New BT3100 Owner

[SteveT44]

Hello all, first post here...

I just picked up a low mileage BT3100 a few weeks ago. After re-assembling it and keeping an eye on alignments, I ran my fist test cuts this morning. All I can say is it's one smooth cutting saw. Only issue so far is the power switch sticking on (which appears to be a common problem and easily addressed). The saw is louder than my old Jet Contractor but more compact and fits in my new smaller basement shop very nicely. I just ordered the accessory kit from the HD so the saw will be pimped out shortly.

Steve T.

[wardprobst]

Congratulations, welcome to a friendly forum. If you get the chance LChien has a BT FAQ that he will email you upon request. Lot of information here and often good deals on accessories.
DP

[gsmittle]

Welcome to the cult. Er, ehm, club!

It truly is a great saw, but ear protection is mandatory!

g.

[twistsol]

Welcome aboard!

[JimD]

Welcome to the forum! I recommend a micro-adjuster for the rip fence if you can find one. Don't forget the older posts - lots of good ideas for jigs and bases.

[greencat]

Welcome and I second the micro adjuster.

[Black wallnut]

Welcome! I'm going to try to add a post from another member to this thread.

Due to the post date it copied to the start of this thread so scroll back up!

[atgcpaul]

Welcome, Steve. I'm just up the road from you in G-burg.

[Black wallnut]

Well that did not work as well as I thought so I moved the post to a new sticky: http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=58492

[greenacres2]

Welcome Steve.

Some of the early BT3000's had a switch that was recalled, and there is a guy with Ryobi (Wayne Hill) who could get the replacement shipped without having to take the saw to a service center. Here's a link to a post Wayne made on the BT3100 switch sticking: http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ght=wayne+hill

Had my replacement switch in about 48 hours after e-mailing him. Excellent service.

earl

[Pappy]

Welcome to the Asylum, Steve!

[Turaj]

Had my replacement switch in about 48 hours after e-mailing him. Excellent service.

... and this is a very simple job!

Welcome to the club don't forget to paint the red line!

[JimD]

In case you haven't noticed, the BT3100 switch actually switches the outlet near it. So when blade changing, it is a simple matter to unplug the saw at this location and eliminate any chance of the saw starting up while your hands are inside. It also allows you to plug a router into the outlet and use the switch for it - handy if you set the BT up as a router table.

I had to replace mine once. I agree, very simple. The side panels are held on with screws. Probably best to remove one adjacent to the one with the switch in it but you can pull that one too. It seems like it has a ground wire, however, that is in the way a bit but no big deal.

Jim

[SteveT44]

Thanks for all the responses and pointers. From the recommendations I've emailed Wayne at Ryobi for the replacement switch and ordered the Craftsman micro-adjuster. The accessory kit is being delivered today from HD so I'm looking forward to getting the wheels mounted.

Thought I'd include some pics of the saw and it's new home. As can be seen, the saw looks almost new with hardly any wear. The shop is in the basement of my new home that I moved into a little over a year ago. The shop project has involved a new dedicated 60A circuit and subpanel, studded and drywalled, and the storage and workbenches. Things still to do are dust collection and maybe a drop ceiling.

This is my second shop, the first being a 24x20' stucture I built behind my old place. "Gearing down" to this smaller space has been interesting!

Steve


The saw



The new home

[LCHIEN]

Welcome Steve.

Some of the early BT3000's had a switch that was recalled, and there is a guy with Ryobi (Wayne Hill) who could get the replacement shipped without having to take the saw to a service center. Here's a link to a post Wayne made on the BT3100 switch sticking: http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ght=wayne+hill

Had my replacement switch in about 48 hours after e-mailing him. Excellent service.

earl

While its true that the original BT3000 switches were recalled, the OP has said he has a BT3100.
Its also true that a large number of early BT3100s had a switch that stuck "ON" after some usage. While there was not a recall on this one, calling Wayne Hill at the same toll free no. would get you a replacement BT3100 switch.