Photo Index - General Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - 490

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
General Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Drummondville, QC

True Manufacturer:
General Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Drummondville, QC

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Band Saw
Machine Size:	15"
Submitted By:	Bill Moore

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	490
Date of Manufacturer:	2003
Serial Number:	G11057
Last Updated	12/13/2017 11:29:02 AM

Comments:

While I look forward to someday restoring my Walker Turner and Power King band saws, I have been looking for a ready to run saw to fit my near term needs. Enter this nice General 490.

I purchased it from a local retirement community's (spacious and superbly equipped) woodshop, who purchased it new. They are replacing two of these models with foot-operated 14" Baileighs, so I got lucky and caught their CL ad the day after it was posted (the other saw was already sold).

The saw has been very well-maintained through the shop's documented maintenance schedule and since they utilized multiple band saws of various sizes, both Generals were dedicated to light duty work. The saw was purchased new with General's smooth Excalibur fence system and the original motor was upgraded a few years ago with an excellent dual voltage 3/4 HP Baldor. Included were 6 extra blades and multiple NIB roller guide bearings, which were regularly replaced. The reputation of this saw seems to hold true. Beefy components and cast iron wheels make it rock solid, with little detected vibration - test cuts of hardwood scraps were like cutting butter. Also note the nice "I'm running!" LED rope light, a safety feature that was added to most of their machines in their very busy and often noisy shop. About the only blemish is the hole that was cut in the upper cover to accommodate a short-lived work light. I may find a suitable magnetic LED light to cover the hole. Ideally, the saw would have a bit more resaw capacity (or ability to add a riser) but in the end, the machine's great condition won me over.

General's serialization scheme is a bit unclear in the later years of their Canadian manufacturing (I believe "G" was first used in 1968) but based on feedback and paperwork provided by the original owner, I estimate an early 2000's production date.

Photo 1:

Comments: Front
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Back
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: Table/Fence
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 4:

Comments: Side
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 5:

Comments: Tag
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 6:

Comments: New Baldor Motor
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code