Saw Blade Height Adjustment

[mark dustmaker]

Hi. I have not used this site in a while and I am having a problem with my BT3000

The height adjustment is not working and I think I remember this is related to a shim problem

It started when I wanted to put a new zero clearance throat plate on - and cut the throat. I could not bring the blade below the table to allow me to install the new throat plate. I have

removed the blade
removed the panel on the right of the saw.
removed dust and crud

and the problem is no different

Can you tell me what I should be looking for? I have no idea what the "shims" are or how I would know where to look. Sorry for being stupid but I am very visual and words don't help me too much.

Are there other things other than shims that could be doing this?

Just a stupid question - why in the world was this design ever made? What were they thinking if 1/3 of owners have had this problem? I have to get some life out of this saw yet - I don't have space to put another saw into my basement - and my new shop won't be built for a year for the new cabinet saw. So, I am in a bind (sorry for the unintended pun)

Mark

[shoottx]

Start here in the Maintenance section

http://www.bt3central.com/index.php?...ticles#General BT3 Information

[Black wallnut]

Wow Mark you've been a member for a long time and yet this is your first post! First things first what is the model of your saw? Secondly the shim problem only applies to the BT3K and Craftsman marketed clone of this exact design; BT3100 and later designs are immune to this problem. For the vast majority of BT3K owners over the years there was no problem with the shims. Needless to say the fix for older saws is really low buck and lasts forever. If you have a different problem, which is just as likely, the repair may not cost much or may cost a bunch. If your motor hosing is stripped the Helicoil kit is kinda pricey for a one time permanent fix although still far less than a replacement saw. Regardless of what your problem turns out to be once fixed with a bit of maintenance you should have many happy cuts to come. Use a good dry lube on all the moving surfaces inside the saw cabinet, including the shim surfaces (no need for disassembly to do this) and elevation/ bevel gears and screw.( some disassembly may be required.

Let us know what you find wrong and we may be able to help with pics.

[crokett]

Will the blade move up/down at all or is it just frozen? If it will move down to a certain point and stop, then it may be the riving knife is misaligned and is binding on the throat opening. If it is not moving at all it may be the shims.