BT3100 or TS2400LS

[buckeye95]

All,

I am the current owner of a 4 year old BT3100 that has been good for me. Unfortunately, it has been moved to a 2-car garage and has gotten to be a pain to be moved in and out for use.

Was thinking about the Ridgid TS2400LS portable contractor's saw (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100090444), and I have the ability to buy a reconditioned one for $200. My main reason is the space issue in my garage.

Would I be losing a huge amount of capability with this decision ? I would really like the flexibility of being able to move the Ridgid around easily and pack it up against the wall when done, but am also concerned about buyer's regret later. If I did go for it, what does a good condition 3100 with the accessory kit usually go for ? I'd be more hesitant to do this if I knew I could only get $100 for it and would be out $100 once all is said and done.

Any thoughts ?

Regards,

Pete
Buckeye95

[steve-norrell]

All,

I am the current owner of a 4 year old BT3100 that has been good for me. Unfortunately, it has been moved to a 2-car garage and has gotten to be a pain to be moved in and out for use.

Any thoughts ?

Can you buy (or build) a mobile base for the BT3100? Can you buy the mobile base that is offered with the Sears BT3100 clone?

Regards, Steve

[LarryG]

My first thought was exactly the same as Steve's: look at ways to make your BT fully mobile, to eliminate the current hassle-factor. Unless you are REALLY squeezed for space, in the big scheme of things the footprint of the Ridgid leaning against a wall probably won't be all that much smaller than the BT sitting on a mobile base. Also, for some cuts the BT could be used exactly where it sits, whereas the Ridgid would always have to be unfolded. It's possible you would be trading one kind of hassle for another.

With that said, I would think you could easily get $200 for your BT and kit, making this a zero-cost switch if you decide you want to do it. I've no experience with the Ridgid -- haven't even looked at one in stores, really -- so I can't speak to how much you might lose or gain functionally.

[jonmnelson]

All,

I am the current owner of a 4 year old BT3100 that has been good for me. Unfortunately, it has been moved to a 2-car garage and has gotten to be a pain to be moved in and out for use.

Was thinking about the Ridgid TS2400LS portable contractor's saw (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100090444), and I have the ability to buy a reconditioned one for $200. My main reason is the space issue in my garage.

Would I be losing a huge amount of capability with this decision ? I would really like the flexibility of being able to move the Ridgid around easily and pack it up against the wall when done, but am also concerned about buyer's regret later. If I did go for it, what does a good condition 3100 with the accessory kit usually go for ? I'd be more hesitant to do this if I knew I could only get $100 for it and would be out $100 once all is said and done.

Any thoughts ?

Regards,

Pete
Buckeye95

Since portability is a key issue, and given that you seem to like the BT3100, I'd suggest buying a Craftsman 21829. It has all of the features of the BT3100, including the sliding miter table, riving knife, built-in router table, and excellent dust collection -- plus it folds easily on a very nice stand with wheels so it can be stored up against a wall, etc. The Ridgid gets good reviews and may be more rugged, and $200 is a pretty good price, but it doesn't have the SMT or router table. I've grown to really like the Craftsman, and it shouldn't be much of a transition for you since you've been using the BT3100.

Just my opinion.

[buckeye95]

Thanks for all the comments.

I should have noted earlier that I also have a dedicated router table (portable, but works fine) which is why I still have my BT router table parts in the box, as well as a Bosch 10" SCMS on an MSUV, which also limits my need for the sliding table.

The sears might be a good idea as noted above, but I do think that would end up getting into some money, even after I deducted the $$ I (hopefully) could get for the BT3100.

Pete

[prlundberg]

Is your issue space or portability? My 21829 is convenient, but it really doesn't save all that much space. Space would have to be pretty dang tight to make that justification.

I agree with Larry, check into ways to make your BT mobile. I wouldn't worry about the folding thing, it's not a large saw to begin with.

I looked closely at the Rigid back when I was in the market. I liked it. If you aren't sure what capability you'd miss on the BT, you probably won't miss it.

I prefer the BT/21829. But if you must have a folding stand, the Rigid is a solid choice.

[Knottscott]

I've never used a 2400 so can't comment on it's tendencies, however $200 is an excellent price, so I see little financial downside. I'd suggest getting the 2400 and trying it out...you should easily be able to your initial investment back if decide not to keep it.

[eezlock]

Bt3100 or 2400ts

Pete, I think the best thing for you to do and the cheapest is....buy or build an inexpensive mobile base and put it under the Bt3 saw. I bought a mobile base from Sears a couple of years ago and it works great, glad I did, when I need to move the saw, unlock the casters on the front and roll or swivel it any way I want. eezlock

[dkerfoot]

Is your issue space or portability? My 21829 is convenient, but it really doesn't save all that much space. Space would have to be pretty dang tight to make that justification.

Not sure I follow on this one - a folded 21829 only takes up about 4 sq ft of floor space and can be stored flat against a wall. In my tiny shop, saving space is the very best part of the 21829. A bt3, even on wheels would be a problem for me.

[vanguard]

I can't comment on the BT3100, but I have the Ridgid saw. I like mine a lot, it holds it settings well and has been very accurate.

[LinuxRandal]

On occasion the Bosch gravity rise stand goes on sale on Amazon.com. There is also the stand for the Craftsman, of which, its part number, and pics of a BT on the Bosch clone can be found here:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=27897

[JimD]

A base for the BT3100 can be as simple as a low rolling box that the BT3100 is bolted to. If you put locking casters on it, it will be easily movable. I think a big advantage of this approach is you can put a couple drawers in the base for blades, wrenchs, etc.. I am pretty messy but when I have a specific place to put things and keep them readily at hand, I tend to use it. If I have to go across the shop, I leave it handy - in a big messy pile.

Jim

[buckeye95]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

I had decided to give the saw a shot, but have not heard back from the seller in about a day. Not sure if he is tied up with the holidays or it is already sold. I will let you know.

Regards,

Pete