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I bought a Ryobi BT3100 table saw in December, and have been quite happy with it so far. One thing it does not come standard with, however, is a mitre slot. One must buy an accessory extension piece with the slot.

I like the sliding table with the adjustable angle "fence" though, but I'm wondering if this alone is sufficient for cutting fret slots. I'm somewhat concerned that there is support on only one side of the blade.

So anyway, I'd like to know, if you cut fret slots with your BT3100, how you're doing it. No point in trying to reinvent the wheel and all.

Best,

Michael
Michael McBroom38856.6328935185

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Live to Play, Play to Live

I imagine it wouldn't be that hard to make a sled that would attach to the sliding miter table. You might try looking on Bt3Central at some of their jig ideas, some pretty neat designs there for various jigs for that saw.

I haven't cut any fret slots on my Bt3100, but I have the accessory kit so I'll probably just use the miter slots.

FYI, the Bt3100, sadly, is being discontinued. If you think you'll ever want an accessory kit for it, you might try to find one now when they might have some in stock.

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Jonathan Kendall, Siloam Springs AR

Michael,

I have the older model Royobi BT3000 and it works awesome for cutting fret slots. I've never had a problem so you should be fine. BTW, that is one awesome tablesaw for the price. They have a webpage dedicated to BT3000/3001 owners. For the money, that is one workhorse of a saw and there are tons on people that have been using their saws for 15+ years without any trouble. For an inexpensive tablesaw, I would have no problem recommending it to others.

Cheers!

John

I set up my BT3100 using these alignment procedures.I cut slots in a RW fingerboard without a jig using a Blade I bought from Shane and blade stiffeners.The slots were right on the money.I used Cumpiano's method of marking the frets.For the record I am a true beginner and want to make a jig for this saw but haven't gotten around to it yet.Proper alignment of the SMT is crucial.I made lots of practice cuts first.
Hope this helps Michael
Tim

I like Sylvan Wells' slotting jig, although I cut mine by hand using a cobbled-up miter box.

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