BT3000 Belt Replacement and Shim Adjustment
Instructions from Ryobi Technical Support
Submitted by Jim Frye
The following document is transcribed from the sheet that Ryobi Technical Support
sends out if you request belt-changing instructions. It also contains information about
adjusting the setscrews that hold the guide holder shims in proper alignment and
instructions for taking the motor out. Ed Ellickson (see his article elsewhere on this site)
expanded on this article to make belt changing even easier. Ed’s article should
accompany this one for anyone planning to change their own drive belts on the BT3K.
BT3000 Repair by Ryobi
Have you ever completely disassembled a power tool to replace a minor part, only
to discover that there was an easier way to complete the repair in half the time?
Ryobi’s BT3000 10” Table Saw is one of those tools, with multiple parts and
adjustment points, on which repairs can become unnecessarily time consuming if you don’t
pre-plan logically. All operational and squaring adjustments are simple operations, fully
explained in the videocassette and/or owner’s manual supplied with each saw. However,
the replacement of parts associated with the motor assembly is likely to become timeconsuming if the proper procedure isn’t followed.
The BT3000 transmits power from the motor to the spindle through two V-belts
aligned side by side on a pair of pulleys. Continued and/or prolonged blade stalling and
extended use may lead to belt wear and breakage. Due to the position of the V-belts, belt
replacement is not a function that will be performed by the user. A service technician can
replace one or both belts in as little as twenty minutes when observing the following
procedure:
1. Remove throat plate (ref. #76), blade guard assembly (ref. #95), and blade (ref.
#500).
2. Lower spindle to lowest position remove left cabinet panel (ref. #9), turn saw upside
down, and remove dust cover (ref. #12).
3. Remove guide holder (ref. #80) and four shims (ref. #3 & #86) by removing six
screws (ref. #87 & #89) and tapping on spindle with a soft mallet while pulling guide
holder out.
4. At this point, belts are easily accessible and may be removed by walking them off,
one at a time.
5. After walking new belts onto the pulleys, reverse the above procedure to
reassemble. (Here’s where Ed’s article comes into play)
NOTE: The shims must be replaced in the same position as they were removed or
binding will occur. Follow this procedure:
A. Place a small dab of grease on the inside of the shims to keep the shims in
place on the holder (ref. #11 on motor breakdown) and locker bracket (ref.
#10) while the guide holder is being secured.
B. After the guide holder is reassembled, apply light duty Loctite to the four set
screws (ref. #73) and tighten until they make contact with the shims, and then
back them off 1/8 of a turn. Over tightening the setscrews will scar the shims
and possibly cause binding.
C. Once the setscrews are proper positioned, try to move the motor assembly
from side to side. If any play is detected, tighten the setscrews slightly until
all movement is eliminated.
Any work performed on the BT3000 motor assembly, such as armature or bearing
replacement, requires following steps one through three above in the procedure to replace
V-belts.
1-3. Follow steps outlined above. This allows access to the holder (ref. #11 on
motor breakdown).
4. Remove the four pan head screws that secure the holder to the motor housing.
Then remove the right cabinet panel (ref. #8).
5. You will now be able to separate the motor housing from the holder to replace
any defective parts within the motor assembly.
Questions regarding repair, adjustment or use of the BT3000 may be directed to
Ryobi’s Technical Services Department at 1-800-323-4615, ext. 3380.
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