General now offers a new 14″ band saw

General International's latest band saw, the Deluxe 14" model 90-170 M1, features a one-piece steel frame, cast-iron wheels and a full 12" depth of cut, making it ideal for both general-purpose shop use and resawing, according to product manager Norman Frampton.

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"We try to have a saw in each size category positioned at several different price points because not everyone has need for the same features and not everyone has the same budget. In this case, however, the introduction of the 90-170 was meant to replace another higher end 14" model that was phased out," says Frampton.

Weighing in at 293 lbs., the 90-170 M1 has a 1-1/2-hp dual-voltage TEFC motor, factory-wired for 110-volt, 14-amp operation. A simple belt and pulley system allows for easy selection between the 2,300 fpm or 3,250 fpm blade speeds.

"The two-blade speed options make it versatile enough for both hard and soft woods. The saw can take blades from 1/4" to 3/4" widths and with the 1-1/2-hp motor it has plenty of power to make pretty much any type of cut that the average small- to medium-sized custom shop could need. With the appropriate blade, resawing, bevel cuts, rip cuts, sweeping curves and even tight radius cuts can all be performed," says Frampton.

The 90-170 M1 has a large 16" x 20" cast-iron table that tilts 10 degrees left and 45 degrees right.

"Generally speaking, a larger table offers better workpiece support, particularly when working with long or wide stock. This makes it easier and safer for the user to work the board through the cut if he or she isn't, at the same time, expending extra effort to keep the board tight to the table."

Other features include a quick-release blade tension lever, upper and lower blade guide bearings, and a rack-and-pinion upper blade guard adjustment. There's an on-board storage rack for the fence, miter gauge and adjustment tools. The saw also features a two-step safety lockout and two 4" dust ports.

The Deluxe 14" band saw sells for $1,260.

Contact: General International. Tel: 514-326-1161. www.general.ca

This article originally appeared in the September 2010 issue.