General vs General International
HoustonHeights
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
What is the difference between General and General International? I know they are the same company, but is there any difference between the machines sold under the different brands? Is a General jointer of higher quality (subject to more rigorous quality control standards, better materials) than a General International jointer? What about service? Is it hard to get service for a General machine outside of Canada?
Also, I would appreciate any feedback on the companies and their products. I am considering purchasing their 8″ jointer.
Replies
General is heavy duty industrial grade machinery that you'll see throughout commercial shops, schools, and serious hobby shops. It's made in Canada to old world standards and built to last lifetimes. Many have high end American made motors. General International is General's answer to the imports, and is still fairly high quality IMO...I view them as a direct competitors with Jet, Sunhill, Shop Fox, Bridgewood, & Delta & PM import machinery. It's nice that they differentiate clearly....have you tried tracking the lineage of some of the supposed American made machines lately?
My experiences with the company have been super. They're still a family owned business and treat people well. I had a problem with a GI miter gauge and they sent a new one within a week no questions asked....no problem with parts that I've heard of. I tend to view most of their machines with high regard and would usually buy with confidence.
Can General machines be purchased in the United States, or do they have to be purchased through a Canadian distributor?
Their distribution isn't as broad as PM or Delta, but there are many dealers in the US....one of the more recent notible chains is Woodcraft. Check their website for distributors:
http://www.general.ca
Edited 12/7/2005 8:11 pm ET by scotty
I recently purchased my 50-185 through a local Woodcraft. The price wasn't bad either. They are moving enough Generals that they are beginning to stock them. Don't know if this is a local issue or corporate. Worth giving your nearest franchiser a call.
I've sent General International at least 4 emails in the past 2 months. Zero response
Contact info is nil.........................you either email to their broken customer service desk or you call long distance up into Canada.
Not very impressed after my experience with their 50-185 Contractor saw....Have posted a review and am still resolving problems with help of guys on the internet.
http://home.wavecable.com/~m9er
Edited 3/4/2006 2:20 pm ET by m9er
I like my General International, It's a good saw for a fair price. I'm sure I would like the General even more if I clould justify the cost. Set up was a pain in the . . .
Could you do me a favor when you get a chance
Lower the blade to the stops and check the clearance between the blade and lower front trunion.........My first G.I. lowered right into the trunion.
My second G.I. saw is not aligning....I get it perfectly aligned to the miter slot with the blade raised and then discover as I lower the blade it shift out of alignment.
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