General 50-220RCL M1, 50-220RC M1, 50-220R M1 User Manual

Name: General 50-220RCL M1
Brand: General
SKU: 2504913
Rating: 4.8 (4 reviews)

4.8 (4)

SETUP & OPERATION MANUAL

FEATURES

New! Combination riving style splitter and blade guard with anti-kickback pawls and a second European style riving knife also included.

Large, precision-ground, 44" x 27" cast-iron table with two extension wings.

4" dust port allows easy connection to a dust collection system.

Unique digital display for blade angle.

Large paddle-style stop switch.

Ruggedly built saw carriage with solid castiron trunnions.

Large motor access door for quick cleaning and easier maintenance.

Convenient arbor lock for fast one-tool blade changes.

3 Fence options including new Excalibur aluminum T-fence (50-220R), and made in Canada General “T-Fence” system with 28" (50-220RC M1) or 50" (50-220RCL M1) guide rails.

SPECIFICATIONS

BLADE DIAMETER 10" (254 MM)

ARBOR DIAMETER 5/8" (16 MM)

ARBOR TILT RANGE 0° À 45°

MAXIMUM DEPTH OF CUT AT 90° 3 1⁄8" (80 mm)

MAXIMUM DEPTH OF CUT AT 45° 2 1⁄4" (57 MM)

DADO CAPACITY 3⁄4" (19 MM)

DUST PORT DIAMETER 4" (102 MM)

ARBOR SPEED 4200 RPM

TABLE HEIGHT

35 3⁄8" (899 MM)

TABLE SIZE (W/EXTENSION WINGS) 44" X 27" (1118 X 686 MM)

TABLE SIZE (W/O EXTENSION WINGS) 20" X 27" (508 X 686 MM)

BASE DIMENSIONS (L X W) 20" X 20" (508 X 508 MM)

MOTOR (PRE-WIRED 110 V) 2 HP, 110/220 V, 13/6.5 A

WEIGHT

312 LBS (142 KG)

10" TILTING ARBOR SAW

– LEFT TILT

MODEL

#50-220R M1 #50-220RC M1 #50-220RCL M1

REVISION 1 - June 17/08

GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL

8360 Champ-d’Eau, Montreal (Quebec) Canada H1P 1Y3 Telephone (514) 326-1161 • Fax (514) 326-5555 • www.general.ca

THANK YOU for choosing this General® International model 50-220R M1/ 50220RC M1 / 50-220RCL M1 10" Tilting Arbor Saw. This saw 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 saw 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.

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 corres-

ponds 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 model of saw 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® MFG & GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY

All component parts of General® MFG, General® International and Excalibur by General International ® products are carefully inspected during all stages of production and each unit is thoroughly inspected upon completion of assembly.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Because of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, General® MFG and General® International agree to repair or replace any part or component which upon examination, proves to be defective in either workmanship or material to the original purchaser for the life of the tool. However, the Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover any product used for professionnal or commercial production purposes nor for industrial or educational applications. Such cases are covered by our Standard 2-year Limited Warranty only. The Limited Lifetime Warranty is also subject to the “Conditions and Exceptions” as listed below.

Standard 2-Year Limited Warranty

All products not covered by our lifetime warranty including products used in commercial, industrial and educational applications are warranted for a period of 2 years (24 months) from the date of purchase. General® MFG and General® International agree to repair or replace any part or component which upon examination, proves to be defective in either workmanship or material to the original purchaser during this 2-year warranty period, subject to the “conditions and exceptions” as listed below.

To file a Claim

To file a claim under our Standard 2-year Limited Warranty or under our Limited Lifetime Warranty, all defective parts, components or machinery must be returned freight or postage prepaid to General® International, or to a nearby distributor, repair center or other location designated by General® International. For further details call our service department at 1-888- 949-1161 or your local distributor for assistance when filing your claim.

Along with the return of the product being claimed for warranty, a copy of the original proof of purchase and a “letter of claim” must be included (a warranty claim form can also be used and can be obtained, upon request, from General® International or an authorized distributor) clearly stating the model and serial number of the unit (if applicable) and including an explanation of the complaint or presumed defect in material or workmanship.

CONDITIONS AND EXCEPTIONS:

This coverage is extended to the original purchaser only. Prior warranty registration is not required but documented proof of purchase i.e. a copy of original sales invoice or receipt showing the date and location of the purchase as well as the purchase price paid, must be provided at the time of claim.

Warranty does not include failures, breakage or defects deemed after inspection by General® MFG or General® International to have been directly or indirectly caused by or resulting from; improper use, or lack of or improper maintenance, misuse or abuse, negligence, accidents, damage in handling or transport, or normal wear and tear of any generally considered consumable parts or components.

Repairs made without the written consent of General® Internationallwill void all warranty.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Grounding instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Circuit capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Converting the motor to 220V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Extension cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS AND COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

BASIC FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

List of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Additional requirements for set up . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SHOP / ESTABLISHING A SAFETY ZONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

CLEAN UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Install the table exension wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Mount fence storage brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Install the fence assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Front fence rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Rear fence rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Install the General “T-Fence” assembly . . . . . .12

Front fence rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Rear fence rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Mount the switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Install / remove a saw blade . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Install a saw blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 To remove a saw blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Install and adjust riving knife . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Select a riving knife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Removal/Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Centering the splitter/riving knife on the blade .15

Level the table insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Align and level the rip fence . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Align the rip fence parallel to the blade . . . . . . .16 Align the rip fence 90º to the table . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Level the fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Adjust & align rip fence pointer . . . . . . . . . . .	17
Connecting to a dust collector . . . . . . . . . . .	18
BASIC ADJUSTMENTS AND CONTROLS . . . . . .	18

Connecting to a power source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 ON / OFF switch and safety pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Blade height & tilt adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Blade height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Blade tilt (bevel) adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Resetting digital bevel angle readout . . . . . . .19

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20
Types of cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20

Ripping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Bevel ripping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Ripping small work pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Cross cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Bevel cross cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Adjusting and using the miter gauge . . . . . . .

Adding an auxiliary fence to the miter gauge . .22 Miter cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Compound miter cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Using a dado head blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.23

MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . . .23

Periodic maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Adjusting the 45 º & 90 º bevel stops . . . . . . . . . . .24 Adjusting the bevel angle pointer . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Recommended optional accessories . . . . .25

Parts list and diagrams . . . . . . . . . . .26 - 34

Contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

To help ensure safe operation, please take a moment to learn the machine’s applications and limitations, as well as potential hazards. General® International disclaims any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless for any injury that may result from improper use of its equipment.

1.Do not operate the saw when tired, distracted, or under the effects of drugs, alcohol or any medication that impairs reflexes or alertness.

2.The working area should be well lit, clean and free of debris.

3.Keep children and visitors at a safe distance when the saw is in operation; do not permit them to operate the saw.

4.Childproof and tamper proof your shop and all machinery with locks, master electrical switches and switch keys, to prevent unauthorized or unsupervised use.

5.Stay alert! Give your work your undivided attention. Even a momentary distraction can lead to serious injury.

6.Fine particulate dust is a carcinogen that can be hazardous to health. Work in a well-ventilated area and whenever possible use a dust collector and wear eye, ear and respiratory protection devices.

7.Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, necklaces or other jewelry while the saw is in operation. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair and wear non-slip footwear.

8.Be sure that adjusting wrenches, tools, drinks and other clutter are removed from the machine and/or the feed table surface before operating.

9.Keep hands well away from the blade and all moving parts. Use a brush, not hands, to clear away chips and dust.

10.Be sure that the blade is securely installed and in proper cutting direction before operation.

11.Be sure the blade has gained full operating speed before beginning to cut.

12.Always use a clean, properly sharpened blade. Dirty or dull blades are unsafe and can lead to accidents.

13.If using a power feeder, stop the feeder before stopping the table saw.

14.Do not push or force stock into the blade. The saw will perform better and more safely when working at the rate for which it was designed.

15.Use suitable support when cutting stock that does not have a flat surface. Always hold stock firmly against the fence when ripping, or against the miter gauge when cross-cutting.

16.To minimize risk of injury in the event of workpiece kickback, never stand directly in-line with the blade or in the potential kickback path of the work piece.

17.Avoid working from awkward or off balance positions. Do not overreach while cutting; keep both feet on floor. Never lean over or reach over the blade and never pull the work piece over the blade from behind. Use out feed support or have an assistant help when ripping long material.

18.Keep blade guards in place and in working order. If a guard must be removed for maintenance or cleaning, be sure it is properly reattached before using the tool again.

19.Never leave the machine running with the power on when not in operation.

20.Use of parts and accessories NOT recommended by GENERAL→ INTERNATIONAL may result in equipment malfunction or risk of injury.

21.Never stand on machinery. Serious injury could result if the tool is tipped over or if the blade is unintentionally contacted.

22.Always disconnect tool from power before servicing or changing accessories such as blades, or before performing any maintenance, cleaning or adjustments, or if the machine will be left unattended.

23.Make sure that switch is in "OFF" position before plugging in the power cord.

24.Make sure the tool is properly grounded. If equipped with a 3-prong plug it should be used with a three-pole receptacle. Never remove the third prong.

25.Do not use this saw for other than its intended use. If used for other purposes, GENERAL→ INTERNATIONAL disclaims any real 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.

THIS TOOL IS FOR INDOOR USE ONLY. DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR USE IN WET OR DAMP LOCATIONS.

to do so, you may risk serious personal injury, damage to the motor and voiding the warranty of your machine. We suggest you ask your local General International distributor to recommend qualified electricians in your area (or perhaps one of their own technicians) who can make this conversion properly and safely.

EXTENSION CORDS

If you find it necessary to use an extension cord with your machine, use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3- prong grounding plug and a matching 3-pole receptacle that accepts the tool’s plug. Repair or replace a damaged extension cord or plug immediately.

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.

TABLE - MINIMUM GAUGE FOR CORD

		TOTAL LENGTH OF CORD IN FEET
AMPERE	110 VOLTS	25 FEET	50 FEET	100 FEET	150 FEET
RATING	220 VOLTS	50 FEET	100 FEET	200 FEET	300 FEET
			AWG
< 5	------->	18	16	16	14
6 TO 10	------->	18	16	14	12
10 TO 12	------->	16	16	14	12
12 TO 16	------->	14	12	* NR	* NR

* NR = Not Recommended

10" TILTING ARBOR SAW

50-220R M1

IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS AND COMPONENTS

50-220R VERSION SHOWN - 50-220RC & 50-220RCL VERSION VARY SLIGHTLY

LEFT TABLE EXTENSION*

FRONT RAIL

MAIN TABLE

BLADE TILT HANDWHEEL

BLADE GUARD AND SPLITTER ASSEMBLY

ON/OFF SWITCH

MITER GAUGE

BEVEL SCALE

FENCE

DIGITAL BEVEL INDICATOR

REAR RAIL

BLADE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT HANDWHEEL

RIGHT TABLE EXTENSION

DUST OUTLET

TABLE INSERT

* Not included on special order model 50-220REX 40/60.

BASIC FUNCTIONS

This hybrid saw has been designed for cutting solid wood as well as manufactured wood materials such as plywood, wood panelling, particleboard, mdf and other wood based by-products. This saw is not designed for cutting metals nor for cutting any materials other than wood or wood based stock.

This saw is designed for use with maximum 10" (250mm) diameter blades having a center hole diameter of 5/8". The blade can be raised to cut a maximum stock thickness of 3 1/8" with the blade set 90 degrees to the table. The blade can be tilted up to 45 degrees to the left for bevel cuts to a maximum stock thickness of 2 1/4". Using any standard aftermarket 8" diameter stacked dado blade set (not included), the maximum dado cutting capacity of this saw is 3/4". Note: for safer dado cutting, an optional dado table insert (part number #50-230R) can be purchased through your General International distributor.

The 50-220R is supplied with both a riving style splitter/blade guard assembly and a European style riving knife that are both designed to raise or lower and tilt with the blade, and maintain a consistent distance to the blade at all times, regardless of the height or angle of the blade. This can help reduce (but not totally eliminate) the risk of a kickback incident, where the workpiece is thrown back at the operator by helping to prevent the workpiece from getting stuck between the blade and the riving style splitter or riving knife (as compared to a traditional stationary splitter) or from closing up on the back of the blade as it passes through the cut.

UNPACKING

Carefully unpack and remove the saw and its components from the box and check for damaged or missing 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	QTY
SAW ................................................................................	1
TABLE EXTENSION ..........................................................	2
EXTENSION TABLE MOUNTING HARDWARE..................	8
SPLITTER / RIVING KNIFE................................................	3
SPACER ...........................................................................	1
RIVING KNIFE.................................................................	1
FENCE STORAGE BRACKET & HARDWARE ....................	2
MITER GAUGE ................................................................	1
FRONT RAIL (2 PCS) ......................................................	1
REAR RAIL (2 PCS).........................................................	1
RIP FENCE ......................................................................	1
2.5 MM ALLEN KEY ........................................................	1
6 MM ALLEN KEY ...........................................................	1
12-14 MM COMBINATION WRENCH ............................	1
ARBOR WRENCH ...........................................................	1
FRONT RAIL MOUNTING HARDWARE ...........................	6
REAR RAIL MOUNTING HARDWARE..............................	6

*Included with model 50-220R only.

**One only Included with model 50-220REX.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SET UP

•Extra person for help with lifting

•Phillips Screwdriver

•Socket wrench kit (recommended)

• Straightedge

• Machinist square or triangle square

PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SHOP /

ESTABLISHING A SAFETY ZONE

THIS MODEL 50-220R 10" TILTING ARBOR SAW IS HEAVY. DO NOT OVER-EXERT. A HOIST OR FORKLIFT WITH STRAPS SHOULD BE USED TO LIFT THIS MACHINE.

TO LIMIT THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE, ANY EQUIPMENT USED TO LIFT THIS MACHINE SHOULD HAVE A RATED CAPACITY IN EXCESS OF 312 LBS (142 KGS).

CLEAN UP

The protective coating on the saw table prevents rust from forming during shipping and storage. Remove it by rubbing with a rag dipped in kerosene, mineral spirits or paint thinner. (Dispose of potentially flammable solventsoaked rags according to manufacturer’s safety recommendations.)

A putty knife, held flat to avoid scratching the surface, may also be used to scrape off the coating followed by clean-up with solvent. Avoid rubbing the saw’s painted surfaces, as many solvent-based products will remove paint.

To prevent rust, apply a light coating of paste wax or use regular applications of any after-market surface protectant or rust inhibitor.

Tip: With a screw driver, push a solvent-saturated rag into the T-slots to remove the grease.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALL THE TABLE EXTENSION WINGS

Attach the table extension wings to the main table using 8 12 mm hex head bolts (4 per wing), and 8 lock washers . Align the table extensions with the table and loosely attach the bolts. Place a straightedge on the table and extension as shown to align the extension table and then tighten down the bolts.

Note: Be sure that the table extension wings are flush with front edge of table .

MOUNT FENCE STORAGE BRACKETS

The miter gauge and arbor wrench storage brackets are already installed on the saw. Install the fence storage brackets on the right side of the saw as shown in , using two Phillips head screws and flat washers.

level here

flush here

INSTALL THE FENCE ASSEMBLY - MODEL 50-220R & 50-220REX ONLY

Note: The model 50-220R saw is sold with 3 different fence options: the 50-220R M1 is equipped with an aluminum Excalibur T-fence and guide rail system. The following instructions are specifically related to the installation of this fence option.

If you have purchased either 50-220RC M1 (General T-Fence with 28" rails) or 50-220RCL M1 (General T-Fence with 52" rails) then the following instructions do not apply – please skip ahead to the “Install the General T-Fence” installation instructions on page 12. Please also note that for the General T-Fence there are detailed installation and operating instructions in the “F-36 T28/52” manual supplied in the box with the F36 rip fence.

FRONT FENCE RAILS

1.Loosely thread the six square head bolts to the front of the table as shown in . Assemble the fasteners in the order shown in .