Where to find miter slot attachement

[jkristia]

One thing that I really have been missing on my BT3100 is the standard miter slot, I was never a big fan it the SMT. I haven’t used the saw for a couple of years, but now I’m back trying to build a couple of book cases and some cabinets, and now when I started using the saw again, just about anything about it annoys me. The awkward height (too high in my opinion), that grooved aluminum surface, the relative small work surface, AND the missing miter slots for a cross cut sled.

Now I can either try and find the miter slot attachments (one for each side), build a lower base with a wider extension on the right and an out feed table, or I can consider upgrading to a better table saw (in the $600-$800 max, and no offense to those who loves their BT3100).

So I would like to know where (if at all possible) I can find the miter slot attachment for the BT3100, just to get an idea of the price before I make a decision.

Jesper

[LCHIEN]

Sorry you're not happy with your saw.

places to get them(miter slot accessory table):
1. sears.com has them listed from time to time for the 22811 (Sears version of the BT3000/3100) saw, just search for 22811 and it will list any available accessories for that saw. this week they have the table legs and the microadjuster.
2. Classifieds here
3. Ebay search for combinations of BT3100 or BT3000 dual miter slot
4. Authorized Ryobi parts dealers like M&D mower.

new they'll cost around $30 I think, used about 20
another alternative is to make one - buy 3/4" miter track from Woodcraft or Rockler and mount on a thick board or laminated board you mount to the holes to the left of the main table.

[jkristia]

thank you, I will keep an eye on if they become available from Sears. I wasn't aware that the saw is now sold under Craftsman from Sears, thanks for the tip

[dbhost]

The current iteration of the BT under the Craftsman banner is the 21829 (Red body, smooth black top, folding stand).

To solve your issues with this saw, I would...

#1. Laminate and dado cut for an aluminum miter slot out of MDF, mount them up on either side of the saw body.

#2. Add the extension table and legs, build a top for the extension table out of MDF.

#3. Build a proper height workbench that doubles as an outfeed table. You will need to do this with ANY table saw in this price range, and most table saws period.

Not sure what to tell you about the overall height, I personally think most table saws are too low... I REALLY like the height on the BT. I guess you could cut the legs shorter for your needs...

That ridged top is intended to reduce sliding friction of the wood accross the top. It's there for a purpose.

[Black wallnut]

Jesper, I advise that you sell your Ryobi and buy a saw that you like. Stay a member here and keep posting. It's a hobby and it should bring enjoyment, not likely if you are not happy with your tools. Why make your Ryobi into something that it is not, unless just the simple addition of changing the height, adding miter slots and increasing the wrk surface will make you like your saw. All three things can be done at least partially building a custom designed saw cart. Keep in mind where the BT3 saws really shine; Fence, SMT(if one learns to use it and can work with its limitations), smoothness, price, dust control, and more.

Keep in mind this forum does not really care what saw you own and use, we welcome all so make yourself happy and make some stuff!

[herb fellows]

Black Walnut is right on the money, imho. If you don't like it, chances are you'll like it even less when you have more money put into it and feel trapped.

Assuming you can find something you like, I don't think you'll regret getting out now with an extra $40 bucks or so that you would spend on the miter slots in your pocket towards that new saw..

[cgallery]

You could always proceed fixing-up your BT3K the way you'd prefer while you also keep an eye out for a good deal on a saw you'd be happier with.

I was also down on the BT3K early-on, but added a miter extension and router extension and after living with it for a while, now wonder what I'd do if I had to switch saws.

[poolhound]

If you find a miter slot attachment IMHO you only really need one. I know that regular saws have one on each side of the blade but if you are thinking of sleds then I have made 3 with runners in both of the dual miter slots and they are dead on accurate.

I know there are times when one may want to put a miter gauge right of the blade but I have only had that happen once in the last 3 years and I figured a way to make the cut a different way.

For jigs that one may want right of the blade creating somthing that runs on a slide attached to the rip fence works well.

All that being said if I had the money and space I would love to upgrade to a more powerfull saw. One day I aspire to a PM2000, the new unisaw or even a saw stop but thats just wishful thinking at this point. I think power and table area (f2b) are my biggest issues with the BT but for the shop space I have its great.

[eezlock]

miter slot attachment

If you want a miterslot attachment .....there is one listed right now on ebay.
Go to ebay, type in BT3100 look under Home and Garden section. It is in the
lower portion of the Bt3100 stuff listed for $44.95. Is is being sold by a man
named J Cherry, I have bought from him in the past, good guy to work with.
He has original parts at good prices and ships out right a way...no delays.