Prospective BT3100 Buyer Question?

[kw]

Over the past couple years I have gotten back into woodworking...mostly making picture frames. I was living close to my Grandfather's home and using his table saw and tools (he is a retired cabinet maker). Now I have relocated and have to buy my own tools. Buying a table saw first makes the most sense to me because I can rip, crosscut, and cut the miters that I need for photo frames. So here is the question... Just how accurate is the BT3100? I have read some good reviews and some not so good. The saw seems to be capable of accuracy, but it's settings seem to drift reasonably easy from what I have read. Is the SMT reliable or am I going to have to check it every time I cut a miter ? I like the idea of the BT3100 because of price and limited space; however, I want to make frames and not be constantly adjusting the SMT. So basically if it came down to it I would save the extra $$ make more space and buy a Rigid TS3650. So what is the general opinion can the BT3100 accurately and reliably do what I want? Thanks for your time... look forward to your comments.

kw

[Jim Boyd]

Sounds like you want to make some serious frames I would build a miter sled to make picture frames no matter what tablesaw I was using. Getting tight miters is one of the things that are tricky for ALL tablesaws. I myself never had any problem with my SMT.

[kw]

Jim,

you are right miters are tricky on all saws.... I have even had bad luck with power miter saws. Are there any miter jig/crosscut sled plans for the BT3100 or would I have to buy two miter slot inserts and build a standard crosscut sled?

Thanks,
kw

[Jim Boyd]

Check the main page for the articles/plans link or search using "miter sled". You should only have to use one miter slot. I myself never had a miter slot on my BT. I made the sled attach to the SMT table with 2 dowels. The holes for the dowels were the pivot holes for the SMT fence. Most of my projects were segmented bowls that had LOTS of miter cuts and I had a collection of sleds I still have a collection of sleds but now they are set for a unisaw.

[Pappy]

Is the BT3 accurate enough to cut picture frames? Not a doubt about it...




Build yourself one of these for quick cutting and repeatable leg lengths.

[kw]

Thanks Jim & Pappy ... I really appreciate the info. I am really interested in the BT3100 now...plus it does not hurt that all the HD's in south FL are selling the BT for $249.00 ... now maybe if I say my prayers Ryobi will release another mail in rebate for saw soon Thanks again for your help.

kw

[jwaterdawg]

quote:Originally posted by kw

Thanks Jim & Pappy ... I really appreciate the info. I am really interested in the BT3100 now...plus it does not hurt that all the HD's in south FL are selling the BT for $249.00 ... now maybe if I say my prayers Ryobi will release another mail in rebate for saw soon Thanks again for your help.

kw

If you have a Harbor Freight store nearby you might try using one of their 20% off coupons at your local Home Depot.

[kw]

jwaterdawg,

How do I use a HF coupon at HD? Where do I get the coupon? Thanks.

kw

[kmk]

Get one from eBay. Just make sure its real one not the
inkjet or copier version. I bought several of them and
used them successfully. Just don't tell HD staff that
you bought it off of eBay. "Somebody gave to us..." if
they ask.

[WEG]

Hi Don aka "Pappy";

Nice sled Don, really nice.
Thanks for posting the picture and showing the results. You do some fine work. I'm going to try to make one of those frame sleds of yours and see if my frames can be nearly as good. I knew I'd find a good use for that miter slot attachment that's been collecting dust... another thought, Don, have you ever tried that thing by attaching it to the SMT instead of using the miter slots?

WEG