
™
Model 88
Operating Instructions
For 3" through 10" lines
(75mm – 250mm)
our Model 88 is designed to give you
Y
years of trouble-free, profitable service.
However, no machine is better than its
operator. We therefore suggest you read
these instructions through carefully before
using your machine on the job. This will
enable you to operate the Model 88 more
efficiently and more profitably. Failure to
follow these instructions may cause
personal injury to operator or damage to
equipment.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Model 88™
Safety Instructions
!
READ AND UNDERSTAND
Failure to follow all instructions listed below
may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious
personal injury.
Call General’s customer service department at
412-771-6300 if you have any questions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
WARNING
Machine must be plugged
into properly grounded
outlet. Failure to follow
instructions may result in
serious injury or death.
Do not operate power tools
in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or
dust.
Wear leather gloves provided
with the machine. Never
grasp a rotating cable with a
rag or cloth glove.
Use safety equipment.
Always wear safety glasses
and rubber soled, non-slip
shoes.
Never operate machine with
guard removed. Fingers can
get caught in the mechanism.
Do not overstress cables.
Overstressing cables may
cause twisting, kinking, or
breaking of the cable and
may result in serious injury.
ALL INSTRUCTIONS!
Work Area Safety
1.
Keep your work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered benches and dark areas invite
accidents.
2.
Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
3.
Keep bystanders, children, and visitors
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
1.
Grounded tools must be plugged into an
outlet, properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all codes and ordinances.
Never remove the grounding prong or
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any
adapter plugs. Check with UL approved
tester or a qualified electrician if you are in
doubt as to whether the outlet is properly
2
grounded.
malfunction or break down, grounding provides
a low resistance path to carry electricity away
from the user.
2.
Machine must have a properly functioning
ground fault circuit interrupter on the power
cord. Before using, test the Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) provided with the
power cord to insure it is operating
correctly.
shock.
3.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators.
electric shock if your body is grounded.
4.
Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions.
increase the risk of electric shock.
5.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord
to carry the tools or pull the plug from an
outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Replace damaged
cords immediately.
the risk of electric shock.
6.
When operating a power tool outside, use
an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or
These cords are rated for outdoor use
“W”.
and reduce the risk of electric shock.
7.
Use only three-wire extension cords which
have three-prong grounding plugs and
Power
If the tool should electrically
GFCI reduces the risk of electric
There is an increased risk of
Water entering a power tool will
Damaged cords increase

Model 88™
three-pole receptacles which accept the
tool’s plug.
not ground the tool and increase the risk of
electric shock.
8.
Use proper extension cords.
conductor size will cause excessive voltage
drop and loss of power.
9.
Extension cords are not recommended
unless they are plugged into a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) found in circuit
boxes or outlet receptacles.
machine power cord will not prevent electric
shock from the extension cords.
10.
Keep all electric connections dry and off the
ground. Do not touch plugs or tools with
wet hands.
Use of other extension cords will
Insufficient
The GFCI on the
Reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal Safety
1.
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a power
tool. Do not use tool while tired or under
the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
medication.
operating power tools may result in serious
personal injury.
2.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing
or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your
hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving
Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can
parts.
be caught in moving parts.
3.
Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is
off before plugging in.
have the switch on invites accidents.
4.
Remove adjusting keys or switches before
turning the tool on.
left attached to a rotating part of the tool may
result in personal injury.
5.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
balance enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
6.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye
protection.
hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for
appropriate conditions.
A moment of inattention while
Plugging in tools that
A wrench or key that is
Proper footing and
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes,
2.
Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for
your application.
job better and safer at the rate for which it is
designed.
3.
Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on
or off.
the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
4.
Disconnect the plug from the power source
before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool.
preventative safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool accidentally.
5.
Store idle tools out of reach of children and
other untrained persons.
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
6.
Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools
sharp and clean.
with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind
and are easier to control.
7.
Check for misalignment or binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts, and any
other condition that may affect the tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using.
caused by poorly maintained tools.
8.
Use only accessories that are recommended
by the manufacturer for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool
may become hazardous when used on another
tool.
9.
Keep handles dry and clean; free from oil
and grease.
tool.
Any tool that cannot be controlled with
The correct tool will do the
Such
Tools are
Properly maintained tools,
Many accidents are
Allows for better control of the
Tool Service
1.
Tool service must be performed only by
qualified repair personnel.
maintenance performed by unqualified repair
personnel could result in injury.
2.
When servicing a tool, use only identical
replacement parts. Follow instructions in
the Maintenance section of this manual.
Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow
Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
electric shock or injury.
Service or
Tool Use and Care
1.
Use clamp or other practical way to secure
and support the workpiece to a stable
platform.
your body is unstable and may lead to loss of
control.
Holding the work by hand or against
Specific Safety Information
1.
Be sure that the unit is plugged into a
properly grounded receptacle.
check receptacle before plugging in machine.
Check the power cord to see that there are no
cuts or frays, and that the grounding prong on
the plug is still in place.
3
If in doubt,