Rotating & oscillating effect ensures
exceptional finishing results.
Precision ground cast iron table.
On-board side mounted spindle storage.
Tilting table for sanding beveled parts.
2” diameter dust outlet with 2” to 4”
adapter fitting included.
5 interchangeable spindle assemblies:
1/4", 1/2", 5/8", 1 1/2", 2" dia.with 100 grit
sand paper.
1 1/2" & 2" spindles come with rubber
drums.
Includes 4 table inserts to accomodate
different spindle sizes.
OSCILLATIONS PER MINUTE
29
LENGTH OF OSCILLATION
15⁄16” (24 mm)
TABLE SIZE
14 1⁄2” x 14 1⁄2” (368 x 368 mm)
TABLE TILT
0° - 45°
TABLE HEIGHT FROM BOTTOM OF BASE
18 5⁄16” (465 mm)
SPINDLE SIZES
1⁄4” TO 2” (6.2 TO 50.8 mm)
DUST CHUTE OUTLET
2” (50.8 mm)
SPINDLE SPEED
1720 RPM
BASE DIMENSIONS (L x W
14 1⁄2” x 14 1⁄2” (368 x 368 mm)
MOTOR
1⁄2 HP, 110 V, 7.5 A
WEIGHT
81 LBS (37 kg)
VERSION 2 - REVISION 2 (JANUARY 2012)
© COPYRIGHT GENERAL INTERNATIONAL 2012
THANK YOU
for choosing this General® International model 15-220 oscillating
spindle sander. This machine has been carefully tested and inspected before shipment and if
properly used and maintained, will provide you with years of reliable service. To ensure
optimum performance and trouble-free operation, and to get the most from your investment,
please take the time to read this manual before assembling, installing and operating the unit.
The manual’s purpose is to familiarize you with the safe operation, basic function, and features
of this oscillating spindle sander as well as the set-up, maintenance and identification of its
parts and components. This manual is not intended as a substitute for formal woodworking
instruction, nor to offer the user instruction in the craft of woodworking. If you are not sure about
the safety of performing a certain operation or procedure, do not proceed until you can
confirm, from knowledgeable and qualified sources, that it is safe to do so.
Once you’ve read through these instructions, keep this manual handy for future reference.
All component parts of General® International machinery are carefully tested and inspected during all stages of
production, and each machine is thoroughly inspected upon completion of assembly. Because of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, General® International agrees to repair or replace, within a period of 24
months from date of purchase, any genuine part or parts which, upon examination, prove to be defective in workmanship or material. In order to obtain this warranty, all defective parts must be returned freight pre-paid to
General® International Mfg. Co., Ltd. Repairs attempted without our written authorization will void this warranty.
GENERAL ® INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY
Disclaimer:
The information and specifications in this manual pertain to
the unit as it was supplied from the factory at the time of printing.
Because we are committed to making constant improvements,
General® International reserves the right to make changes to components, parts or features of this unit as deemed necessary, without prior
notice and without obligation to install any such changes on previously
delivered units. Reasonable care is taken at the factory to ensure that
the specifications and information in this manual corresponds with that
of the unit with which it was supplied. However, special orders and “after
factory” modifications may render some or all information in this
manual inapplicable to your machine. Further, as several generations of
this oscillating spindle sander and several versions of this manual may
be in circulation, if you own an earlier or later version of this unit, this
manual may not depict your machine exactly. If you have any doubts
or questions contact your retailer or our support line with the model and
serial number of your unit for clarification.
GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL
8360 Champ-d’Eau, Montreal (Quebec) Canada H1P 1Y3
Telephone (514) 326-1161 • Fax (514) 326-5555
www.general.ca
Rules for Safe Operation
To help e nsure s afe o pera tion, ple ase ta ke a m om e nt to lea rn the m achine ’s applications and lim itatio ns, as well as p ote n tial hazar ds. Gen e ral Intern a tiona l disclaim s any re al or implied w arra nty a n d
hold itse lf ha rm le ss for a n y in ju ry th at m a y resu lt from the im p rope r use of it’s e quipment.
1. Do not operate this sander when tired, distracted or
under the effects of drugs, alcohol or any medication that impairs reflexes or alertness.
2. Keep the work area well lit, clean and free of debris.
3. Stay alert! Give your work your undivided attention.
Even a momentary distraction can lead to serious
injury.
4. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets,
necklaces, or other jewelry. Wear face, eye, ear,
respiratory and body protection devices. Wear
protective hair covering to contain long hair and
wear non-slip footwear.
5. Keep hands well away from the spindle and all
moving parts. Do not clear chips and sawdust
away with hands. Use a brush.
6. Fine particulate dust is a carcinogen that can be
hazardous to health. Always work in a well ventilated area and whenever possible use a dust
collector to minimize health hazards.
7. Be sure the spindle has achieved full operating
speed before beginning to sand.
8. Be aware of the direction of the spindle rotation
before feeding the workpiece and always feed the
workpiece against the rotation.
17. Use only recommended parts and accessories. The
use of parts or accessories NOT recommended by
General® International may result in a risk of injury.
18. Make sure the machine is properly grounded. If
equipped with three-prong plug, it should be
plugged into a three-pole electrical receptacle.
Never remove the third-prong.
19. Always disconnect the unit from the power source
before changing accessories such as sanding
spindles or sleeves or before performing any maintenance and adjustments or if the machine will be
left unattended.
20. Make sure that switch is in the “Off” position before
plugging in to a power source.
21. Be sure that all adjustment tools, wrenches or other
clutter are removed from the machine and safely
stored before turning on the unit.
22. Avoid working from awkward or off balance
positions. Do not overreach and always keep both
feet firmly on the floor.
23. Remove yellow start key when machine is not running & use the padlock.
24. When making a special change or adjustment,
always use the correct tool or wrench.
9. Do not force the spindle. It will perform better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.
10. Keep children and shop visitors at a safe distance
when the unit is running – do not permit them to
operate the machine.
11. Do not operate with a damaged spindle or with a
damaged or torn sanding sleeve.
12. Be sure the sanding spindle is securely installed in
the machine before starting the machine.
13. Never leave the machine unattended while running or with the power on.
14. Do not sand without a table insert in place. If an
insert must be removed for maintenance or spindle
changes make sure it is properly re-installed before
re-starting the machine.
15. Hold the workpiece firmly against the table and use
suitable support if the workpiece does not have a
flat surface.
16. Never stand on or lean against this machine.
Serious injury could occur if the sander is tipped
over or if the sanding spindle is unintentionally
contacted.
25. When using an extension cord, be sure the cord is
in good condition and heavy enough.
26. Always use safety glasses or proper face or dust
protection.
27. Maintain tools with care if applicable. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
28. Disconnect tools before servicing.
29. Always feed work against the direction of rotation.
30. Do not use this spindle sander for other than it’s
intended use. If used for other purposes, GENERAL®
INTERNATIONAL disclaims any real or implied
warranty and holds itself harmless for any injury,
which may result from that use.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
Before connecting the machine to the power source, verify that the voltage of your power supply corresponds
with the voltage specified on the motor I.D. nameplate.
A power source with greater voltage than needed can
result in serious injury to the user as well as damage to
the machine. If in doubt, contact a qualified electrician
before connecting to the power source.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
In the event of an electrical malfunction or short circuit, grounding
reduces the risk of electric shock to. This motor of this machine is wired
for 110V single phase operation and is equipped with a 3-conductor
cord and a 3-prong grounded plug to fit a grounded type socket. Do
not remove the the 3rd prong (grounding pin) to make it fit into an old
2-hole wall socket.If an adaptor plug is used it must be attached to the
metal screw of the socket. The wall socket must be properly installed
and grounded. Note: The use of an adaptor plug is illegal in some
areas. Check you local codes.
DO NOT MODIFY THE PLUG PROVIDED.
If it will not fit your receptacle, have the proper receptacle installed
by a qualified electrician.
CHECK with a qualified electrician or service person if you do not
completely understand these grounding instructions, or if you are not
sure the tool is properly grounded.
Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. The conductor
with insulation having an outer surface that is green with or without yellow stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary, do not connect the equipment-grounding
conductor to a live terminal. Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if the grounding instructions are
not completely understood, or if in doubt as to whether the tool is properly grounded.
In all cases, make certain the receptacle is properly grounded. If you are not sure, have a qualified electrician check the receptacle.
This tool is for indoor use only. Do not expose to
rain or use in damp locations.
A
B
This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet that looks like the one illustrated in A. The tool has a
grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated in A on the sketch above. A temporary adapter, which looks like
the adapter illustrated in B, may be used to connect this plug to a 2 pole receptacle if a properly grounded outlet
is not available. The temporary adapter should be used only until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by
a qualified electrician. This adapter is not permitted in Canada. The green-colored rigid ear, lug, and the like,
extending from the adapter must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box.
This tool must be grounded while in use to protect the operator from electrical shock.
EXTENSION CORDS:
RECEPTACLES THAT ACCEPT THE TOOL’S PLUG. REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR WORN CORD IMMEDIATELY.
If you find it necessary to use an extension cord with your machine make sure the cord rating is suitable for the
amperage listed on the motor I.D. plate. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of
power and overheating. The accompanying chart shows the correct size extension cord to be used based on cord
length and motor I.D. plate amp rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the number the
heavier the gauge.
AMPERES
(AMPS)
USE ONLY 3-WIRE EXTENSION CORDS THAT HAVE 3-PRONG GROUNDING PLUGS AND 3-POLE
EXTENSION CORD LENGTH
25 feet 50 feet 75 feet 100 feet 150 feet 200 feet
< 5 16 16 16 14 12 12
5 to 8 16 16 14 12 10 NR
8 to 12 14 14 12 10 NR NR
12 to 15 12 12 10 10 NR NR
15 to 20 10 10 10 NR NR NR
21 to 30 10 NR NR NR NR NR
* Based on limiting the line voltage drop to 5V at 150% of the rated amperes.
4
NR = Not Recommended
VERTICAL OSCILLATING SPINDLE SANDER
15-220
IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS AND COMPONENTS
ACCESSORY STORAGE
BASE
CAST-IRON TABLE
SWITCH ASSEMBLY
TABLE INSERT
TABLE TILT LOCK LEVER
SANDING SPINDLE
5
UNPACKING AND SET-UP
UNPACKING
Carefully unpack and remove the unit and its components from its shipping container and check for missing or
damaged items as per the list of contents below.
NOTE: Please report any damaged or missing items to your GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL distributor immediately.
LIST OF CONTENTS
Separate and verify that all parts are in your accessories
hardware bags.
QTY
MACHINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
RED STOP COVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
DUST HOSE ADAPTOR 2” TO 4” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
SANDING SPINDLE HARDWARE
— Sanding drum spindle assembly 1 1/2” . . . . . .1
— Sanding drum spindle assembly 2” . . . . . . . . .1
— Sanding sleeve 5/8” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
— Sanding sleeve 1/2” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
— Sanding sleeve 1/4” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
— Spindle 5/8” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
— Spindle 1/2” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
— Spindle 1/4” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
TABLE INSERT 2”(oblong) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
TABLE INSERT 3/4” (oblong) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
TABLE INSERT 3/4”(round -*
Mounted on the machine) . . . . .1
TABLE INSERT 2” (round) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
10-12 mm WRENCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
14-17 mm WRENCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
6
SET UP SAFETY
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SET UP
• Machinists square
• Medium Phillips Screwdriver
• An extra person for help lifting
Serious personal injury could occur if you connect the machine to the power source before
you have completed the set up process. DO NOT
connect the machine to the power source until
instructed to do so.
The MODEL 15-220M1 is a heavy machine
(81 lbs shipping weight–37kg). Do not overexert. Arrange to have help nearby and ready
for unpacking and set up.