finally making sawdust

[billbeery]

I hope this message might help another newbie and save them some frustration. I bought a BT3100 about six weeks ago and have tried and tried to adjust the SMT and the rip fence to get good cuts, but failed. I kept getting substantial burn marks both on rips and cross-cuts. Asked for advice at HD. No solution. Posted a thread and got some good suggestions from you all, which I tried to no avail. Just when I was assuming that it had to be my failing eyesight or lack of skill, I decided tonight to swap blades in the new BT3100 and my old Ryobi chop saw. To my great surprise (and joy) my table saw cut like just like all of you describe - like butter!
So, if you have cutting problems, don't assume like I did that your new saw blade is o.k.
I am off to HD tomorrow to ask them for a new blade. What should I expect? Or should I contact Ryobi? Thanks.

[LCHIEN]

I hope this message might help another newbie and save them some frustration. I bought a BT3100 about six weeks ago and have tried and tried to adjust the SMT and the rip fence to get good cuts, but failed. I kept getting substantial burn marks both on rips and cross-cuts. Asked for advice at HD. No solution. Posted a thread and got some good suggestions from you all, which I tried to no avail. Just when I was assuming that it had to be my failing eyesight or lack of skill, I decided tonight to swap blades in the new BT3100 and my old Ryobi chop saw. To my great surprise (and joy) my table saw cut like just like all of you describe - like butter!
So, if you have cutting problems, don't assume like I did that your new saw blade is o.k.
I am off to HD tomorrow to ask them for a new blade. What should I expect? Or should I contact Ryobi? Thanks.

Does your blade say, made in China or does it say, Made in Italy?

The Italian made blades were by Freud and quite excellent for an OEM blade, but alas, Ryobi started shipping Chinese-made blades of the same basic design just before Christmas, 2005. There's been a debate as to whether these are the same quality. Of course, Ryobi says they are. but obviously (to us) its a cost savings move.

[sacherjj]

While it works for a test, I'm concerned about using the blade from your "chop" saw for any given time. The tooth angle that is proper from a chop saw is different from what is safe on a tablesaw. It increases the chance of kickback quite a bit. (The force from the blade that holds the chop saw piece down and to the fence will try to throw the tablesawed piece up and back at you.)

[wreckwriter]

While it works for a test, I'm concerned about using the blade from your "chop" saw for any given time. The tooth angle that is proper from a chop saw is different from what is safe on a tablesaw. It increases the chance of kickback quite a bit. (The force from the blade that holds the chop saw piece down and to the fence will try to throw the tablesawed piece up and back at you.)

I've been wondering about the difference. My CMS is 10" and 5/8 arbor just like my TS. Most blades, it seems to me, do not specify what type of saw they're meant for so I wondered if there was a difference.

[jziegler]

I just want to add a bit to the information on the Chinese blades. They started shipping late summer, not right before christmas. I bought my saw in August or September and it has the Chinese blade.

I suspect that quality on the Frued blades is a bit better, but I don't have a direct comparison. I'm glad the Bill found his problem. Hopefully Home Depot will exchange the blade, but likely it will be another identical blade.

Unlike the old Freud blade, I doubt there will be much demand to purchase the new blades.

Jim

[LCHIEN]

I just want to add a bit to the information on the Chinese blades. They started shipping late summer, not right before christmas. I bought my saw in August or September and it has the Chinese blade.

I suspect that quality on the Frued blades is a bit better, but I don't have a direct comparison. I'm glad the Bill found his problem. Hopefully Home Depot will exchange the blade, but likely it will be another identical blade.

Unlike the old Freud blade, I doubt there will be much demand to purchase the new blades.

Jim

thanks for that fact, noted for the FAQ.

[AlanJ]

I got my BT in November, with a Chinese balde... however, I was initially reasonably happy with it. Very smooth cuts etc. Just lately I've been seeing a few kerf marks and starting to wonder how it's holding up.
My Forrest II is STILL on back order at amazon

[billbeery]

finally

Thanks for replies.
Loring, it says "made in China" very plainly.
Joe, thanks for advice on use of chop saw blade. I will put it back on its machine and get a new TS blade. Bill

[greencat]

I've been wondering about the difference. My CMS is 10" and 5/8 arbor just like my TS. Most blades, it seems to me, do not specify what type of saw they're meant for so I wondered if there was a difference.

Not an expert but I think the difference is with a CMS the negative rake will push the wood into the fence and make a smooth cut. On a TS the negative rake would push the wood up or back to you. The Positive rake on a TS will grab the wood quickly.