General International 50-185L-M1

[tim gibbons]

My apologies if this has already been covered, but I see nothing in the FAQs. Looking for a *good* contractor TS (well, maybe "OK" since I don't want to go over $650 or so).

I've heard great things about the General International 50-185L-M1. That it has well finished, flat cast iron table, good Canadian-made fence, metal adjusting wheels etc. I've also looked at the Delta 36-675, but doesn't seem as well made.

That said, finding the damn thing seems next to impossible. Saw one and only one website selling it for $759. The links from General's own site to a designated dealer also doesn't carry it.

Just wondering if there is something I'm missing. If folks know where to get one online or feel strongly about a better saw for the money, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks.

[Chris Curry]

I have dealt with Utterguys in FL before with no problems and they list them. I believe Welbeck Sawmill in ON has them though not online. Knowing where you are would help narrow the chase. Don't be afraid or shy.
Welcome! Chris

[Paul Campolieta]

If you get onto the General web site they have a distributor locator that you can use to locate an outfit that sells them I think it's--
www.general.ca (http://www.general.ca)

[scott spencer]

Hi Tim - As contractor saws go, the GI is about as good as they get IMHO. Owned one for two years and is pretty much as you described it. That last I knew the going rate was $699....it's very likely it's gone up since then, so the $759 figure may not be too far out of line. The GI price doesn't tend to fluctuate a ton from dealer to dealer or have huge sales like some brands you'll see. Some Woodcrafts carry them, where you might find a 10% off deal.

Other mail order places are Hartville Tool and Tools-plus. There's a dealer that puts them on Ebay sometimes at a good price...can't recall the name though....just take a peak periodically. There are a couple of saws available that are pretty similar if you don't find a deal on the GI you're happy with...the Grizzly 0576, Shop Fox, and the Bridgewood. Both have a different fence, and the G0576 requires 220v or a 30 amp 110v circuit (the SF might too...). Overall, I think the GI's warranty, dealers, fence, and electrical needs make it the more attractive of these 4, but that's just my opinion. YMMV.

Last April I bought a Sears 22124 to take advantage of the features like the enclosed motor, full cabinet, cabinet mounted trunnions, etc., that overcome the inherent design issues of any contractor saw, and have found this type of saw offers advantages that I preferred. The handwheels and the miter gauge on the GI are nicer, and the 22124 usually costs more, but I'm happy with the change overall. (see the two epinions reviews below for more details on both saws)

Good luck and please keep us posted!

http://www.general.ca/pagetitre/ang/dist_us.html
GI:
http://www.epinions.com/content_91326418564
22124:
http://www.epinions.com/content_184778395268

[John Bailey]

There's a dealer in Grand Rapids, MI. If we know where you are, someone will be able to direct you. And, welcome to the "Creek." You couldn't have come to a better spot for good information.

John

[Tom Drake]

Here's a link to a place in Illinois that sells the General. They also sell on ebay. I have the 50-185 and love it.

http://www.kunzcarpentry.com/

HTH

[scott spencer]

Here's a link to a place in Illinois that sells the General. They also sell on ebay. I have the 50-185 and love it.

http://www.kunzcarpentry.com/

HTH That's the place I was thinking of on Ebay! (Darn CRS syndrome...:rolleyes: )

[Allen Bookout]

Tim, Like Chris said it would be helpful to know where you live. If not the specific town at least the general area. I think that it helps to have it in your profile so that it shows up. Also makes it more interesting to see where all of the members live. Allen

[tim gibbons]

Thanks all, appreciate the quick responses, advice and links! I'll look into all of them. FYI, I'm in Mass. I just learned there is an outfit in NH that also sells the General Int model I'm interested. And no sales tax I believe up there, so might even make sense to make a run up there and haul it back home. Glad to hear no bad press on them.