Still using BT3 or C-man version TS?

[bullethead1964]

Just wondering how many members here are still using a BT3 or the Craftsman version of the BT.

How does the C-man version measure up?

Can both the BT and C-man use dado blades?

Thanks...

[TCOTTLE]

I have my BT setup to do crosscuts, because I like the accuracy of the miter table. I also have the extended rails in which I am adding a router table with a Rousseau plate.
I have used a dado Blade with mine, I do have an 8 inch dado stack as well, but I have yet to use it on my BT because it is a little large, and I use my R4511 for Dados.

[gsmittle]

Yep, still using mine. And have used an 8" dado stack on it, although a 6" stack is recommended. It's been a reliable tool, and I haven't yet felt the need to upgrade.

g.

[pelligrini]

I'm using the Craftsman 21829 and I really do like it. The 21829 is very much like having a BT3100 on a gravity rise stand (which works very nicely too). There are a few differences. The rails are 6" longer, the SMT has a rear holes for more capacity. It comes with an accessory table with all of the router items. The accessory table is wider because of the miter slots, but the slots can't really be used with the saw.

I have an old craftsman 8" stack and it will just fit my saw. I'm looking to get a good 6" stack though.

[JimD]

I've built two complete bedroom sets + 1 queen sized bed + a new kitchen island + a couple interior doors + built-ins for beside my fireplace + a kitchenette in the basement + an oversized bookself (with glass doors) in the basement, etc.. I have extension rails so I can rip to about 60 inches. I've cut 3 1/2 inches in hardwood but you have to go slow. Occasionally I think about a new saw but there is really no need. I use a 6 inch dado pretty regularly. It is my normal way to cut tenons. I prefer an osborne miter gauge in home-made miter tables/slots to the sliding miter table.

Jim

[cwsmith]

I have the BT3100-1, which I bought on the clearance, along with the rebate at the time. Think that final price was $135, less the sales tax.

After a lot of research (and drooling ) I finally decided on the BT and sort of a retirement gift to myself. It was my first table saw and frankly it was the moveable aux table, SMT, and the moveable rails that did it for me. I just couldn't see any other table saw, that offered that kind of versatility.

I've been a RAS user since highschool and have owned a Craftsman since 1974, so I like tools with versatility, and the BT certainly seemed to be a very practical choice.

I added a Herc-U-Lift immediately and it makes the saw perfect for my little 11 x 23 ft basement shop. The RAS is now dedicated to crosscut work and I have a separate "Rockler" router table.

The BT is a major tool for me and I thoroughly enjoy using it. I can't imagine ever replacing it, unless there is some catastrophic failure. Thus far it has performed excellently and I've built our main library, my wife's cookbook room, and trimmed the kitchen in oak wainscote.

I don't use a dado set and have found the Ridgid 50-tooth, thin-kerf, to work very well for my needs.



CWS

[leehljp]

I have the 3100 hid behind a bunch of boxes from Japan, and a 3000 totally taken apart and in a box in the shop. I intend to make a frankensaw sometime in the future. They both have held up well for me, however I am far more interested in accuracy of cut than speed, so I do treat the saws more delicately than if "time" were money in my projects.

[bullethead1964]

Thanks for the replies so far. As you can see, I joined this forum many yrs ago, and mainly read a lot and never posted much. I have always been intrigued by the BT. I have had my C-man contractor saw for many yrs and never needed a new saw, but was sad to see Ryobi let the saw go from it's line.

There was a review on the Sears site saying that the saw could not use dado blades. Glad to see that cleared up here.

If my CS ever dies, I would consider the C_man/BT.

BTW, this is a great forum, with nice people.

[dbhost]

I have the BT3100-1, wide rails, legs, shop made extension table / router table and fence, 6" dado stack, shark guard etc... I use it on a regular basis. I love my saw and use it on nearly every project.

[Pappy]

I bought my BT3000 somewhere around '95 and it is still going strong. Worse problem I have had was a broken crank wheel. I bought a display from a HD that was moving to a new building about the time the BT3100 came out for a back up / parts saw.

I have a modification of the NYW Router Station but kep an older Craftsman mounted in the BT. I have a Frued SD206 dado set and the Frued box joint set that see fairly frequent use.

[Mr__Bill]

My BT3000 arrived used but still in great shape, it replaced a Delta contractor saw that was stolen. Dado blades work well but not the wobble ones. They seem to shake things too much and the aluminum top just lacks the mass to keep things steady.

I like the saw and until it dies there are a lot of other tools I would like to spend the money on before replacing it.

Bill
first it rains then you have to weedwack the heck out of things, must be a connection there....

[BobSch]

I've had my BT3100 since 2004 and it's still pretty much stock. I've added a Rockler mobile base and extended the rails, that's about it.

A 6" dado blade (stack not wobble) works very well in the saw, although a deep/wide dado can put a heavy strain on the motor.

[Lonnie in Orlando]

Bought mine new in July '96. Still going strong. I sometimes wish that the table were larger. Miter slots would be an asset, but the SMT does everything I need.

I added the Ryobi folding outfeed table the Ryobi long fence to the rip fence. Mount a 1-1/4HP or 3-1/2HP router under the router plate on the accessory when needed.

- Lonnie

[Black wallnut]

My 1999 BT3K is still going strong. After thousands of feet of red oak, pine, and plywood.

[Turaj]

Another BT3000 from 1999 here (15 amp motor), although I must admit I am not using it as much as others but no problems with any hardwood or softwood that I have used.

I do have the folding table and a bosch router on the aux. table. Mine does not have enough clearance for full 8" dado but I never had a need for it either!!