Considering a BT3100

[Shipwreck]

Hi raymonator !

I was in your shoes about a year ago. I passed up on the BT3100 for a craftsman 22114. WELL..........lol..........it took up way more room than I really cared for in my shop. I recently sold it to a local friend, and went out and bought the BT3100. Am I happy with it?

LIKES........

1. Sliding miter table.....is fun/safer. The 90 degree posi stop is nice.
2. Its made well for the cost. Mine was right on specs outta the box.
3. Comes with a decent blade. Not great, but decent.
4. Accurate rip fence.
5. I love the accessory table (right wing?) with the router mounting holes
6. No worrying over table rust, and fussing with it.
7. The motor seems to have some sort of soft surge? My lights do not
dim when I start it. My 22114 dimmed the lights.
8. The saw has decent power, Just cut some 6/4 Maple with no probs.

Dislikes............

1. Not much table in front of the blade, gotta be carefull when feeding stock for ripping..

2. My fence rails do not not slide as easy as the DEMO CD showed.

3. SMT locking tabs/handles seem cheesy.


Would I buy this saw again...........Definately. It suites my limited space in a 1 car garage, and is very well put together for the cost. Its one heck of a saw for the hobbiest and home improvement person. I am in that catagory. This saw is not built like a TANK, but with good care, it should last for some time. Ryobi has a winner.

[Shipwreck]

I Forgot!!!!

The Best thing about the BT3100...................is this great forum, and all the knowledgeable people that jump right in with helping others. I wish I could meet some of the great people on here.

[Raymonator]

Thanks Shipwreck for the review as well as the others who posted the websites for project plans. Actually I'm just heading out the door to go look at the BT3100 at a Home Depot. Now if I can only convince my wife that I need the table saw NOW lol. Obviously you purchased yours with the accessory kit as you mention in # 5. Not sure I'll buy it when I decide to purchase the table. I agree that the people here seem very helpful (yourself included) so I guess this forum has pretty well helped me decide to purchase the BT3100. By looking at some of the project plans, I realize I have an awful lot to learn, even for the simplist of projects. Hope you guys are patient, cause I don't learn as easy as I use to..........Strike that, I always was stubborn when it came to learning something from paper. That said, once I know how to do something, I know it for life. Problem I think with me is that I'm sort of a "hands on" type of learner, reading doesn't always register with me until I've read it a few times, or until someone explains it to me in laymans terms. I guess I'm just a visual person. Anyway, I'll see what kind of trouble I can get into once I purchase the table saw and a few others tools I think I'll need, e.g. router.

[Raymonator]

Just got back from Ottawa. I went to the HD there and headed right away for the power tool section of the store. They had several models there e.g Rigid and Delta to name a couple, as well as the emphamus Ryobi BT3100. I must say I wasn't that overly impressed with the BT3100, mainly because the floor model had a lot of the plastic knobs broken and a make shift bolt was added for the miter bar which made it difficult to turn and slide. Seems to me, management should see to it that their demonstration tools on the floor should be in better semi operational condition than that. I guess the layers of dust on it didn't appeal to me much either.
Anyway, all of that said, the floor salesperson there was very friendly and as helpful as he could, but was a bit embarrassed that he couldn't give me a unplugged demonstration of the features due to some broken or improperly installed parts, that make the saw feel flimsy and loose. All this to say, I wasn't overly impressed, and told my wife I wanted to take a ride over to a big Sears store a couple of miles away. Once I found the tool section at Sears, things were a bit more appealing to me, as all of their table saws were clean, and in working order. On the down side, the salesman didn't seem to know much about them, and I could tell he would say anything to agree with me, which is a turn off for me (I guess being in sales, I like to be "sold" on something) rather than have someone tell me what they "think" I want to hear. In other words, once I tell you a bit about myself or what I plan on doing with a table saw, tell me why I should buy "this particular" saw, and why I should buy it from "you" ?? Which wasn't the case, so, even though I did like the looks of the one at Sears better, I decided to leave and do a little more research on my own. There is one particular model at Sears, that resembles the BT3100 quite a bit, in fact it actually had some features that the BT didn't have, e.g. a miter guage as well as a track to slide it in on the right side of the table. Both sides of the table on the Craftsman saw were transferrable from one side to the other by just unclipping just like the BT. The Craftsman starionary model also came with all the accessory that you have to buy on the BT, plus it had a nice sawdust exhaust attachement for the router if needed. The sliding table on the Craftsman had a nice smooth finish to it and I felt a bit more familiar for some reason playing with the buttons and functions. One thing I liked about the Craftsman stationary saw was that the power switch could be unclipped from the ride side track underneath, and be placed on the left side track which to me is a nice safety feature, depending on what side of the table you were using. The warranty on the Craftsman was like the BT at 2 years. On the down side, the Craftsman stationary table was about $230.00 more that the BT, but keep in mind, Ryobi wanted $129.00 for the accessory kit, which is already there with the Craftsman, so $650.00 - $400.00 + $129.00, really means that there is only about $100.00 difference. The salesperson at Sears did let me in on a little secret, and told me that the Crafstman stationary I was interested would probably come on sale before Father's day. How much though, he wasn't at liberty to say, but said it would most likely be a good one. So, this is after one day of just glancing at table saws. I'm in no dire straights to get one, as I still have "old reliable" that I had the repulsion/induction motor fixed up as you may recall last year. I plan on making a new stand for it, and try to get rid of a slight wobble I find the table has which I believe is just because the belt isn't lined up properly. This old table weighs a ton compared to either saw I saw today, yet my little table is only about half the size. They sure don't make them like that anymore in that category. I don't have any major plans right now where I feel I really need a more modern table saw, but I know the day is coming. On the BT forum, someone gave me good advice which is, if I do purchase a new table saw, don't get rid of my old relic, but rather, install a data blade on it, and use it for that purpose only, which to me, makes perfect sense. Oh yeah, one thing I didn't like about the Craftsman stationary model of $650.00, is that that the salesperson told me it was direct drive, which I should have looked for myself to make sure rather than take his word for it. A saw of this price should have a belt driven motor, then again, what do I know lol.
Below are the Sears websites of 3 models and prices I looked at today.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...t=Table%20Saws

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...t=Table%20Saws

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...cat=Table+Saws

[lcm1947]

Sounds like you did your homework. Good for you. Not trying to sell you on the 3100 but one thing you won't have with the Sears models is the help you have here and at least to me that means an awful lot. Not saying you won't learn anything here or get help with any saw you end up getting but there is so much help available here on the 3100 that isn't available with any other saw. Course I personally won't help you if you get anything else but hey I wouldn't allow that to affect your decision any. No really it is a very big point I feel. The other thing is $100.00 is $100.00. That will buy you another pretty neat tool I'd think and I know that the Sears saws won't do anything that this one can't do. The last thing I'd mention if I was trying to sell you on the 3100 is why do you suppose this site is here. It's all about the 3000 and 3100. I know of no other site that has this kind of following on a tool. There's got to be a reason why this many people love this saw. We can't all work for Ryobi, well I do but that's beside the point - no just kidding. Heck it's almost a Cult thing but not really it's just the single best saw for the money out there bar none!! Anyway that's my other 2 cents. Good luck and I'm sure you'll end up with a good one even if it's not this fantastic, accurate and inexpensive one. I just hate to see people make mistakes. Again kidding.

[JimD]

The 21829 is the Ryobi with different colors and a built in set of wheels. The BT3100 at my local HD is also not something that would make you want one but that should not be your basis for a decision IMHO. It takes awhile to setup the BT3100 due to the many bolts in the base but it is not very difficult. The only hard adjustment is getting the slop out of the SMT. The last Sears saw is a good saw but much more expensive and no more accurate. The first saw is the only one I definitely would not buy. I do not think you will be happy with it for very long. I think the best buy is definitely the BT3100. Just don't mis-treat it like the display and you will be pleased.

Be sure and read Jim Frye's piece in the Articles section - it is a good summary of why the BT3100 is the best buy in a table saw.

Jim

[bhbuster]

You might consider buying the BT3100 and give it a good test drive. You can always return it if you find that it is not for you. I believe you will find that you will keep it.

[Raymonator]

LOL Mac, are you sure you don't work for Ryobi ?? I didn't say I was disregarding the Ryobi BT3100 completely, but rather, just stating the feeling I got when I went to the Home Depot today and played with their badly adjusted, broken, and dirty BT they had on display (which apparently has been there for over 2 years) Had the BT there been set up properly and at least cleaned occassionaly, with all buttons and adjustments intact, my impression of this table saw may have been totally different. Look at this this way. If you were shopping for a good used car, and the one the saleperson showed you had an ash tray full of cigarette butts, with a dirty interior and exterior, yet the car only had 6000 miles on it, I would think it would give you a bad taste in your mouth and you'd want to wait until you could see the exact same car once it was freshened up by the dealer, and I would suspect you would not make any hasty decision to buy it until they proved to you that this car was actually a pretty clean and well maintained car.
I mentioned earlier that I was in no rush to purchase a new table saw, as my old relic is still cutting the wood fairly welll for the simple projects I have done so far, which are very few and again very simple. Recently I have been contimplating the idea of expanding my wood working knowledge in which case, I feel that perhaps a new table saw might be something that would allow me to experience new techniques (not that I know any old major techniques) I think by having a stronger more versatile table saw I would maybe, just maybe, be able to make some nice stuff, or at least have a lot of fun trying. I think an important factor here is working with a tool that you feel comfortable with and that you feel a special closeness to (starting to sound a bit kinky here lol). The BT I saw today, didn't reach out to me, but that doesn't mean that if I continue shopping and end up at another Home Depot, with a well set up table, and again a well trained and/or personable salesperson, that the feeling or urge won't suddenly hit me. I guess I just wasn't in a buying mood today, and things just didn't seem right to make such a purchase, even if it was only $399.00. It was either the BT wasn't properly adjusted or the salesperson at Sears wasn't very knowledgable of his product, that made me decide I wasn't ready today to purchase a table saw and spend "any" amount of money. So the saga continues, will the Raymonator purchase a table saw ?? The answer is "yes" but when and which one, I am at this time still clueless. I know my buddy from the Lake Huron area, is a firm believer of the BT's, and has already expressed his views today via e-mail why I should buy one, and he's a pretty talented fellow whom I respect alot. I want to buy the BT, mainly because of this site, but I want to buy it because I really "want" it. With all of this said, don't be surprised if you eventually read that I just purchased a BT. Thanks again for the great advice, and if you're ever looking for a job, I'm sure Ryobi would love to have you on their team lol. Thanks Mac.

[PaulB]

old BT3000

Hello folks. This is my first post, and I was interested in Ray's thoughts on getting a BT3100. I've had my BT3000 for 10 years or so - don't remember exactly when. I do remember that I saved for awhile to get the $300 to buy it. The prices haven't changed much since then, have they? I bought it at either Lowes or Home Depot, don't remember that either. The BT3100 seems to have some improvement over the 3000 - the fence, etc. but my 3000 works great! Until today. Broke the motor belts today and just ordered some new ones from OrderTree.com. About $17 each. So, after 10 years I have to sink another $34 into my saw. Not bad. What have I done with the saw in 10 years? Well, I'm a hobbiest. My wife tells folks "Give Paul 2 years and he can build anything." Weekend Warrior is my excuse, but actually I'm pretty particular, and the BT3000 fits me fine - it's extremely accurate, and stays that way. When I build cabinets, I join the frames with mortise and tenon. My drawers are dovetailed, etc. I build with hardwood - cherry, mostly, sometimes walnut or oak, and poplar for things that will be painted. The BT3000 is my partner. What kind of stuff have I built? I've got cherry end tables in my living room that people say are nicer than the identical ones at Ethan Allen (at $350 each) - and mine cost less than $100 for the material. The matching cherry window table and the fireplace mantle look great in there, as does the large cherry mirror - all made with the help of the BT3000. In my kitchen are the additional kitchen cabinets I built to match the ones that came with the house. Downstairs, in the bathroom, is the vanity I built to go with the custom countertop we ordered for a difficult to fit place. My son has a large oak table I built for him two Christmas' ago. Etc. Etc. Etc. This is a great saw. We've got thousands of dollars worth of custom made furniture for our $300 investement, plus the cost of materials, and my time. But you can't put a price on the joy of making something that you can put your hands on and say, with pride, "I made this", can you? Good Luck Ray. I hope you end up enjoying your eventual purchase as much as I have mine.

[Raymonator]

Thanks Paul, you sound like a very handy person, and I look forward in attaining half of your skills. This is creepy, my friend from the Lake Huron area who owns the BT3100 is named Paul B, only he isn't married.........at least he wasn't the last time I talked to him lol. I thought it was him writing.

[Raymonator]

Ok, I've made up my mind on what table saw I will be purchasing. I've decided (with a little pursuation from you people here and my friend from the Lake Huron area) to go with the BT3100. The fact that the table saw on the floor at Home Depot wasn't in a very operatable condition, shouldn't have discouraged me so easily I guess. After looking at some of things you people have made and some pictures of my friends BT3100 he has in his shop (which he keeps spotless by the way) I've decided that if you can't beat them.......join them. Plus the fact that everyone here has given me such a warm welcome, and have offered to help me if I have any questions or concerns (and I will). Anyway, the only thing is, I'm not in any rush to get a table saw just now, as it will be going in my 16'x24' new garage which isn't insolated, and it's still a tad cold here in the great white north. I will take advantage of this warm up time to look for a deal somewhere, and maybe even pick up a slightly used one if I can find it here from someone in the Ottawa Ontario area. Too bad I don't live in the states, as I noticed Home Depot have the BT3100 on sale for $249.00 U.S which would be $289.00 CAD here. I wonder if I could buy it in Maseena NY at a Home Depot there and get away with crossing the border with it without paying customs lol ??
I'll let you all know once I have the new toy. By the way, in the mean time, does anybody have any web sites I could visit to download some "free" project plans (especially for beginners). I'd like to start simple and get some ideas for this summer. Thanks again everyone for all your great advice.

[JimD]

Depending on what the shipping charges are you might want to consider a rebuilt from Cummins. Last time I looked they were $199. I've never had a problem with a rebuilt tool - I have a Ryobi belt sander I got from Cummins over a year ago and it works great.

Jim

[Raymonator]

Thanks Jim, checked it out at the web site below, but they say they don't offer the BT3100 on their Cummins site because it cost too much for shipping. Thanks anyway.
http://www.cumminstools.com/browse.cfm/2,234.html

[Dwight]

Quebecois WW

Hey Ray,

Lived in Montreal for 6.5 yrs. Liked it. Taught at the University of Montreal and got to practice my bad French on the students. Much laughter and confusion from both sides. I recently bought the 3100 and I'm very pleased.

But I wanted to refer to your comment about the BORG display model. I currently work part time at our local HD in the hardware department. I also was appalled by the condition of the display model and wasn't sure I wanted one. I've come to realize that part of the problem is the the dancing digits of the curious customers as well as an underappreciation by management/staff of the wonderful tool they've got. I talk up the 3100 to every customer I notice looking over our TS display and point them, as well, to bt3central. I can honestly say that this forum and its generous and funny members were a real factor in my choice of the saw.

Only other thing I did right away was to order a SharkGuard (http://www.leestyron.com), plus download a bunch of plans for a mobile TS cart. I did notice that Amazon has the Freud 6" dado set for about 60 bucks, which can be discounted $30 more if you sign up for their Visa card when you make your purchase.

Anyway, welcome to the woodworking version of the funnyfarm and don't forget to paint the red line.

Dwight

[Raymonator]

Hi Dwight, thanks for the welcome and info. The url you posted doesn't work as I get a message saying that the page is NOT FOUND My french is pretty good and I get to Montreal often being just an hour either way between Montreal and Ottawa. I'm not sure what a "sharkguard" is, but rest assured, I'll look into it. Now, if I can only pick up a deal somewhere, I'll buy the BT3100. Apprarently, in Canada, there aren't too many sale prices for the BT, but, as my good friend from Lake Huron always tells me, "patience is a virtue" so, seeing I'm not in dire straits for a table saw, I'll wait and see what pops up eventually. I'd like to buy BT with the accessory kit, then again, I may not need it. If you're ever back the Montreal way, look me up, and we can discuss the BT over a nice cold one eh ?
Later