??? for ex-Ryobi BT3000/3100 owners

[PeteM]

In another thread a few members said they upgraded to XXX tablesaws from the BT3K series and are glad they did. I currently have a BT3100 and am quite happy with it - but I have no experience using the "better" saws. My question is exactly what can you do with the higher dollar saws that you can't with a BT3100?

pete

 

[rickc]

I went to a Rigid TS3650. The biggest advantage I found was the additional power when cutting some of my larger stock. There were occassions when even slowing down the feed rate, the saw struggled. Also I wanted to be able to use some of the jigs that I kept saw being demonstrated, that I was unable to do so do to the lack/layout of the miter slots. I also wanted one with a little more heft to it as well. Finally, I do try to practice safety on the table saw. The blade guard tended to be removed for extended periods of time - NOT recommended safety procedures! The TS3650 guard comes on and off by use of a thumb screw.

Now - all of that being said, I probably fell for the siren's song! 8-O If I was a bit more handy I probably could have adapted the jigs, and even built one of the very nice saw stands I have seen on BT central and some of the woodworking magazines. I also think had I invested in a nice, high quality blade I might have had a different experience with the binding as well. While I may have been able to use the BT3000 for some of the heavier cutting I have done recently, the TS3650 handled it easily.

I would recommend anyone thinking of changing saws to evaluate just WHY they are considering doing so. Look at what you REALLY cut. Of course, I have found buying new tools as part of the fun of the hobby. :eusa_danc

 

[Ken Weaver]

I've been able to do everything I've wanted to with my BT3100. I've put on a different guard (Shark Guard) that comes off easily and has a great splitter, and built a couple of jigs as I've needed them. I've never had it bog down or not cut what I was needing for a project (WWII blade).Rcorne is right - you have to ask yourself do I really need something different or is it the sawdust bug talking. I have visions of a huge Unisaw, but I also dream of winning the lottery to build the new shop to hold it. So for now, I'm quite happy with the BT and there's nothing I haven't been able to do with it, not to mention the router I bought with the price differential.:eusa_clap

 

[rickc]

Ken re-emphasized a couple points I was tyring to make. The on ebeing how much of a change / improvement you can see on a saw with a GOOD blade. He put a WWII blade on it. I was using the stock blade.

He upgraded the guard and built his own jigs. I was learning the proper techniques, and probably feeding too quickly, hence the bog down. I don't really regret upgrading - it is always nice to get something "everybody's talking about". But again - just evaluate your need versus your "wants". If you start thining about upgrading invest in a high end blade. It won't be a loss - because if the saw still doesn't do what YOU want - the blade can still be used on your next saw!

Don't rush into any decision. Especially if what you have is working well for you. Even my TS3650 would pale in comparison to other saws out there - but it is what I need and can use for a very long time!

Remember -any woodworker worth their sawdust can come up with a project to justify a new tool! :lol:

 

[Ken Weaver]

Remember -any woodworker worth their sawdust can come up with a project to justify a new tool! :lol:

You got that right! Ain't it great?!

 

[Sully]

I recently decided to part ways with my BT3100. I'm not sure I would use the term "upgrade" since the BT3100 has many selling points that other TS's don't. In my specific case I was able to get a great deal on a Jet contractor saw with wide rails. Although I've only had it a few days things I can compare about the Jet and BT:

1) Mass. The Jet is so much heavier. That's a good and bad thing. I'm used to shoving my BT around with one hand, with the Jet it takes considerable more effort/planning to move it. On the other hand the added mass probably helps minimize vibration and it does feel more stable.

2) Power. Even though the Jet is rated with only slightly more HP than the BT I can feel a difference in the smoothness of cutting with the same blade. It just feels as though the machine is struggling less.

3) Noise level. The BT is noticably more noisy than the Jet. The BT sounds like a shop vac whereas the Jet is more of a low rumbling. I could imagine (although I wouldn't) not wearing hearing protection with the Jet, but I can't take the noise of the BT without my earmuffs on.

4) The table. I like the feel of the cast iron table.

5) Miter slots. You can use t-nuts on the Jet, but not on the BT (unless you build your own slots).

6) I will miss the miter table on the BT. I spent some time trying to figure out some way to attach the SMT to my Jet, but I couldn't see an easy way. I might end up building my own.

7) I think the BT is a wonderful machine. If I had room in my shop for two TS's I wouldn't be parting out my BT3100. It really comes down to a question of what it will be used for, tuning, maintenance, etc. And probably most importantly how much you like getting new tools! :eusa_danc

Just my $10^-2

 

[Ken Massingale]

First, as said above, generally speaking it's not the tool it's the craftsman.
That said, I went from a BT3000 to a Ridgid TS3650.
Reasons:
-Unlike some others I grew frustrated with the SMT
-I had 2 dual miter tables but wanted real T-slots
-I wanted/needed 36" of rip capacity on the right without having to move the rails.
-I find a full size 28" deep saw top easier and safer to work on
-I prefer cast iron
-And foremost, the almost non-existant space between the blade and the front of the table on the BT

All that said, I truly hated to see the BT go, if I had room it would still be here.