General Bandsaw 690-1

[Nate Rogers]

Everyone,
I have a chance to purchase a very slightly used General bandsaw 690-1. I have been doing some research on this saw and it looks to be put together pretty well, the thing is entirely cast iron...And from what I can tell it is made in Canada, which is a whole lot better than china..However I am wondering about it's performance, especially when it comes to quality of cut on resawing..I do a lot of bentwood laminations, and this would be a major upgrade over my POS..Does anyone own this or it's little brother the 490-1..Any info would be appreciated..
Nate

http://www.general.ca/machines/gen/bandsaws/g_4901.jpg

[Peter Mc Mahon]

I don't own one but I have had the chance to use one several times. This thing is a tank. I would not hesitate for a second to buy one. Resawing [10"wide cherry into 1/8 veneer] was a breeze. The guy had a shop made resaw fence. As with I think all General machinery, it may not look too fancy but it is made to last a lifetime. Peter

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

General has the formula right especially for supremely low tech things like lathes, conventional table saws, bandsaws and mortisers. Heavier is better and the design tends toward the very practical.

[Mike Hollingsworth]

I would love to find one of these used.


mike

[John Bailey]

Where is it and let me know if you don't get it. Vermont seems like a nice place to visit!!

John

[Nate Rogers]

Gents,
Thanks for the feedback, you have re-affirmed my feelings towards this machine..I let you know if I end up with the beast..

Nate