?

[BobSch]

Probably a bad switch. There's a tread on the board covering the problem. I'll see if I can find it.

[Uncle Cracker]

Sounds like you may have welded the switch contacts together. Replacements are available, but you should first investigate why the motor was pulling enough current to cook the switch. What were you cutting? And what is the rating of the circuit breaker that probably should have popped first?

[csanders1953]

I was cutting 1/8 plywood using the SMT. I went to turn it off and nothing happened. At first I thought that I didn't hit the switch. I had the shop vac hooked up and generally vaccuum it out when I'm finished. I had it plugged into an outlet attached directly to the service box so nothing else was pulling current from the plug.

[BobSch]

Here's a couple of links on the problem.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=28938

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=28938

[Uncle Cracker]

Probably just one of those freak things that happens (like my brother-in-law...).

[csanders1953]

I found the info I needed to purchase the switch but am now concerned if the new switch will have the same problem in the future. Is there an OEM switch that might be a better choice?

[LCHIEN]

Not a Freak thing, UC, there was a series of bad switches on the BT3100 where the arc of closing the switch would weld the contacts together and not release.
They have replacement switches with at least better springs and maybe better contacts so they will open when they should.
Should be a factory free replacement if you contact Ryobi customer service... the 800 numbers are in the FAQ.

[Wood_workur]

Not a Freak thing, UC, there was a series of bad switches on the BT3100 where the arc of closing the switch would weld the contacts together and not release.
They have replacement switches with at least better springs and maybe better contacts so they will open when they should.
Should be a factory free replacement if you contact Ryobi customer service... the 800 numbers are in the FAQ.

when this happened to me, I called them, and I was told I'd have to waste time loading it into a car and driving 20 minutes to a service station to have it switched out. when I asked why they couldn't send it to me I was told that with something as dangerous as an electrical failure theyu would want a professional to fix it. I then asked why they would let us non-pros use something as dangerous as a table saw, and then not send parts to fix it so we are enticed to use it in its dangerous state.

I then went to Rockler, which is only 10 minutes away and bought a switch. That one with the big buttons with the recessed start button. Some scrap maple and t bolts made quick work of attaching it to the saw, an Ican move it wherever I need it on the saw rail.

[poolhound]

when this happened to me, I called them, and I was told I'd have to waste time loading it into a car and driving 20 minutes to a service station to have it switched out. when I asked why they couldn't send it to me I was told that with something as dangerous as an electrical failure theyu would want a professional to fix it. I then asked why they would let us non-pros use something as dangerous as a table saw, and then not send parts to fix it so we are enticed to use it in its dangerous state.

I then went to Rockler, which is only 10 minutes away and bought a switch. That one with the big buttons with the recessed start button. Some scrap maple and t bolts made quick work of attaching it to the saw, an Ican move it wherever I need it on the saw rail.

LOL - thats really funny. They are happy for us to cut off various digits or limbs and be bashed in the head with kickback but heaven forbid we should be electrocuted

[smchrist]

I experienced this exact problem with my BT3100-1 and contacted Ryobi last week. They asked for my model or serial number, took the report, and forwarded it to their safety department. They said I would receive a call in a day or two. I had a call back in about 5 minutes from Wayne Hill of Techtronic Industries and a new switch in 2 days. No cost whatsoever.

Seems Mr. Hill is responsible for distributing replacement switches for these saws manufactured in 2005 and earlier. He has been involved in other threads on this forum and offered up his direct number and email address. Other forum users have been very happy with his service.