General International Tools
woodensplinter
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I have the 50-175 contractor’s saw and am very satisfied with it. The table is flat, the extensions were ground square, the blade arbour was aligned well from the factory with negligable runout, the miter gauge is good. The set up manual was not well written but it was good enough for a novice to get the saw together (four hours, give or take).
What would I like to see changed? The access to the arbour nut is a little tight, for my paws. The blade guard/splitter is typical of contractor saws; a bit of a pain to remove/install, but it works well. The new ones have an improved switch (kinda like a paddle on the off button), which I like.
I guess the most important question is: Would I buy one again? My answer: Without hesitation.
Replies
While the General machinery is in a different league, I've always thought GI was excellent value for home and some commercial shop applications. General/GI is still a family owned business and has excellent customer service in my experience. Many of the their machines are at or near the top of their class.
The 50-185 TS that I owned was one of the best contractor saws on the market...it had a stock miter gauge that was well above average, an outstanding fence, a strong motor, and was heavy duty throughout.
Edited 11/2/2005 7:25 pm ET by scotty
I have a General International 6" jointer - - had it for 10 or more years and never had a problem. I'm a basement woodworker but have put a lot of wood through the jointer in the last year - red oak, beech, white ash and pine. Every few months, depending on use, I take a few hours to remove the 3 blades, sharpen them and reset them. I forget how much I paid for the jointer - Can $ - but I recommend it.
Hi Zander; I have seven GI machines. - 50 220 Hybrid cab saw - 14in. Bandsaw - 17in Drill press - 6in. Jointer - 6x89 Stationary Belt Sander - midisize GI Maxi Lathe - 1hp. Dust Collector.
I went with the GI machines because as a weekend WWer I couldn't justify the cost of going with General or other machines in that class, and price range.
I think the GI machines are at the top of there class (Import class that is), in terms of design, quality control in manufacturing, and customer service. Every one of my GI machines worked perfectly right out of the box. I've never needed a replacement part, or required warranty work on any of the machines.
I'm very happy with the performance on all my GI machines, and would recommend them to anyone looking for the best equipment they could get without breaking the bank.
Cheers. Walker1
I own the General 220 Table Saw, and the 6" jointer (don't remember the model number). Great tools.
In the upcoming weeks I plan to buy a 14" Bandsaw, and Drill Press. I am also leaning towards their dust collector.
Great quality for a great price. I've dealt with their customer service, and it is very good. I've used older GI and General Canada tools at a high school (by far more abuse than my shop), and the stand up well.
Here in Canada General as a brand is by far the best available locally.
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