Updating the BT3 FAQ -handwheels

[pelligrini]

but it might be a good idea to go ahead and epoxy my handle solid (not sure where I can get bb's here in Japan, tho).

I don't know what sort of fishing you've got there but split shot weights might work instead.

[Norm in Fujino]

I don't know what sort of fishing you've got there but split shot weights might work instead.

We're on the same wavelength; I thought about using lead split-shot as well. I know it--or something like it--is available here.

[pelligrini]

We can't get lead anymore here, it's ben replaced with tin.

[chopnhack]

If they do any hunting in Japan, shotgun shells could be an easy source for the pellets you need. I would suggest birdshot, depending on gauge they can be pretty small.

[Norm in Fujino]

If they do any hunting in Japan, shotgun shells could be an easy source for the pellets you need. I would suggest birdshot, depending on gauge they can be pretty small.

Some people do hunt here (we have hunters in my town who go after the wild pigs and deer who wander into farmland), but guns and ammo are controlled more strictly than serious narcotics (one reason for the low murder rate). Buying or possessing them requires a heavy police check, licensing, etc. And if you miss your renewal date, they confiscate the gun, no questions asked. You can't just walk into the local Walmart and ask for shotgun shells . Most Japanese have never even seen a real firearm in the flesh.

But I as I noted, there should be other options, like lead split shot. In fact, there are quite a few "model gun" shots that handle airguns of one sort or another, possibly bb's as well, although I'm not sure about the legal restrictions on metal pellets.

[Andrew Benedetto]

I did have to repair mine. Wanted a metal one but too late for that. Should have bought one years ago. Lead might be found at your dentist as the film has foil in it or at a glass supplier as they have scrap. I did not do that as adding weight without strength seems to have more issues stressing plastic to me.

Really wanted the metal CM version , hoping the newer one might fit, as the adapter for the BT3000/sears version is not being made. My plastic gave out after about 5 years,limited use, fractured at the hub. I used super glue gel with a Visegrip to squeeze the parts /clamp. I do not care about sliding with the cam for the tilt , as they designed , you can still tilt with the wheel fixed by applying side pressue. Added a EMT 1", cut in 1/2, coupling metal sleeve, w. epoxy around the stem[repaired area]., used the screw as a set screw, washers at saw side and another fender type over the handle as a sandwich, having longer flat head screw now extending to the front over the washer. I used dental denture acrylic resin[ethyl methacrylate] as that will bond better than epoxy to the plastic and add strength , to the rear.

So cheap of Ryobi not to make the handle metal, renders the saw useless if broken. Overall I am sorry I bought this saw as it is simply not well made in many aspects that are critical. I have done more maintenance, fixes , add-ons[than you Norm, for the shim fix, did that early on, so far so good], on this tool than any other I have owned, and with parts now becoming scarce, will not be long before it is dead in the water if something I can not work around breaks. I have a Unisaw, and 22124 hybrid, as this is jobsite saw/portable router station for me now. Could have been a great saw if they would have improved it some.

[cgallery]

I'm surprised the plastic wheels are breaking for you guys.

How do they break? Is something hitting them or getting dropped on them, or do they just break while being spun?

[BobSch]

...not sure where I can get bb's here in Japan...

Raid your local Pachinko Palace?

[Kristofor]

No, that's not gambling, I really wanted those ratty stuffed animals!

Are the BBs serving any structural/aesthetic purpose? I thought they were just there to reduce the amount of epoxy needed? If that's the case and you're in an area where they're not readily available maybe just spend a few extra $$ to use all epoxy?

[dbhost]

No, that's not gambling, I really wanted those ratty stuffed animals!

Are the BBs serving any structural/aesthetic purpose? I thought they were just there to reduce the amount of epoxy needed? If that's the case and you're in an area where they're not readily available maybe just spend a few extra $$ to use all epoxy?

I would think the BBs are to add mass / weight, the epoxy is used to hold it all together.