General 90-170B M1 User Manual

SETUP & OPERATION MANUAL

FEATURES

Heavy-duty one-piece frame designed for added stability. Requires no further assembly.

Dynamically-balanced cast-iron wheels with replaceable rubber tires.

Solid, high quality, precision machined, ribbed cast-iron table with 45° right tilting action for bevel cuts.

Deluxe upper and lower blade guide bearings included.

2 cutting speeds for excellent results in either hard or soft woods.

Precision metal miter gauge and dual miter slots in table for stable precision cross cuts on either side of the blade.

Deluxe Excalibur bandsaw rip fence system with curved resaw guide block.

Onboard storage mounts for miter gauge and rip fence.

Smooth rack and pinion upper blade guard adjustment.

Quick release blade tension lever for fast blade changes.

2 built-in 4” diameter dust chutes for better dust collection.

Magnetic safety switch.

Large 12” resaw capacity.

3/4” blade included.

Safety foot brake simultaneously slows down the blade and disconnects electrical circuit for quick blade stoppage and emergency shut-off.

SPECIFICATIONS

WHEEL SIZE 14” (356 mm)

WHEEL SPEEDS (2) 588/840 RPM

MAXIMUM BLADE WIDTH 3⁄4” (19 mm)

MINIMUM BLADE WIDTH 1⁄8” (3 mm)

BLADE LENGTH 112” (2845 mm)

BLADE SPEEDS (2)

2300 & 3250 Lin. FPM (690/975 Lin. MPM)

TABLE SIZE

16” x 20” (406 x 508 mm)

TABLE TILT

0°- 45° (Right)

TABLE HEIGHT

36 1⁄2” (927 mm)

MAXIMUM WIDTH OF CUT 13 1⁄2” (343 mm)

MAXIMUM DEPTH OF CUT 12” (305 mm)

DUST COLLECTION PORT 2 x 4” (102 mm)

BASE DIMENSIONS (L x W) 25” x 15” (635 x 381 mm)

MOTOR

1 1⁄2 HP, 110V, 1PH, 12.5A

WEIGHT

293 LBS (133 kg)

DELUXE 14” WOOD CUTTING BANDSAW

MODEL

#90-170B M1

VERSION 5_NOVEMBER 12/12 (92207612)

© Copyright General® International 11/2012

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 90-170B M1 14” Deluxe Wood Cutting Bandsaw. This bandsaw 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 bandsaw 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 bandsaw 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® & GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY

All component parts of General®, 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® 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 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® 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® 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

Rules for safe operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Electrical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Circuit capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Extension cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Identification of main parts and

components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

List of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Additional requirements for set up . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Basic functions of the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Placement within the shop / Establishing a safety zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Placement within the shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .9
Establishing a safety zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.9
Clean up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	10
Assembly instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	10

Attach the storage brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Attaching the table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Install the foot brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Install the fence assembly . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Basic Adjustments & Controls . . . . . . . . . .12

Connecting to a power source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Magnetic safety switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Thermal relay / Circuit breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Foot brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tilting the table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Adjusting the 90º table stop and re-aligning

the angle pointer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Removing / Installing the blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Blade Clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Blade Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Adjusting blade tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Adjusting blade tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Adjusting the upper/lower blade guides assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Changing speed settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Adjusting the blade guard for depth of cut . . . .19

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

Connecting to dust collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Checklist before starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Operations step-by-step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 To stop the machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Using the miter gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Using the rip fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Cutting curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Cutting circles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Periodic Maintenance & Lubrication . . . . . .22

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

Periodic maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Required Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Replacing the bandsaw blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Replacing the upper and lower blade guides and thrust bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Replacing the wheel tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Replacing the lower wheel brush . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Replacing the lower wheel motor belt . . . . . . . . .24

Front to back table tilt adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Recommended optional accessories . . . . .25 Parts list & diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-30

Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

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

1.Do not operate the bandsaw 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 bandsaw is in operation; do not permit them to operate the bandsaw.

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. Wear face, eye, ear, respiratory and body protection devices.

7.Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, necklaces or other jewelry while the bandsaw 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 blade and all moving parts. Use a brush, not hands, to clear away chips and dust.

10.Adjust and position upper and lower blade guides before starting to cut. Upper blade guide should be adjusted to approximately 1/8” above the material to be cut.

11.Adjust blade tension and tracking before starting to cut.

12.Saw teeth must point down toward the table.

13.Be sure that the blade has gained full operating speed before starting to cut.

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

15.Use suitable workpiece support if the workpiece does not have a flat surface.

16.Hold material firmly against the table.

17.Do not work on long stock without adequate support on the out feed end of the table.

18.If using a power feeder, stop the feeder before stopping the bandsaw.

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

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

21.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.

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

23.Use of parts and accessories NOT recommended by General® International may result in equipment malfunction or risk of injury.

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

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

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

27.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.

28.Do not use this bandsaw for other than its 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.

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.

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
			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

6

IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS AND COMPONENTS

FRONT VIEW

	A-	BLADE TENSION ADJUSTMENT HANDLE
	B-	UPPER WHEEL COVER DOOR LOCK KNOB
	C-	BLADE GUARD	A
	D-	RIP FENCE
	E-	RESAW GUIDE BLOCK
	F-	MITER GAUGE
	G-	TABLE ALIGNMENT PIN
	H-	FENCE FRONT RAIL	B
	I-	LOWER WHEEL COVER DOOR LOCK KNOB
	J-	FOOT BRAKE
	K-	MAGNETIC SAFETY SWITCH
		REAR VIEW

N	L	C
	M

O

K

E

D

F

G

QP

H

	R	I
	S

J

L- BLADE TRACKING ADJUSTMENT KNOBS

M- BLADE GUARD ADJUSTMENT HANDWHEEL

N- BLADE GUARD LOCK KNOB

O- UPPER BLADE GUIDES

P- REAR FENCE RAIL

Q- TABLE TILT LOCK KNOB

R- DUST OUTLET

S- MOTOR PIVOT LOCKING LEVER

7

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

Once the parts have been removed from the packaging, you should have the following items:

		QTY
A-	BANDSAW (NOT SHOWN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
B-	TABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
C-	TABLE LOCK KNOB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .2
D-	MITER GAUGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
E-	MITER GAUGE STORAGE BRACKET . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
F-	RIP FENCE STORAGE BRACKET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
G-	8 MM ALLEN KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
H-	3 MM ALLEN KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
I-	10-12 MM OPEN END WRENCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
J-	FOOT BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .1
K-	CAP SCREW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .2
L-	LOCK WASHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . .2

Note: Deluxe Excalibur Universal Bandsaw Rip Fence System is packaged separately. Refer to the manual supplied in the box with the Excalibuer Rip Fence for complete list of contents.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SET UP

•Extra person for help with lifting

•Phillips screwdriver

•Flat head screwdriver

•10 mm wrench

•15 mm wrench

•Feeler gauge set

•Combination square

B

C

D

E

F

I

G

H

J

L

K

8

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE UNIT

This Deluxe 14" Wood Cutting Bandsaw is supplied with a 3/4" wide general purpose blade and is designed to accommodate blade widths from 1/8" to 3/4". Ideal blade length for this model 90-170B M1 is 112" (2845 mm).

Note: Generally speaking, because the upper wheel height is somewhat adjustable (to allow for blade tensioning), a blade length variation of plus or minus 1/2" from the “ideal blade length” can be accommodated.

Maximum inboard width of cut (space between the blade			A
and the body of the saw A) is 13 1/2".				B

For cutting thicker stock or for resawing, the maximum depth of cut B (or max. workpiece height) is 12".

An adjustable rip fence C is supplied to serve as a straight-

edge to guide the workpiece for longer rip cuts. The fence C can easily be removed and set aside when not required,

for example when making curved cuts.

PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SHOP / ESTABLISHING A SAFETY ZONE

THIS MODEL 90-170B M1 IS HEAVY. DO NOT OVER-EXERT. THE HELP OF AT LEAST ONE ASSISTANT OR A HOIST WILL BE NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING STEP.

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 293 LBS (133 KG).

Lifting and handling the machine
To limit the potential for damage in transport, this
bandsaw is shipped from the factory bolted to its
crate in the vertical position. With a forklift or hydrau-								A
lic pallet jack, move the entire crate as close to the
final installation location as possible, and then un-
crate the saw and remove the 4 bolts A that secure it
to the crate using a 15 mm wrench.
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			73”
of the bandsaw 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							33”
unobstructed by foot traffic (either passing shop visitors or
other shop workers) or other tools or machinery.
ESTABLISHING A SAFETY ZONE
						441/2”
For shops with frequent visitors or multiple operators, it is
advisable to establish a Safety Zone around shop machin-
ery. 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.

9

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 sprits 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 cleanup 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.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Tip: With a screw driver, push a solvent-saturated rag into the T-slots to remove the grease so the miter gauge will slide freely.

For your convenience this bandsaw is shipped from the factory partially assembled and requires only minimal assembly and set up before being put into service.

SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF YOU CONNECT THE SAW TO THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE INSTALLATION AND ASSEMBLY STEPS.

DO NOT CONNECT THE SAW TO THE POWER SOURCE UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.

ATTACH THE STORAGE BRACKETS

This model 90-170B is supplied with convenient onboard storage brackets to safely stow the rip fence and miter gauge out of the way when not in use A.

Attach the rip fence storage bracket B and miter gauge storage brackets C to the back of the saw as shown in D, using the bolts and washers already mounted to the saw.

ATTACHING THE TABLE

The worktable mounts on a bracket which allows adjustment from flat (0°) to any angle up to 45° to the right. Adjustments can be made easily with the angle scale and lock knobs.

1.Remove the red insert A from the center of the table and the table alignment pin B from the table slot.

A	B	D

C

A

B

E

C

D

2.Turn the table right side up. Verify that the long bolts C in the center of each trunnion are pointing down.

10

3.Carefully move the table into position over the table-tilt bracket D, guiding the saw blade through the table slot E.