BT3100 SMT, and fence lubrication?

[dbhost]

I have finally obtained my BT3100, which has unfortunately been exposed to water, which seems to have resulted in a slight hesitation in moving the fence and SMT, not bad, but I want them as smooth as possble. What can I use to libricate the friction surfaces?

[poolhound]

As nearly everything is coated aluminum not sure how water would have damaged the rails. Which surfaces do you want to lube? The rip fence can benefit from a coat of paste wax where the work slides.

The main rails should however be clean and NOT lubed as this causes issues with the fence locking.

[docrowan]

DB,

I had a problem moving my fence until I realized that I was trying to move it like my old HF cheapie table saw fence. I was used to grabbing the fence at the front and back to slide it.

My BT3100 doesn't work well like that. I had to learn to simply grab it by the front handle to slide it. Butter smooth every time as long as I unlock the handle all the way.

Haven't had any trouble with my SMT so I have no suggestions there.

[Black wallnut]

Do not wax the front rail or the front block as this will cause locking problems. Do clean the front rail and front block with mineral spirits to get it clean. After cleaning the rear rail and the SMT base and the roller on the back of the fence apply a paste wax and buff. If the glides on the SMT table are gummed up you will want to clean them also. If they are relly gummed you may have to dis-assemble the SMT to clean them. Re-post for more on how to dis-assemble. If you have to do this you will also need to adjust it, but you'll need to adjust the SMT anyway.

[dbhost]

I used distilled water on a micro fiber towel to clean as well as I can the items that Black Walnut listed. Glides smooth as warm butter now...

The previous owner also had relocated the power switch to the left side of the rail just past the SMT, which I like, particularly because the OE location is the same as my BTS21's and it always ticks me off when I try to reach around to get to the switch...

The relocated switch was mounted on a masonite pad however, and I really wanted something more firm, so I used a Simpson Strong Tie tee and simply drilled the holes to match the box, and mounted it all up. Solid as a rock now.

The little plastic window for the fence, and the shark guard were both crudded up because of the water situation, I spent more quality time with some Plastix plastic polish, and yet another micro fiber towel, cleaned and polished everything up. Good as new.

Ripped some 2x4s for a stacking stand for my Thien Cyclone with the saw, using the same 40T Freud general purpose blade I had originally put on the BTS21, and the quality of cut is distinctly different. This thing looks as smooth as if I had just gotten that surface out of the planer!

It was a long time in waiting, but I am now sure the BT3100 was the saw I should have gotten in the first place!

[Black wallnut]

............ but I am now sure the BT3100 was the saw I should have gotten in the first place!

If I only had a nickel for evey time I have read that on this site and over on Ryobi's board. Ryobi seemed to have a huge change in heart when they discontinued this saw. It seems like just a year or so prior they approached Sam about his forming a consumer advisory committee for discussion of what hobiests wanted in a table saw. Wellsir, this may never have become common knowledge before but we formed the committee and Ryobi dropped the idea. Soon the saw was dropped from thier product line. However there are more good options available today than there were just a few years ago. Even after 9 or so years I'm still happy with my saw. Glad you're happy with yours as well. Just remember to Paint the yellow line if the previous owner didn't.

[dbhost]

Just remember to Paint the yellow line if the previous owner didn't.

Mine's red, but it needs to be touched up pretty desperately. I have red Krylon on the shelf...

I agree, Ryobi royally screwed up as far as what customers wanted when they dropped the BT3K. I really think their aim is getting to be the home DIY repair market, and not so much the woodworking hobbyist anymore. But every once in a while they throw a good suprise out there like the Quarter Sheet sander, the Biscuit joiner etc... that just work so well it is suprising...

Oh well, whoever made the choice to lose the BT3K needs to have the short end of their neck tie yanked REALLY hard...