General 75-155, 75-510, 75-165 User Manual

SETUP & OPERATION MANUAL

FEATURES

Adjustable spindle tension return spring.

Built-in laser pointer.

Sturdy design with cast-iron head, base, and
table.

High-quality bearings for smooth, vibration-free
operation.

Simple hand lever controlled mechanical
variable speed from 280 to 2100 rpm.

Digital spindle speed display.

Industrial-quality 120 V motor.

Chuck with key.

Easy to use see-through flip-up chuck guard
included.

Crank-operated rack and pinion table height­adjustment.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Swing
15" (390 mm) - # 75-155
17" (430 mm) - # 75-165
20" (515 mm) - # 75-510

• Drilling capacity / Chuck size
3/4" (20 mm) / 5/8" (16 mm) - # 75-155
1 1/8" (28 mm) / 5/8" (16 mm) - # 75-165
1 1/4" (32 mm) / 3/4" (20 mm) - # 75-510

• Spindle travel
3 1/8" (80 mm) - # 75-155/165
4 3/4" (120 mm) - # 75-510

• Spindle distance to table / to base
29 3/8" (745 mm) / 48 1/2" (1230 mm) - # 75-155
29" (735 mm) / 48 5/8" (1235 mm) - # 75-165
27 3/4" (705 mm) / 46 7/8" (1190 mm) - # 75-510

• Table size
(Diameter) 12 3/8" (315 mm) - # 75-155
13 3/16" x 13 3/16" (335 x 335 mm) - # 75-165
18 3/4" x 16 3/4" (475 x 425 mm) - # 75-510

• Column diameter
2 3/4" (70 mm) - # 75-155
3 1/8" (80 mm) - # 75-165
3 5/8" (92 mm) - # 75-510

• Spindle speeds
(Variable speed) - 280 to 2100 rpm

• Spindle taper
MT 2 - # 75-155 / MT 3 - # 75-165/510

• Overall height
63 3/8" (1610 mm) - # 75-155
64 3/8" (1635 mm) - # 75-165
67" (1700 mm) - # 75-510

• Base size
17" x 10 1/2" (430 x 265 mm) - # 75-155
20 1/4" x 12" (515 x 303 mm) - # 75-165
23 5/8" x 15 3/4" (600 x 400 mm) - # 75-510

• Motor
1/2 HP, 120 V, 5A - # 75-155
3/4 HP, 120 V, 6,5A - # 75-165
1 HP, 120 V, 10A - # 75-510

• Weight
136 lbs (62 kg) - # 75-155
161 lbs (73 kg) - # 75-165
284 lbs (129 kg) - # 75-510

Version #1_Revision #4 - Mai 2016

© Copyright General International

15", 17" & 20" DRILL PRESSES

-

VARIABLE SPEED

75-155

75-165

MODELS

#

75-155

#

75-165

#

75-510

75-510

GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL

8360 Champ-d’Eau, Montreal (Quebec) Canada H1P 1Y3

Telephone [phone] • Fax [phone] • www.general.ca

THANK YOU

for choosing this General® International model 75-155, 75-165

or 75-510 drill press. This drill press has been carefully tested and inspected before shipment

and if properly used and maintained, will provide you with years of reliable service. For your
safety, as well as 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 drill press 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/metalworking
instruction, nor to offer the user instruction in the craft of woodworking/metalworking. 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 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 model
of drill press 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 unit 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 WARRANTY

All component parts of 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® International agrees 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 professional 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® International agrees 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® 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® International will void all warranty.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rules for safe operation ..................................................................................................... 5

Electrical requirements ...................................................................................................... 6

Identification of main parts and components .................................................................. 7

Unpacking .......................................................................................................................... 8

Cleaning............................................................................................................................. 9

Placement within the shop ................................................................................................ 9

Assembly instructions ............................................................................................... 10 - 16

Installing the column on the base .................................................................................................................. 10

Installing the head stock on the column ................................................................................................ 10 - 11

Installing the table ..................................................................................................................................... 11 - 12

Installing the table (model 75-510 only) ........................................................................................................ 13

Installing the chuck guard............................................................................................................................... 14

Installing the downfeed handles .................................................................................................................... 14

Installing the chuck .......................................................................................................................................... 15

Removing the chuck ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Installing a drill bit ............................................................................................................................................. 16

Basic adjustments and controls ...................................................................................... 16

Connecting to a power source .......................................................................................................................16

On/Off power switch .........................................................................................................................................17

Adjusting the chuck guard height .................................................................................................................. 17

Adjusting the depth stop .................................................................................................................................. 17

Table swing adjustment ................................................................................................................................... 18

Pivoting the table (model 75-155 & 75-165 only) .......................................................................................... 18

Adjusting table height ...................................................................................................................................... 18

Table tilt adjustment .......................................................................................................................................... 19

Drill speed adjustment ..................................................................................................................................... 19

Guidelines for selecting speeds based on bit size and bit material .......................................................... 19

Operating Instructions ..................................................................................................... 20

Checklist before starting .................................................................................................................................. 20

Drilling step-by-step .......................................................................................................................................... 20

Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 21 - 22

Belt replacement .............................................................................................................................................. 21

Lubrication ......................................................................................................................................................... 22

Recommended optional accessories ............................................................................. 22

Parts list & diagram .................................................................................................. 23 - 31

Contact information ........................................................................................................ 32

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
harmless for any injury that may result from the improper use of it’s equipment.

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

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

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

4. Childproof and tamper proof your shop and all­machinery 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 drill press is in
operation.

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

9. Keep hands well away from the drill bit and all
moving parts. Use a hold-down or clamp to se­cure the stock, and use a brush, not hands, to
clear away chips and dust.

10. Be sure that the drill bit is securely installed in
the chuck before operation.

11. Be sure the drill bit has gained full operating
speed before beginning to drill. Always use a
clean, properly sharpened bit. Dirty or dull bits
are unsafe and can lead to accidents. Use suit-

®

International disclaims any real or implied warranty and hold itself

able work piece support if the work piece does
not have a flat surface.

12. Do not push or force the bit into the stock. The drill
will perform better and more safely when working
at the rate feed for which it was designed.

13. Avoid working from awkward or off balance po­sitions. Do not overreach and keep both feet on
floor.

14. Keep guards in place and in working order. If
a guard must be removed for maintenance or
cleaning be sure it is properly re-attached before
using the tool again.

15. Never leave the machine unattended while it is
running or with the power on.

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

17. Never stand on machinery. Serious injury could
result if the tool is tipped over or if the drill bit is
unintentionally contacted.

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

19. Make sure that the switch is in the “OFF” posi­tion before plugging in the power cord.

20. 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.

21. Do not use this drill press for other than its
intended use. If used for other purposes,
GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL disclaims any real im­plied warranty and holds itvself harmless for any
injury, which may result from that use.

5

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.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

In the event of an electrical malfunction or short circuit,
grounding reduces the risk of electric shock. The motor
of this machine is wired for 120 V single phase opera­tion and is equipped with a 3-conductor cord and
a 3-prong grounding plug A to fit a grounded type
receptacle B. Do not remove the 3rd prong (ground­ing pin) to make it fit into an old 2-hole wall socket or
extension cord. If an adaptor plug is used C, it must be
attached to the metal screw of the receptacle.

Note: The use of an adaptor plug is illegal in some ar­eas. Check your local codes. If you have any doubts
or if the supplied plug does not correspond to your
electrical outlet, consult a qualified electrician be­fore proceeding.

A

B

C

CIRCUIT CAPACITY

Make sure that the wires in your circuit are capable of handling the amperage draw from your machine, as well
as any other machines that could be operating on the same circuit. If you are unsure, consult a qualified electri­cian. If the circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows regularly, your machine may be operating on a circuit that is
close to its amperage draw capacity. However, if an unusual amperage draw does not exist and a power failure
still occurs, contact a qualified technician or our service department.

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

EXTENSION CORD LENGTH

AMPERES 50 feet 100 feet 200 feet 300 feet

< 5

6 to 10

10 to 12

12 to 16

*NR = Not Recommended

18 16 16 14

18 16 14 12

16 16 14 12

14 12 *NR *NR

6

IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS AND COMPONENTS

I

H

J

G

F

E

K

L

D

C

M

B

A. BASE

B. COLUMN

C. TABLE PIVOT LOCK LEVER*

D. TABLE

E. FLIP-UP CHUCK GUARD

F. LASER POINTER SWITCH

G. DIGITAL SPEED DISPLAY

A

Model 75-165 shown

H. SWITCH

I. PULLEY COVER

J. MOTOR

K. FEED HANDLE

L. TABLE CRANK HANDLE

M. RACK

*Except on the model 75-510

7

UNPACKING

Carefully unpack and remove the unit and its components from the box 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 QTY

A. HEAD STOCK ............................................................................ 1

B. BASE ......................................................................................... 1

C. TABLE ........................................................................................ 1

D. TABLE SUPPORT ARM ............................................................... 1

E. CHUCK GUARD ....................................................................... 1

F. COLUMN .................................................................................. 1

G. CHUCK ..................................................................................... 1

H. ARBOR...................................................................................... 1

I. DOWNFEED HANDLE ............................................................... 3

J. SPEED CONTROL LEVER .......................................................... 1

K. 3, 4 & 5 MM ALLEN KEYS ........................................................ 3

L. DRIFT KEY ................................................................................. 1

M. CHUCK KEY .............................................................................. 1

N. BASE BOLT ................................................................................ 4

O. ARM BOLT ................................................................................ 1

P. CENTERING PIN (75-510 ONLY) .............................................. 1

Q. BOLT (75-510 ONLY) ................................................................ 1

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SET UP

A. EXTRA PERSON FOR HELP WITH LIFTING
B. 9, 16 & 24 MM OPEN WRENCHES
C. PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

A B

C

*

A

B

F

G

H

I

J

C

LK

M

N

O

D

E

75-510 ONLY

P

Q

*Except on the model 75-510

8

CLEANING

The protective coating on the machine 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
solvent-soaked 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 machine'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.

PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SHOP / SAFETY ZONE

THIS DRILL PRESS MODEL (1) 75-155, (2) 75-165 OR (3) 75-510 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 THE
MACHINE.

PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SHOP

This machine should be installed and operated only
on a solid, flat and stable floor that is able to support
the weight of the machine 136 lbs (1), 161 lbs (2) or 284
lbs (3) and the operator.

Using the dimensions shown as a guideline, plan for
placement within your shop that will allow the operator
to work unencumbered and unobstructed by foot traf­fic (either passing shop visitors or other shop workers)
or other tools or machinery.

ESTABLISHING A SAFETY ZONE

For shops with frequent visitors or multiple operators,
it is advisable to establish a safety zone around shop
machinery.

A clearly defined “no-go” zone on the floor around
each machine can help avoid accidents that could
cause injury to either the operator or the shop visitor.

It is advisable to take a few moments to either paint
(using non-slip paint) or using tape, define on the floor
the limits or perimeter of each machines safety zone.

Take steps to ensure that all operators and shop visi­tors are aware that these areas are off limits whenever
a machine is running for everyone but the individual
operating the unit.

(1) 75-155
(2) 75-165
(3) 75-510

(1) 12-3/8"
(2) 13-3/16"
(3) 18-3/4"

(1) 23"
(2) 24"
(3) 28"

(1) 63-3/8"
(2) 64-3/8"
(3) 67"

(1) 10-1/2"
(2) 12"
(3) 15-3/4"

Model 75-165 shown

9

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

BEFORE ASSEMBLING, MAKE SURE THAT THE SWITCH IS IN THE “OFF” POSITION AND THAT THE POWER CORD IS
UNPLUGGED. DO NOT PLUG IN OR TURN ON THE MACHINE UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE ASSEMBLY AND
INSTALLATION STEPS DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION OF THE MANUAL.

INSTALLING THE COLUMN ON THE BASE

1. Set the base on a flat and stable surface, and then

install the column on the base.

A

3. Tighten the four bolts by hand A few turns.

INSTALLING THE HEAD STOCK ON THE COLUMN

THE HEAD STOCK IS HEAVY. DO NOT OVER-EXERT. THE HELP OF AN ASSISTANT WILL BE NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING
STEP. DO NOT GRIP THE HEAD STOCK BY THE PULLEY COVER WHEN LIFTING.

2. Align the mounting holes in the column with the

corresponding holes in the base.

4. Then secure the bolts using a 16 mm wrench.

1. Lift the head stock and place its opening above

the column.

10

2. Slide the head stock opening onto the column.