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Thanks JJ I was wondering too but didn't want to ask

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

All saws except the Powermatic used to come right tilt. Most people rip with
the fence to the right of the blade, which is where the fence arms usually
extend. With the blade tilted toward the fence, it's easy for the work to bind
when ripping, especially if the fence isn't aligned perfectly. It's also easier to
align the narrower side of a bevel cut if that side is facing down--it aligns to
the blade. Powermatic was
seen as having an advantage here, so the others started offering it. Table
saws are subtly right-handed, with the power switches at the left hand, and
the fence at the right.Howard Klepper38685.6526041667

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Thanks, Howard...that makes a lot of sense.

So, I should only consider left-tilting blades. Still, I'm curious as to why a Grizzly right tilt is cheaper ($20-$40) than a left tilt? Tradition, familiarity, higher volume?

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Rumor has it these saws are going on sale at Home Depot for $199 starting Dec 1. Some stores already have it out at that price... There's also currently a $50 rebate.

Check this thread over at the BT3Central "Bargain Alerts" part of the forum.

They're gonna go fast I'm sure, at that price.

Edit: By "these saws" I meant the Ryobi BT3100...letseatpaste38686.7969675926

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Jonathan Kendall, Siloam Springs AR

hanks again to everyone for their helpful advice. The $100 discount that HD is offering on the Ryobi BT3100 was enough to push me over the edge. I just bought one. I couldn't wait until the wife got home with the family wagon, so I went ahead and tooled down there on my motorcycle to confirm that they had one in stock and that, indeed, the price was $199. Yup, on both accounts. So, I went ahead and bought it, and I'll pick it up later today once my wife gets home.

By the way, the review on the Ryobi at newwoodworker.com appears to have an error. The BT3100 does indeed come with a sliding mitre table extension. It doesn't have mitre slots, per se, but given the fact that the two table extensions can be positioned anywhere you want, they can be spaced out from the center table at, say, 3/4", so a mitre gauge could be used. But with a sliding mitre table, I don't see much of a need, to be honest. I suspect this will be the saw's handiest feature for me. It will make easy work out of cutting neck scarfs and side slots in classical necks.

Now that I have the saw, I have another question: what type of blade do you recommend that will cut a clean slot with a minimum of splintering? The blade on the table saw I have now cuts a pretty smooth kerf on one side of a piece of wood, but the other tends to get splintered pretty well.


Best,

Michael

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Live to Play, Play to Live

Mario is bullish on the Freud Diablo blade...if he likes it, it must be a good one.

I'm now also looking at that same model...this has been an interesting thread.

Michael, keep us posted on the saw as you learn more.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

I posted this on luthierforum, too... The stock blade on the Ryobi is a thin kerf blade made by Freud, you might give it a shot... I've been real happy with mine, smooth cuts so far.

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Jonathan Kendall, Siloam Springs AR

Aside from spending the time to get everything properly aligned, are there any suggestions from the experts as to how to get the best performance out of such a saw?

-Which Diablo blade?
-Ripping, combo or cross-cut?
-7-1/4" or 10"?
-24 teeth or 40 teeth?

-Would stabilizers be recommended?

-What blade is recommended for cutting fret slots?

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

When the Ryobi BT3000 was new in '93, it cost $650 from the discount mail order places. At $200, the BT3100 is a steal. There is a miter slot attachment which wouldn't be a bad investment, although at the current base price of the saw it looks like a lot of money.

So I called my local HD and asked about the BT3100. Sure enough...reduced from $300 to $200 plus the $50 rebate. They had 3 left...now they only have 2 left. For $150 I couldn't pass it up.

Thanks to all and especially Michael and Jon for the heads-up and helping me get a much needed tool for a great price!

And the BT-3 Central forum will be a great place to learn how to use it.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

I'm glad you were able to find one. I still consider mine a good deal at the regular price of $300. It seems crazy that they're going for $150 and less after rebate (If you've recently moved and can get an HD 10% off coupon).

I regularly check the "Bargain Alerts" forum over there at BT3Central. That's a good one to keep your eye on, particularly if you are just starting to acquire tools for your woodworking shop.

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Jonathan Kendall, Siloam Springs AR

Folks,

Well, I assembled my new BT3100 this morning. Took me about three hours for the basic assembly. I still need to true up the rip fence and do whatever sorts of adjustments might be necessary. Havn't tried it out yet, though. That'll come tomorrow.

I gotta say that for $150 (including rebate), there's nothing else that comes close. This is actually a very well made saw, and I expect to get years of use out of it.

Best,

Michael
Michael McBroom38688.7916898148

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Live to Play, Play to Live