General bandsaw, reconsidered

[max]

I posted earlier about how great General bandsaws are and how they were made in Canada. I have not seen new tools in the last 10 or more years and was greatly surprised at the new General bandsaw. I actually just bought a General 18 inch. I saw an ad in the newspaper and went to see it. I was shocked. Plastic handles, small die cast trunions etc etc. I put it through it's paces and the saw worked perfectly. I bought it for $650 with 10 new blades. While I am sure it will work perfectly, it is a far cry from the 15 and 20 inch we still have in our shop. Max

[Upscale]

Many things these days have become light and "plastic" oriented. In some ways it's an improvement, but in others, it's the result of cheaper production methods. But I agree with you, the weight and heft of a metal handle feels much more comfortable to me.

[Ba r r y]

Does it say "General International" on the label?

Details matter.

Barry

[Eddie Munster]

That is a heck of a good price.

Is this it???

I posted earlier about how great General bandsaws are and how they were made

[max]

Yup. I looked it over and it doesn't actually say where it was made. max

[max]

That's it.

[Rick Stein]

I suspect you saw a Tiawan made General International model. General Canada only makes 2 different 15" versions (differeing resaw capacities), and a 20" model. The 18" is probably the Tiawan version.

R.

max wrote:

[Clint]

Well, AFAIK, General International machines are made overseas. General (no International) as made in Canada. I believe they're usually made heavier/sturdier and are supposed to be better quality (and more expensive). Having said that, I'm pretty happy with my GI 50-185 contractor saw, which will be in it's new home this time next week!

Clint

[Ba r r y]

General International is General's line of Chiwanese tools.

Barry

[max]

I thought I would rather die than buy another cheap import tool but this thing works as well as the other General's we have. The performance is amazing. max

[Dave]

How do you find the quality difference between the General international product and the Canadian made 'General'. The price difference seems remarkable.

Dave

[max]

I initially didn't know it was not made in Canada. When I went to buy it I noticed plastic handles and commented on them. The owner told me this was an import. I put the saw through it's tests and was very impressed. I had some extra handles to replace the plastic ones and now I am very happy. max