Considering a BT3100

**gmack5** · 03-09-2006, 09:52 PM

WELCOME to the CULT

Hi Ramon!

Whether or not you purchase a BT3100, I would be disappointed if this was the last we heard from you.

One of the things you could do to further your "education" re. the BT3100 Table Saw is to check out the "Articles" section of the site. There's some good information there to help you make an informed descision.

If you have any specific questions about the BT3100, post your question and I'm sure you'll get a lot of good, helpful information.

**Ken Weaver** · 03-09-2006, 10:52 PM

Welcome Ramon - you have some interesting questions. I can understand wanting the newer saw, but if you spring for the BT, don't be in a rush to get rid of the Craftmaster - could be a dedicated dado table. For what you say you want to do, I think you'd be well served by the BT. You'll discover that many of the not so good things you hear are overcome be by proper technique, and as gmack says the articles section is a good place to start. Also there's a bunch of folks here who know more than I do who are willing to help.

The accessory kit is a matter of taste ($99 here usually but can be had on ebay), there are a couple of things in it that are useful, but nothing that couldn't be done better on your own or after market.

Watch for a "family and friends" weekend at the Borg, that's a good time to spring for a big ticket item. The employees have the coupons, just ask for them. Other times are around veteran's day or memorial day, or just about any holiday in your area.

As gmack said, hope this isn't the last time we hear from you, regardless of which saw you go for. Welcome aboard! Make sawdust, have fun, be safe!

**LinuxRandal** · 03-10-2006, 04:39 AM

If you are bound and determined to get rid of the old saw, or you just don't have the room (I like the idea of a dedicated dado saw), watch both your local ads, and garage sale section, and something like your area's Craiglist. In my local area, a clean (table not covered in surface rust) 10" non benchtop table saw, can sell at a garage sale for $150. Benchtops, go for a lot less. Still it would be a good way to recoup some of your inital cost.

**Raymonator** · 03-10-2006, 06:58 AM

Gee thanks for the warm welcome guys. I like the idea of keeping the old CraftMaster for dada cuts, even though this is something I am not too familiar with ......yet. Now that I have found this forum, I think I will purchase the BT3100 (when it comes on sale somewhere around here) seeing I know now I can probably get some good tips and on how this table saw operates etc. Look forward to getting to know you, and I just hope nobody gets cheesed off at my rather stupid questions sometimes. By the way, am I the only Canuk in this BT forum ? Doesn't make any difference to me, but I am curious. Thanks again everyone.
Later

**knimac** · 03-10-2006, 09:29 AM

Not alone Canuck

Hi Raymonator, welcome! No there are many of us "northerners" here, I'm from Ottawa, as are at least two others I can think of. Many from across the country.

I have not seen the 3100 for any less than $400 (I think it is well worth it) and not sure you will find it on sale any time soon. I won't comment on the accessory kit as I don't have it and have pretty much made stuff that the items in the kit provide. They are not stocked items here but special order. I have seen one in Barhaven that must have been special ordered, but its still sitting way up top with a price tag of almost $300!

Whatever choice you make, stick around; I am constantly amazed at the talents, willingness to share and help, or just shoot the breeze enjoyment I get from "lurking" here.

**Ken Weaver** · 03-10-2006, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by Raymonator

By the way, am I the only Canuk in this BT forum ? Doesn't make any difference to me, but I am curious.

Scuse me - just gotta laff - wait till you meet the Aussie and the Brit

**Raymonator** · 03-10-2006, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by knimac

Hi Raymonator, welcome! No there are many of us "northerners" here, I'm from Ottawa, as are at least two others I can think of. Many from across the country.

I have not seen the 3100 for any less than $400 (I think it is well worth it) and not sure you will find it on sale any time soon. I won't comment on the accessory kit as I don't have it and have pretty much made stuff that the items in the kit provide. They are not stocked items here but special order. I have seen one in Barhaven that must have been special ordered, but its still sitting way up top with a price tag of almost $300!

Whatever choice you make, stick around; I am constantly amazed at the talents, willingness to share and help, or just shoot the breeze enjoyment I get from "lurking" here.

Thanks for the responses, I think I will head out to the Home Depot tomorrow(Saturday) in Orleans on 10th line and take a serious look at the BT3100. If the accessory kit is around $300.00, I don't think I'll buy one or at least I won't buy until I honestly feel I need it or if it is preventing me from doing certain projects etc. Glad to hear there are other neighboring Canucks in here. Even though I will take a serious look at the BT3100 tomorrow, I doubt I will buy it, as I plan on installing it in my garage, which isn't heated, and I don't feel like tinkering with the assembly with cold hands. Then again, if there is a great sale on, I'll just bring the box home and assemble it when it's a bit warmer. Is there anything I should be looking for when comparing table saws tomorrow or anything about the BT3100 I should look for or ask about while I'm there ?

Ken, can't wait to meet the Aussie and the Brit, as long as everyone here has a good sense of humor, I'm sure it'll be fun learning new things and sharing idea's etc. Thanks again for replying to my post.

**AlanJ** · 03-10-2006, 09:26 PM

Originally posted by Ken Weaver

Scuse me - just gotta laff - wait till you meet the Aussie and the Brit

Hey that's me! Both of them!

Well, I'm not Rod and Ray, but I was born in England and lived most of my life in Australia!

Do not ask me what I'm doing in Minnesota.

**Raymonator** · 03-10-2006, 09:31 PM

Hidy ho Alan

**lcm1947** · 03-10-2006, 10:12 PM

Hi Raymonator & welcome to the forum. I'm fairly new myself being here just a little over a year now but allow me to give you my opinion. For the money you couldn't find a better saw for $400.00 especially if you are just a weekend warrior type like me. Now if I was using it for a living I'd probably have a 500 lbs monster but this saw is all you need. As far as the accessory kit - nope not even close to being worth it. I wouldn't pay $50.00 for it. The only thing that I found useful in it was the table and that's it. But getting back to the saw it is great. You do have to fiddle with it at first to get it set right but after that it has worked fine for me. A lot of it is just learning the saw and that takes time but I was cutting shortly after setting it up and learning as I go well and still am but I'm slow and don't spend a lot of time cutting. Heck, seems like I'm too busy always painting something.

One last thing. I would say this forum has advanced my knowledge 1000 percent in all areas of woodworking. This forum has the nicest and sharpest group of guys I've ever encountered and I am very happy I found it. Anyway, hope you do decide to buy the saw but either way you can sure learn about woodworking around here. Good luck and take care.

**Raymonator** · 03-10-2006, 10:22 PM

Originally posted by lcm1947

Hi Raymonator & welcome to the forum. I'm fairly new myself being here just a little over a year now but allow me to give you my opinion. For the money you couldn't find a better saw for $400.00 especially if you are just a weekend warrior type like me. Now if I was using it for a living I'd probably have a 500 lbs monster but this saw is all you need. As far as the accessory kit - nope not even close to being worth it. I wouldn't pay $50.00 for it. The only thing that I found useful in it was the table and that's it. But getting back to the saw it is great. You do have to fiddle with it at first to get it set right but after that it has worked fine for me. A lot of it is just learning the saw and that takes time but I was cutting shortly after setting it up and learning as I go well and still am but I'm slow and don't spend a lot of time cutting. Heck, seems like I'm too busy always painting something.

One last thing. I would say this forum has advanced my knowledge 1000 percent in all areas of woodworking. This forum has the nicest and sharpest group of guys I've ever encountered and I am very happy I found it. Anyway, hope you do decide to buy the saw but either way you can sure learn about woodworking around here. Good luck and take care.

Hi Mac. thank you very much for the warm welcome as well. I appreciate your advice on the accessory item. I agree that there seems to be a very nice bunch of helpful people in here, and my wife just may become a pc widow at this rate lol. I have to admit that I'm not always the brightest crayon in the box when it comes to wood working, but I sure would love to slowly integrate myself into this type of hobby which would be on weekends or after work on nice summer evenings for a few hours.
I'll start by purchasing a good table saw, and then see what kind of project I'd like to do first (something easy and simple for sure) Gradually, I plan to buy more tools as I need them, mind you, I own quite a few of the normal electric power tools, e.g. powered miter saw and drill press to name a couple, but don't use them on a regular bases. Any suggestions on where I could start stocking up on some plans and ideas for future projects ? All the best to you.
Ray

**lcm1947** · 03-10-2006, 11:53 PM

Here's one http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/r...ex.php?cat=102 to get you started but once you start visiting the forum you will build up quite a collection I'd imagine. I know I sure did. Actually too many to control or should say organize. Anyway enjoy and keep us posted on what you do in regards to the TS. Ok here's one more that I like. http://www.am-wood.com/index.html Have fun.

**uglystick** · 03-11-2006, 12:33 AM

Welcome, Raymonator!

I've been on the forum for a few months now, fully enjoying it and the BT3100.

Some more free plans are available at http://freeww.com/

Plenty to get the old sawdust juices flowing!

**Ken Weaver** · 03-11-2006, 07:25 AM

Another good source of plans is to subscribe to Lowe's Woodpost. Its a WW mag that Lowe's puts out and they have some interesting plans, like these from the current issue -

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio.../rightNavTools

You can sign up for the free Woodpost on line.

Considering a BT3100

Considering a BT3100

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