BT3K Handwheel Crank Pictorial History

[LCHIEN]

the attached picture illustrates the history of BT3 and sears clones handwheels.
FAQ rev 10 coming with more handwheel info...

Funny note - the later BT3000 front panel has an illustration of the use of the Bevel/elevation lever; the lever is visible thru the center of the handwheel meaning the original wheel is used in the illustration even though the handwheel has moved on...

of all the handwheels I like the 22811 the best - metal and business-like looking. Too bad it won't fit. Also note its larger diameter than the other handwheels. One of the old, old knocks on the 22811 was that the handle if rotated to the right elevation (crank up) and the rip fence set narrow and the rip handle pushed down, the two handles would interfere with each other's working.

[JimD]

I don't know a lot about the various handwheels but learned that the one on my BT3100 will slip before you strip out the threads in the motor casting. It is plastic and will not put enough torque on the shaft to strip the threads - when I have neglected lubrication. That seems like a good way to arrange things (if a little frustrating when I have to stop and lubricate).

Jim

[andrew.r.w]

Nice, Loring. Is there anything you don't know about this saw?

I've come up with a way to repair the BT3100 hand wheel. If I remember I'll post a description and photos if it works out OK.

[LCHIEN]

interesting progression of names, too.

Original BT3000 "10" Precision Benchtop Cutting System"
Later BT3000 (in three langauges) "10" Precision Woodcutting System"
BT3100 "10" Table Saw System"
Sear's saws "10-in Table Saw"

I guess nobody wanted to cut a benchtop.
I guess Ryobi was all about the system.

[Armini]

Weird..my Bt3100 is a 'Precision Woodcutting System'

[LCHIEN]

Weird..my Bt3100 is a 'Precision Woodcutting System'

that's what it is in your experience or that's what it says on the front panel?

[Armini]

that's what it is in your experience or that's what it says on the front panel?

Heh, we will leave my experience out of this...

To my surprise, the saw itself is a 'Table Saw System' but the documentation has the 'Precision Woodcutting System' - because of sight angles, I don't actually see the text on front of the machine that much. I am also pretty sure the box it shipped in said 'Precision...'

Edit: Saw was purchased in 2003.

[dbhost]

FWIW, on the BT3100, IF the fence handle tab thingamajig is bent, and the handle lowers too far to lock, the handle of the fence, and the handle of the handwheel WILL strike each other...

Another FWIW, I really like the style of the 22811 handle over the BT3100 "Playskool" handle... I just wish that...

A. It would fit, and...
B. it was more readily available...