General 490-1 Bandsaw

[Chris Rosenberger]

Anyone have any experence with the General 490-1 bandsaw? Is it a good saw?
Chris

[John Bailey]

I've not seen one, but they are very highly regarded. The only knock is they are very expensive for such a small saw.

John

[Greg Cole]

John's spot on. The Canadian manufactured machinery from General are top shelf, but on the pricey side.

Greg

[Don Kondra]

Hi Chris,

I bought mine in 1980 without the base or fence.

Went back for the fence within the week :)

The manual actually recommended a 1/2 hp motor, I installed a 1 1/2 hp within a week....

I use 4 tpi x 1/4" wide blades for everything.

Whenever I need to resaw anything over 6" I just cut the board in half.

Very pleased with this machine...

Cheers, Don

[Nate Rogers]

I don't own one, but have used one on several occasions...Built like a tank and will last forever, not a ton of resaw ability..But quite frankly I think that is a overstated thing, and most importantly it is totally made in canada. Go for it!!

Nate

[Chris Rosenberger]

Thanks for the replies. I am working on a trade.

[Garth Hulley]

I have a 490 bandsaw. It is an excellent tool.
If you maintain General tools by looking after proper lubrication, they will last for ever. I have 5 General tools, all 15 to 30 years old and I have never had a bit of trouble with them.

[Walt Caza]

Good Day Creekers,

In the USA green seems to mean Grizzly, but in Canada, green means
General machinery. Many are quick to make a distiction between
General Canada and the General International product lines.
While it is clear the Canadian made machines are superior, if you talk
value for money, I am a fan across the wide range of price points.

Some may question the wisdom of buying off-shore equipment from a
Canadian company, but I have been satisfied with the value that
General adds to their international product, and it is great bang for a buck.
The machines are made to General specs and they stand behind them.

When I took high school shop, and later some college shop, every
woodworking machine in both shops was General Canada.
They are older but proven designs, built like tanks and last forever.

The 490 is a great bandsaw in the classic cast iron frame style with
a 1hp motor and 6.75 inch resaw. I just wanted to add that the
690 is the same machine, but with a 1.5 hp motor and 12.75 inch resaw.
Both are claimed to run a 3/4" blade and are robust saws.

I have no connection with General, but have noticed my shop here in
Canada seems to be greening up...

be well,
Walt
:)

[Rod Sheridan]

Walt, my shop seems to be going green as well, last purchase was a 650........Regards, Rod.

[Walt Caza]

Hi Rod,
Congrats on your cabinet saw!
Canadian made and a left tilt too, combined with that robust trunion
and factory polished table, sounds like a gorgeous machine.

It was on the top of my list as well, but as I was saving the black beauty
came along...
(braces himself for Sawstop flaming and tired political debate)
I do like that red maple leaf sticker on yours quite a bit!

I can only think someone will be running our machines looong after
we're gone!
My only disappointment with both saws, is the 4" diameter d/c outlet.
(if it's not one darn thing, blah blah)

Great score Rod, enjoy your saw, (sorry for thread hijack)
be well,
Walt
:)