Portable table saw....BT3100 vs. BTS21 vs. ??

[tooladdict]

I just posted this in another forum, but I think it actually belongs here....

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Hey guys,

I am new to the forum, but I've read many good articles about BT3000 and BT3100. I'm looking for a portable table saw, one that I can take to a jobsite. I've seen some ads for used BT3100's, but I don't know if that's the best tool for me.

It's not "designed" to be portable, but the price point is pretty good compared to some other portable saws. I'm also looking into the one that Ryobi intended to be portable, the BTS-21, but I wanted to know your guys opinions into my delimma....

I've also read some reviews of other saws, like the Dewalt, etc....but they are more expensive, and most likely out of my price range.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for the help, and advice....
Tim

[leehljp]

The BT3000 and 3100 don't travel well although in the beginning it was designed to be an accurate jobsite saw. The BTS21 is more of a job site travel saw and will do a better(?) job as such.

The problem with the BT3x00 is that while it is touted as a precision saw and "can" be used as an on site saw with cabinet saw accuracy, it only works that way for someone who takes care for all of his tools as if they were Lie-Nielsen hand planes. The 3x00 does not hold its settings well when moved around in the back of a pickup or pushed and shoved around a job site.

The result will be some inaccuracies as opposed to cabinet grade precision. But, this is back in the same category as a job site saw such as the BTS21.

Another problem with the 3x00 is that because it is a "larger" saw, one will have a tendency to expect more from it and force it into speed ripping a 2X4 as though it were a contractor's saw, which of course will probably burn out a motor or bust a belt.

For me, I do haul my 3000 around when I am back in the States from time to time, but I take time to set it up and check it out with precision angles. I also treat it on site (at my daughters home and back at my home) with care as needed by a nice piece of equipment or tool.

[leehljp]

Tool Addict,

I am trying to figure out how to move these posts under the "tools forum" and I haven't done it in a while, SO I am cutting and pasting to get it half way right. My mind is in a Japanese mode right now, so I can't guarantee anything.

Here is your post to me that got deleted in trying to move here (apologies):

Hank,

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like (for the price), that either of them would be about the same. I'm not going to get the accuracy from the Bt3100 that I would get from home, but onsite, I guess I shouldn't expect too much accuracy.

I don't know enough about portable table saws to know what to expect...I know my workshop saw works just great when I need it, but I can't move that one anywhere.

I guess I was just curious whether it was a better idea to buy a 3100, and "make" it portable, or just search for a good portable one.

Thanks again!!

[LCHIEN]

That compariosn question has already been asked several times in recent history.
The best discussion is here:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ighlight=BTS21

A "search" shows numerous other discussions on the BTS21:
http://www.bt3central.com/search.php?searchid=720027

[dbhost]

I own the BTS-21, and it is a good saw FOR WHAT IT IS...

Cabinet saw accurate it is not. Good at holding it's settings after being set up, moved about knocked around, though, is a strong suit for it.

From my experience, it is a "good enough" saw for weekend woodworking projects, including furniture making. HOWEVER, it takes a LOT more time, and attention to how the saw is set up, and even then, running test cuts on sacrificial lumber is always best.

The Ryobi General Purpose blade that comes with it, is again, good enough. Not great, not horrid...

Being as it is a jobsite sized saw, I am not prone to pushing the saw too hard speed wise, which means I let the blade do the cutting work, which leaves me with nice, clean, smooth edges.

If you want a good jobsite saw, or a decent enough saw to get your home workshop started on a thin budget, the BTS-21 is a good saw. With some quirks. (Lack of miter slot is a good example..

When I bought mine, they had JUST introduced the BTS-21 and the BTS-20 with its standard miter slot was on the way out. The SMT is VERY useful, and I have learned and built a lot of alternative jigs for my saw, the biggest obstacles I am working on right now are panel sleds, and tenoning jigs.. I may have those both licked though...

If you have the $$, want a great workshop saw that hase amazing utility, the BT3100 / BT3000 is an amazing saw, and honestly I want one really badly, but it is out of my budget range for now... With as well as I seem to be doing with the BTS-21 and coming up with solutions to the jig / sled problem, I may just stay put. It's been solid...

[Larryl]

If you have the $$, want a great workshop saw that hase amazing utility, the BT3100 / BT3000 is an amazing saw, and honestly I want one really badly, but it is out of my budget range for now..

Hey, dbhost I wish you were closer to Lorena(Waco), I have a BT3100 with all the accessories, mounted on casters, Shark Guard and closed in belly with 4" hose connection, and full length rails. I have been meaning to put it on Craig's List but have been having too much fun playing (I mean rebuilding) in my shop.

[dbhost]

I'll PM you. You aren't that far from Huntsville, I have a friend that is a prof up at SHSU, maybe I can talk him into grabbing it from you, and I can snatch it from him on my next visit up there...

Been too long since we've visited anyway...