BT 3000 or BT3100?

[Captain Hook]

I am a new member and new to posting.
I have a hand-me-down BT 3000 and would like to know the difference between that and the 3100. I like what I have but would like to know if the 3100 is an upgrade.

[LCHIEN]

Basically the same saw functionality, just some cosmetic changes.
The following is from my FAQ "The BT3 FAQ Rev 4.13b December 31, 2012
Copyright 2004-2012 by Loring Chien Page 10 of 59":

The BT3100 is like a BT3000 except for the following:
• splayed base
• improved vertical shim retention
• improved riving knife shim set (easy entry)
• different front panel,
• different paint scheme (blue and yellow instead of gray/black)
• gray metal-flake powder covered top instead of gray anodized top – the BT3000 top is
anodized then it seems that the tops of the ribs were machined flat. The BT3100 top may
not be machined flat, just relies on the casting.
• SMT base is black instead of clear (natural Aluminum) anodize
• black instead of silver rails. Slight but not significant profile shape, all known accessories still fit
• different shape on rip fence front rail clamp but same basic mechanism
• different elevation crank – plastic with yellow hub (and not the same as Sears, either)
• no instructional video tape (although lately some new owners have reported receiving
DVDs)
• Notably it does share the nice 36T Freud thin kerf blade.
BT3100-1 version which the main change appears to be a new power switch
As of about December, 2005 the very nice Freud Italian-made blade on new BT3100s seems to be
replaced by a nearly identical-looking Chinese-made blade but marked “Made in China” instead
of “Made in Italy”..

[Captain Hook]

Thank you LCHIEN - answered my questions.

I'm from Fulshear and retired from Don McGill after 39 years.

I did pm you for the faq (I think)

[Pappy]

Welcome to the Asylum!

[Captain Hook]

Thanks Pappy, glad I found this place.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Loring has amassed the BT3 lore for sure - but wasn't there also an amperage difference between the 3000 and 3100 - 13 vs 15?

[LCHIEN]

Loring has amassed the BT3 lore for sure - but wasn't there also an amperage difference between the 3000 and 3100 - 13 vs 15?

only first year BT3000s had 13Amp ratings, the last 8 or 9 years of production were all 15Amp motors, same as BT3100.

Best to read the faq, check the date of manufacture, check for recalled switch, etc. learn about the shims, other things that can break. Lots of info in the FAQ. OP has it now.

[Two Much]

We have both...we have a 3000 and when a friend moved
across country we purchased his 3100 for half what he paid for it.

He used it only once to make moulding then gave up on wood working
because of a bad back...
We really don't notice any difference, but we're not professional
wood workers, just hobbiests.

good luck with your future WW hobby, your adventures are just beginning.