From: tim@intrepid.gsfc.nasa.gov (Tim Seiss)
Newsgroups: rec.woodworking
Subject: Re: Ryobi BT3000 table saw opinions?
Date: 29 Jul 92 14:31:17 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Goddard Space Flight Center

In Message-ID: <daved.712265778@convex.convex.com>,daved@convex.com (David Dorfman) writes:
> I have a BT-3000. I've owned it for about six months with mixed
>impressions. On the positive side it is a well designed tool with
>good cross cutting capabilities. The blade is nice and it comes with
>a full set of required fences. As it sets up it can handle some pretty longe >boards 
>for cross cutting.

>The nicest thing about the BT is it's compact set up. It is mounted on wheels >and can 
>be easily moved, allowing placement in a room with a single long axis of >entry/exit
>to/from the blade for both cross and rip cutting.

>I don't regret buying it, but if I had a large workshop I would pick the
>Delta today. Plan on spending 550.00 for everything.

>On the negative side there are a number of features which do not perform 
>as advertised.

>1) the cross cut table has some amount of play in it. If you are a 
>perfectionist you will be constatnly adjusting it and checking it. It slides
>on teflon pads which probably will wear over the years. It does produce nice
>crosscuts when well adjusted, but don't expect it to stay in adjustment.

>2) The dust removal system claims 90% dust removal. I don't think so. The
>exit from the dust removal is easily clogged and I find sawdust everywhere.

>3) My general perception is that this saw will not be around in ten years
>   wheras a delta would easily last that long.


>   Hope this helps
>   Dave

  I just wanted to say that I have to agree with these observations, especially
3) above.  I've had mine since early April '92 and have used it mostly for
trim carpentry work for a kitchen addition I've been working on.

  The saw does cut nicely, IMO, but every time I use it, I get the impression
that it is fragile, and should be adjusted and set-up with care.  As I mentioned
in a posting back in April about my new BT-3000, I am still a little disappointed in all the plastic parts it has.

  On a positive note, I have been making my own oak door jambs for several
doorways in my kitchen and have trim crosscut 78-1/8" long 1x7s with the
adjustable rails, sliding table and accessory 41" long miter fence with no
problem.  Crosscutting longer boards might be a little more difficult.

  As far as advice on purchasing one, here's my $.02 worth:  Consider what
you want to do with your tablesaw.  My personal specifications for the 
purchase of a tablesaw were 1) portability and mobility, 2 & 3) quality 
construction and accurate cutting ability.  Even though the BT-3000 is almost
twice the price of portable Sears, Delta's, Tradesman, 8-1/4" Makita, and
slightly more than the 10" Makita, I thought it best met my criteria.
  If  you want a tablesaw strictly for shop use, and are not interested in
dragging it to a friend or in-law's house for some pain-in-the-butt not-for-
profit-project :-), I don't think I would recommend a BT-3000.  There are a 
number of comparably priced tablesaws that will work better in a shop setting.
Also, the BT-3000 doesn't have miter gauge slots milled into the table surface,
and that might exclude the use of shop-built jigs.

Tim Seiss
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