Arg - broken BT3100

[adauria]

Well, I used my BT3100 for the first time today. I set the blade at max height to cut a large 4x4, a job it handled admirably. However, when I tried to lower the blade it wasn't going anywhere... Turning the crank in either direction yielded nothing.

So I spent a good 30-40 minutes poking around under there. I tried lubing somethings up, etc. Here's the deal - the selection knob works fine (i.e. angle v. blade height), and I can change the angle just fine. But the crank just doesn't affect blade height when that selection knob is set to lock angle and adjust height.

The shaft moves a little bit and moves that first gear just a little bit, but once it meets any resistance (i.e from the inertia of the second gear, the on that sits on the worm and raises or lowers it) it stops.

So I tried taking things apart starting with the crank. I was able to loosen but not tighten that hex nut on the face that holds it in. I need to get the proper sized allen wrench - headed to HF tomorrow to get it. I hope that's the problem, i.e. that I just loosened that handle somehow.

Any other ideas? Anyone else ever have this happen to them?

Also, how dangerous is it to use the blade at its highest setting for the time being? I am done cutting 4x4s and need to crosscut some 2x6s. I am inclined to hold off until I get this fixed. Good idea?

-Andrew

[LCHIEN]

those cranks are notoriously hard to get off, I think they use lock-tite or similar to hol that allen screw on.
I don't think it will help much taking it off anyway.

I suggest you get my FAQ which has one section discussing elevation problems.
Very often it turns out to be the elevation screw (you can find this on the right side ) jammed by too much sawdust.

[adauria]

Thank you! PM'd my email to you.

Where is this screw? On the right side of the crank handle on the outside of the case (I only see a set screw there), or somewhere on the inside of the case?

Thanks again!

-Andrew

[poolhound]

When you try to turn it is it locked and wont move or does it move freely but to no effect?

[LCHIEN]

Originally Posted by adauria

Thank you! PM'd my email to you.

Where is this screw? On the right side of the crank handle on the outside of the case (I only see a set screw there), or somewhere on the inside of the case?

Thanks again!

-Andrew

if you remove the right hand cover panel from the saw (be careful, the ground wire attaches this thing to the main carcass), you will see a vertical threaded rod ("the elevation screw") that is driven by the elevation crank thru a crown gear. THe motor housing rides this screw up and down to position the cut height.

Your first order of business is to clean this screw and everything attached to it, then lubricate it with a non-greasy dry lubricant that won't attract more dust.
The next order of business is to consistently clean the insides of the saw when used and better yet, attach a shop vac to the dust port on the rear of the saw so it won't happen again.

P.S. A couple more thoughts,
You say the crank turns but nothing goes up or down.
1. The handle has a square shaft, its' not likely to be slipping.
2, dust in the screw lift usually causes difficult raising, with resistance, not likely in your case, since the handle turns.
3. The most likely is that the lock lever for angle or elevation is not fully engaged, I would guess. Might be a dust issue.

[adauria]

Yes, exactly - the handle turns all day long, but it doesn't move the crowns!

I agree - must be related to engaging. I am going to poke around now. and see if I can figure it out. Wish me luck!

-Andrew

[poolhound]

Originally Posted by adauria

Yes, exactly - the handle turns all day long, but it doesn't move the crowns!

I agree - must be related to engaging. I am going to poke around now. and see if I can figure it out. Wish me luck!

-Andrew

Andrew,


Could simply be the allen bolt in the center of the wheel is loose. it takes a 3/16" allen wrench (at least mine does).