Need a new saw really bad!

[onedef1]

Hi there, this is my first post. Ive used the BT3100 for the past two years, Im a carpenter and I install cabinets. I have 8 years experience and the BT3100 is the best saw Ive ever used, and Ive used a few. My one and only gripe with this saw is that the blade adjustment wheel has broke twice.

Anyways, on to the point of this, I recently had my truck stolen, along with 9,600 worth of tools in it. Im replacing all the tools, but for the life of me, I CANNOT find a new BT3100. the one I did find at home depot was the last one, display model that was used for the kids stuff on the weekends. (adjustment wheel is broke on that one, too) they want $75 for it, and Im about to just buy it. I really love this saw.

Im in Denver, CO and could really use some help locating a saw. I really dont wanna get something else. I have all my parts for this one, and its seen daily heavy use for the past two years and I just adore it. please help!

[leehljp]

Sears has a model of the BT3100 and it is a little more expensive.

I "think" it is this one:
Craftsman Professional 10 in. Table Saw, Portable
Sears item #00921829000 Mfr. model #21829 This one is more expensive than the Ryobi at HD. It is made by by Ryobi for Sears and has the same internal parts.

It does not have the same base. It does have the same SMT, fence and auxillary table top.

Another thought is that several people on this forum has call every HD within a 100 miles and see if they had one. It usually ends in success.

You have stated what many of us have found to be true. It is a great cutting saw with glass smooth cuts. I have a 3000 and a 3100, and after fiddling with different and more expensive saws for years including an older unisaw, this one cuts the best and needs the least upkeep. I use one in Japan and one in the States. I also move them around on occasion, like a contractor.

I hope you find one.

One other thing: WELCOME!

[LCHIEN]

As for the adjustment wheel, there was at least a paragraph of solutions in the BT3 FAQ

And there's at least five listed, mentioned, or pointed out here (member classifieds) in the last week or so. More about buying used ones in the FAQ, also.

[Ken Weaver]

Welcome aboard! Don't give up yet, there always seem to be one showing up.

[wardprobst]

As for the adjustment wheel, there was at least a paragraph of solutions in the BT3 FAQ

And there's at least five listed, mentioned, or pointed out here (member classifieds) in the last week or so. More about buying used ones in the FAQ, also.

Loring, FYI, the link to Jim Frye's mod of the handle appears to be broken.
DP

[os1kne]

Shortly after I got my BT3100 in 2002, I feared that the plastic blade adjustment wheel would break - and I knew that it would probably break at the most inconvenient time. So, I called Sears parts unit and ordered the aluminum parts from the Craftsman version of the BT3000. Here are the parts that you need:

977227-002 (adjustment wheel) $9.99
981817-001 (adapter) $9.07

The prices listed are over 3.5 years old, I don't know if they've changed. I believe that I also needed to use a different screw to hold the new wheel/adapter to the shaft on the BT3100 - I had one on hand, the factory screw was a bit too short. Shipping added a few more dollars. The modification only takes a few minutes and cost about $30. The lead shot/epoxy method may work just as well, but I wasn't aware of it at the time.

Good luck.