Alignment Issue...

[rynopolis]

I am at my wits end with the BT3000 saw. I have tried every alignment tip I could find in the manual (Maybe missing one step though!) and the saw can not square a piece of wood using the miter slide. Here is what I know:

1. My miter slide will not completely lock as the locking switches on the back are broke. I have new ones, just not sure how to get off the old ones and put new ones on. However, it does stay in one place and I don't believe this is the issue. I have used my square to align and still not cutting square.

2. The motor unit does move which may also being contributing. Not sure if supposed to have a little play. But since does, the blade will move slightly.

3. The fence does not hold the lock well.


I know this is a great saw and it does work. But precision wise, it sucks right now. I picked up from a neighbor for great deal, but now believing he may have seen same issue. Any help for these issues is appreciated.

[Lonnie in Orlando]

I understand your frustration. All of the parts must be in good working order for any machine to operate properly.

You've come to the right place for help. Many of the forum members are "experts" on the saw. I'm sure that you will receive advice from them that will get your saw back to the precision wood cutting tool that it once was.

If you don't have a manual, here is an on-line link from Ray Girliing (who is also the rip fence expert) ...
http://www.raygirling.com/ryobi/ryobi.htm

Since you have new locking clamps for your sliding miter table, let's start there.
> Slide the sliding table back and remove the two screws that attach the Guide Bar (#15) to the Miter Base (#14)
> Remove the broken Miter Locking Clamps (#30) from the Guide Bar.
> Replace the new Miter Locking Clamps onto the Guide Bar.
> Replace the Guide Bar onto the Miter Base.

NOTE: There were two types of Guide Bars used on the BT3000. One is an alumnium "U" channel. One is a drilled steel bar. If you have the aluminum "U", position the Miter Locking Clamps so that they are about 1/16" to 1/8" away from each side of the Miter Base (not touching). If they are touching the Miter Base, you may not be able to align the base. If you have the drilled steel bars, just put the screws into the drilled holes and tighten.

Re: motor movement. "BT3000 Motor Experts" on the forum will get you up and running. Possibly broken shims or stripped threads in the motor.

Re: Rip Fence not locking. Ray Girling, the "Rip Fence Expert" can show you the fine points of the rip fence. Off hand, the plastic Roller Holder (#7) may be cracked. Or the Clamper-B (#6) may not be gripping the Rear Rail (#20) correctly.

After you repair the Miter Table, Rip Fence, and Motor, here is how I align my BT3000 - - just one of many methods that work well.

No Measure Alignment
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=33234

Five Cut method to square the miter fence:
http://benchmark.20m.com/tools/BT310...XcutFence.html
http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/five_cut_method_swf.htm

Rip Fence discussion
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=48887

Good luck with your repairs. If you learn that the repairs may be more than you want to do, then we can also give you some suggestions about parting out your saw.


- Lonnie

~~~~~~
EDIT:
I reread your question. I believe that you are saying that the miter fence will not hold in position. I originally referred to the rip fence.

re: The Miter Fence -
Is the plastic Pivot (#3) in the track on the bottom of the miter fence? Is it inserted into one of the two holes on each side of the Miter Table Top (#1)? Does it fit snuggly, or does it have play? I prefer to keep my Pivot in the hole on the right side of the Miter Table Top. If the Pivot is missing or loose, the Miter fence will move.

Is the Quick Stop (#21) missing or broken? It should be flipped up against the back of the miter fence. If it is missing, the Miter fence will probably move.

Is the Miter Fence Holder (#6) cracked, broken, or deformed? The Adjusting Clamp (#10) should hold the miter fence snug to the Miter Table Top.

FYI - The Miter Indicator (#5) should not be against the Quick Stop.

- Lonnie

[LCHIEN]

gotta have the rear SMT locking levers.
Read my BT3 FAQ for other suggestions.

[rynopolis]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I am going to try them today and tomorrow. I do have the manual that I printed awhile back.

[sailor55330]

Good Luck. I had many of the same issues. I hope you find an answer