Replies

1. 
   PhillGiles | Dec 07, 2003 05:49pm | #1

   Pretend to be surprised when you open it.

   .

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

1. 
   redlead | Dec 07, 2003 08:57pm | #3

   Thanks, Phill; I'll do that...What I meant was advice about the saw!! What do you folks north of the border think of General Machinery? Where can I get a terrific street price? Jim L

1. 
   PhillGiles | Dec 07, 2003 09:29pm | #4

   Ah, I thought you had already decided on it. Don't know the contractor's saw, but know lots of folks with the cabinet saw and some of their other tools (planer, jointer, etc.) and it's good solid stuff - made to run for years.

   No idea where to buy in the US, General have a list of US dealers on their web site http://www.general.ca/.

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

2. 
   BillHartmann | Dec 07, 2003 09:57pm | #5

   It has been a while since I looked at saws.

   But AFAIK, the contractors saw is a General International. A division of General that imports machinery from Twain.

   Not saying that there is anythign wrong with it, but that it is not related to the General cabinet saw.

   Compare it to the Jet, Delta, Grizzy, etc contractors saw.

3. 
   user-108033 | Dec 07, 2003 11:03pm | #6

   Jim,

   I am surprised at the lack of responses here about the General International Contractor saw you are looking at.  It is highly regarded on the Woodnet.com forums, and it is what I started looking for until I was seduced by the General (Canadian) cabinet saw.  The fence is a biesemeyer equivalent and is a beauty.  

   It is an excellent machine.  Try Tools-Plus in CT for a good deal.  That is where I went to check out the saw in person, and they had the GI 185 in stock right next to the Powermatic 64A.  The only differences between the 2 when viewed from up close is the color and the $200 lower price on the General International.

   Their shipping is not cheap.  I rented a u-haul trailer for $20 and went and picked mine up myself (about 2hrs each way).  I have had several excellent experiences with them since buying my saw, and have not seen a complaint about their service anywhere.

   Good luck with your choice, it's a beauty.

   Happy Holidays

   Paul

1. 
   redlead | Dec 08, 2003 12:15am | #7

   Many kind thanks, Paul. Your comprehensive response was the one I was looking for. In your debt. Trying Tools Plus right now. Likewise for happy holidays. Jim L.

2. 
   andybuildz | Dec 07, 2003 08:54pm | #2

   well I'm exhausted from shoveling that white crap....lol....came down here on Long Island almost 2', and higher in drifted areas..all at once...how pretty,,,,,ugh.

   I have the Powermatic so I can't tell you about the General although I hear its a good saw.

   I upgraded mine to 5hp from 3 hp before I bought it. Didn't cost all that much more....somthing to ponder before the fat boy comes.

   Be white(I don't mean race...lol)

               andy

   My life is my practice!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

3. 
   DougU | Dec 08, 2003 06:07am | #8

   Jim

   Go over to FineWoodworking and do a search on the subject, they have talked about this many times, probably get some good info.

   Doug

4. 
   Dinosaur | Dec 08, 2003 06:47am | #9

   I was surprised the other week to learn that General (Canada) is part of the Innovak/Johnson Tool & Level Group.

   Their stuff is industrial quality; cast-iron HD no compromise and built like a tank. You will pass it on to your grandchildren, most likely....

   Johnson L&T has excellent customer service. I e-mailed them about a broken latch on the case for a new laser tool I'd bought, and they sent me whole new case by overnight messenger. Their e-mail response and the new case both arrived the next day. Can't beat that with a stick....

   Dinosaur

   'Y-a-tu de la justice dans ce maudit monde?