The BT3 FAQ Frequently asked Questions

[LCHIEN]

This is the Ryobi BT3x BT3000 BT3100 Sears 22811 or 21829 Table Saw Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Thread . Its in PDF format and requires a fairly common PDF reader.

These are some common and not so common questions on all the stuff you would want to know about this series of saws using what we call the BT3x design.

With the latest forum software I can upload the latest versions and it can be downloaded from this thread. The link is below.
It no longer needs to be requested by Private mail. Please do leave a message if you found it useful.

I am working on a update to refresh some of the links that have been lost or broken due to forum name change.
Please post as a reply any compliments (gladly received) or corrections you might see as this was originally written in 2004 and although updated its hard to catch everything. Its sort of a repository of BT3 knowledge.

Click the link below to download the FAQ (1.6 MB)
If you need a PDF reader for Windows,or Mac, go here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/

[LCHIEN]

Please ignore this post. The list of questions in the FAQ is provided to "hit" the search engine with this thread when searched
Help me with the Forum Jargon and Acronyms

I'm thinking about buying a Table Saw. Why should I consider the BT3100? - Why Buy A BT3K?
Where can I get the best price on a BT3100?
Can I get a BT3x in (name a country)? Is a 220V version available? Will it run on 50 Hz?
I saw the BT3100 at HD, why is it not put together right? Why did the salesman steer me to a Ridgid?
What about buying a used BT3000 or BT3100 or Sears 22811? What to look out for, what its worth?
What are the Differences between BT3000, BT3100, and Sears model 22811/21829 versions of BT? How about the BTS10, BTS21?
Where can I get parts and accessories for a BT3x?
Where can I get a manual?
What’s in the Accessory kit? Is it worth buying?
What is the replacement blade for the BT3K? and where can I get one?
What blades are recommended for the BT3x?
What materials can I cut? Where can I get Wood/Lumber? Are Blade Stiffeners any use?

What are ZCTPs for?
Are the factory ZCTPs any good? What materials should I use to make one?
How do you make a ZCTP for the Ryobi BT3x?
Do I need a ZCTP for each dado size? I just cut off the end of my miter fence. Where do I send the dues?

How much space does the BT3x take?

I'm having problems with the rip fence...
What’s a good aftermarket rip fence for the BT3?
I'm having problems with the SMT...
What Maintenance is required on a BT3 saw?
I'm having trouble with raising the blade...
I hear a clicking noise when I raise the blade…
What is this shim problem I’ve heard so much about?
I broke my Handwheel - Elevation/bevel crank handle. What to do?
My blade is not square with the table/ My fence is not square with the table/ My SMT is not square with the table.
Do I need to use the supplied blade guard and splitter/riving knife/pawls?
I just got a BT3x, what do I do next?
How do I make wider Crosscuts?
My BT3x saw seems to lack power on long rips. What’s wrong?
What power and wiring do I need for my BT3x? Why does the BT3x have a Universal motor and what does that mean to me?

How do I replace belts in the BT3x? Has anyone tried replacing their BT3x drive belts with link belts?

Is the BT3 louder than other saws? How loud is the BT3?
I’m having trouble with my power Switch…
My Saw won’t turn off…
Was there a recall on the BT3000?
How do I make the saw mobile?
My saw leaves black streaks on the wood; what can I do about that?.
What Table-top treatment should I use and what should I avoid? Is the wide table kit worthwhile/whats in it?

How do I make Wide Rips?

What are/How do I get/How do I connect Extension Rails?

Is the outfeed table worthwhile?
Is the micropositioner worthwhile? What is it?
What is the Miter Clamp?
Is the Vacuum/float table worthwhile?
Is the Router kit worthwhile/can I get the individual parts in the router kit? Can I mount my router in the BT3x Auxiliary table? What Router will fit the table?

What router do you recommend?

What Dados are recommended - general info and specific models?
How do I install a dado on the BT3x? There’s no room on the arbor.
Why do my cuts with a Stack Dado not have a flat bottom?
What are the sizes and threads of the major hardware bolts and nuts in a BT3x?
Has anyone moved the power switch?
What are the dust collection options for the BT3x?
Where do I get T-nuts to use in the rip and miter fences and rails?
Why isn't there a miter slot on this saw? How can I get one to use miter slot accessories?
What's the little black button on the bottom of the Miter fence for/Why does my Miter fence not stay locked in position?
What's the orange thingy on the Miter fence for/Why are my Miter cuts off by two or three degrees?
Where does the washer go in the SMT fence assembly?
I stalled the saw while cutting heavy wood or with the blade jammed. Now the blade does not turn. What do I do?
Has anyone put two saws together?
Just why are BT3x users so curious?
What are the accessory Part Numbers?
What Accessories are available from Sears that fit the BT3K?
Is there an illustration of all the BT3000 Accessories?
Help me with the Forum Jargon and Acronyms