GENERAL F-42 Table Saw Instruction Manual

GENERAL F-42 Table Saw

Product Information

• Specifications:
  • Product Name: Rip Fence System
  • Compatibility: Table Saw (Sold Separately)
  • Revision: 3
  • Date: August 27, 2010
  • Manufacturer: General T

Product Usage Instructions

• Assembly and Installation:
  • Ensure that the fence system has been carefully inspected and tested before assembly.
  • Refer to the provided manual for detailed assembly instructions.
  • Make sure to assemble and install the fence system according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Keep the manual handy for future reference.
• Safety Precautions:
  • Do not operate the saw when tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication that impairs reflexes or alertness.
  • Ensure that the working area is well-lit, clean, and free of debris.
  • Keep children and visitors at a safe distance from the saw during operation.
  • Childproof and tamper-proof your shop and machinery to prevent unauthorized or unsupervised use.
  • Stay alert and give your work your undivided attention to prevent accidents.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area, use a dust collector and wear appropriate protective gear to minimize health hazards from fine particulate dust.
  • Avoid wearing loose clothing, gloves, and jewelry, and ensure non-slip footwear is worn.
  • Remove any clutter from the machine and table surface before operating.
  • Keep hands away from the blade and use a brush, not hands, to clear away chips and dust.
  • Ensure the blade is securely installed and properly aligned in the cutting direction before operation.
  • Allow the blade to reach full operating speed before beginning to cut.
  • Always use a clean, properly sharpened blade to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
  • If using a power feeder, stop the feeder before stopping the table saw.
  • Avoid pushing or forcing stock into the blade and work at the designed rate for better performance and safety.
  • Use suitable support when cutting stock without a flat surface. Firmly hold stock against the fence when ripping or against the miter gauge when cross-cutting.
  • To minimize the risk of injury from workpiece kickback, never stand directly in line with the blade or the potential kickback path.
  • Avoid working from awkward or off-balance positions. Keep both feet on the floor and do not lean over or reach over the blade. Use outfeed support or seek assistance when ripping long material.
• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
  • Q: Do I need to register for warranty coverage?
  • A: No, warranty registration is not required. However, you must provide documented proof of purchase (original sales invoice or receipt) when making a claim.
  • Q: Can children operate the saw?
  • A: No, children should be kept at a safe distance from the saw during operation and should not be permitted to operate it.
  • Q: How should I handle fine particulate dust?
  • A: Work in a well-ventilated area, use a dust collector, and wear eye, ear, and respiratory protection devices to minimize the health hazards associated with fine particulate dust.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

To help ensure safe operation, please take a moment to learn the machine’s applications and limitations, as well as potential hazards. General® International disclaims any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless for any injury that may result from improper use of its equipment.

1. Do not operate the saw when tired, distracted, or under the effects of drugs, alcohol, or any medication that impairs reflexes or alertness.
2. The working area should be well-lit, clean, and free of debris.
3. Keep children and visitors at a safe distance when the saw is in operation; do not permit them to operate the saw.
4. Childproof and tamper-proof your shop and all machinery with locks, master electrical switches and switch keys, to prevent unauthorized or unsupervised use.
5. Stay alert! Give your work your undivided attention. Even a momentary distraction can lead to serious injury.
6. Fine particulate dust is a carcinogen that can be hazardous to health. Work in a well-ventilated area and whenever possible use a dust collector and wear eye, ear, and respiratory protection devices.
7. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, necklaces, or other jewelry while the saw is in operation. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair and wear non-slip footwear.
8. Be sure that adjusting wrenches, tools, drinks, and other clutter are removed from the machine and/or the table surface before operating.
9. Keep hands well away from the blade and all moving parts. Use a brush, not hands, to clear away chips and dust.
10. Be sure that the blade is securely installed and in proper cutting direction before operation.
11. Be sure the blade has gained full operating speed before beginning to cut.
12. Always use a clean, properly sharpened blade. Dirty or dull blades are unsafe and can lead to accidents.
13. If using a power feeder, stop the feeder before stopping the table saw.
14. Do not push or force stock into the blade. The saw will perform better and more safely when working at the rate for which it was designed.
15. Use suitable support when cutting stock that does not have a flat surface. Always hold stock firmly against the fence when ripping, or against the miter gauge when cross-cutting.
16. To minimize the risk of injury in the event of a workpiece kickback, never stand directly in line with the blade or the potential kickback path of the workpiece.
17. Avoid working from awkward or off-balance positions. Do not overreach while cutting; keep both feet on the floor. Never lean over or reach over the blade and never pull the work piece over the blade from behind. Use outfeed support or have an assistant help when ripping long material.
18. Keep blade guards in place and working order. If a guard must be removed for maintenance or cleaning, be sure it is properly reattached before using the tool again.
19. Never leave the machine running with the power on when not in operation.
20. Use of parts and accessories NOT recommended by GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL may result in equipment malfunction or risk of injury.
21. Never stand on machinery. Serious injury could result if the tool is tipped over or if the blade is unintentionally contacted.
22. Always disconnect the tool from power before servicing or changing accessories such as blades, before performing any maintenance, cleaning, or adjustments, or if the machine will be left unattended.
23. Make sure that the switch is in the “OFF” position before plugging in the power cord.
24. Make sure the tool is properly grounded. If equipped with a 3-prong plug it should be used with a three-pole receptacle. Never remove the third prong.
25. Do not use this rip fence for any purpose other than its intended use. If used for other purposes, GENERAL ® INTERNATIONAL disclaims any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless for any injury, which may result from that use.

GENERAL “T” FENCE SYSTEM

UNPACK FENCE RAILS, GUIDE AND REMOVE CARDBOARD END PROTECTORS.

• The bag of fastening hardware and the measuring tape will be found tucked inside one end of the guide tube.
• Your hardware bag will contain the contents shown in Fig. a.
• NOTE: The bag contains extra fasteners that may not be needed for your installation.
• These instructions come in a plastic bag with an L-jig.
• Don’t throw the L-jig away, you’ll need it later!
• Packed with the fence itself are the pointer, locking handle knob, and locking handle. The camfoot is already installed on the fence.

ATTACH THE FRONT FENCE RAIL TO YOUR SAW

Using the appropriate diagram for your model of the saw and rails below, place 4 flat head countersunk screws, lock washers, and nuts, below, to assemble the front rail to the front of the saw. But don’t tighten the nuts yet.
Note: The front rail, is the wider of the two rails and has holes in both faces.

MODELS

FOR MODEL 350/650/350R/650R

FOR MODEL 50-250/50-260

FOR MODEL 50-270

FOR MODEL 50-300/50-300CE/50-305/50-305CE

FOR MODEL 50-450/50-460

FOR MODEL 50-550

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

HOW TO ASSEMBLE GENERAL T-FENCE RAILS TO ANOTHER MANUFACTURER’S SAW: If the pre-drilled holes in our rail do not match those on your saw, we recommend clamping the fence to your saw, using the L-jig described on the next page, and then drilling new holes through the softer cast iron metal of the saw, rather than that of the steel rails. Start with a small pilot bit, then use a 1/4” bit to finish the holes.

Place the supplied L-jig, as shown at far right a , on top of the table. Adjust the rail height until the bottom of the jig is flush with the rail shelf. Hold the nuts firm with a 7/16” wrench and tighten the two screws on the left and right ends of the rail. Tighten the center screws only after doublechecking rail height using the L-jig all along the rail and at both ends. Assemble the guide tube, a , to the front fence rail by fastening the 5 hex head bolts (3/8” x 3/4”), b , to the underside of the rail.
Note: When the tube is attached, there will be a gap of about 1” between it and the rail, c , in which part of the fence will ride.

ATTACH THE REAR FENCE RAIL TO YOUR SAW

Using the appropriate diagram for your model of saw and rails below, place hex. head bolts and where applicable lock washers and nuts to assemble the rear rail to the back of the saw. Remember that if you are using General T-fence rails with another manufacturer’s saw, you may have to drill custom holes in your saw to fit.

FOR MODEL 350/650/350R/650R

FOR MODEL 50-250/50-260

FOR MODEL 50-270

FOR MODEL 50-300/50-300CE/50-305/50-305CE

FOR MODEL 50-450/50-460

FOR MODEL 50-550

ASSEMBLE THE FENCE-LOCKING MECHANISM

Install the locking handle, a , (with the black magnet facing up) by inserting the pair of bolt and nut, b , through it and tightening the nut. Important: Do not over-tighten bolts or the cam and handle will be unable to rotate freely.

CHECK FENCE ALIGNMENT

1. To make satisfactory rip cuts, your fence must be aligned perfectly parallel with the saw blade. If not already done, install a saw blade and raise the blade to its highest point.
2. Slide the left edge of the fence up against the right edge of the saw blade. Check that the two are parallel. A better test is to slide the fence over to the right T-slot on your saw table top as shown in the diagram right, a.
3. Lock down the fence handle and make a visual check that the fence is parallel with the T-slot all along its length.
4. Also, you can place a small 3/4” thick block of wood, b , upright into the T-slot and slide it from the front to the back checking its distance from the left edge of the fence.
5. If the fence is not parallel, it can be adjusted by using an Allen wrench to turn one or both of the screws, c or d. Do this slowly, just an eighth to a quarter turn at a time, or you will quickly overshoot the desired adjustment.
6. The final check for parallel is done by ripping a piece of wood against the fence. If the back end of the cut shows blackish burn marks, the fence is not parallel to the blade and will require readjustment.
   • Note: It is always good practice to periodically recheck the alignment of your fence to the blade.

INSTALLATION

INSTALL POINTER AND MEASURING TAPE

1. Slide the fence so it touches the saw blade, A. Lock down the fence with the locking handle.
2. Install the plastic pointer, B , using the two screws & flat washers into the fence head, centering the pointer’s two screw slots over the screw holes, tightening them firmly though not excessively.
3. Make a pencil mark on the guide tube in line with the pointer’s center mark, C.
   • Remove the white backing strip from the measuring tape and carefully install it along the guide tube using your pencil mark as the zero-point of the tape.
   • The tape should sit about 1/4 inch back from the front edge of the guide tube.
   • For accurate readings, the tape must be placed straight parallel with the guide tube.
   • Try removing only an inch of the backing strip from the start of the tape, stick that down, then remove the rest of the backing and pull the measuring tape taut to the end of the guide tube and carefully lower it against the tube.
   • Trim off excess tape with a knife or scissors.
   • Note: Recheck, and if necessary, readjust the pointer against the zero-point of the measuring tape whenever you change blades. Different blades have different thicknesses, which can throw off the pointer a few fractions.

CHECK GUIDE TUBE FOR LEVEL

Note: In some rare instances, the top surface of the guide tube, on which the fence slides, may not be parallel with the top of the saw table, . This can result in friction when sliding the fence and eventual scraping damage to the pointer and/or measuring tape.
To correct this situation:

1. Remove the guide tube.
2. Place 2 to 4 layers of masking tape along the back (or front) edge of the rail, A , as needed to shim up the guide tube.
3. Replace the guide tube and check for parallel.

If you find that the guide tube is out of parallel with the tabletop from left to right, you should:

1. Refer back to Section II, loosen the screws on the front rail, and use the L-jig again to ensure that the rail is at proper height from beginning to end.
2. Retighten the screws and replace the guide tube.

MAKE TEST CUTS TO CHECK POINTER ACCURACY

1. Once the measuring tape is installed and the fence is perfectly parallel with the blade and tabletop, check the pointer’s center line against the tape’s zero point. If necessary, loosen the two screws to slide the pointer left or right into position.
2. For the final check, slide the fence to the right so the pointer points to the 2-inch mark. Use scrap wood to make several rips. If the cuts don’t measure exactly 2 inches wide, readjust the pointer.

INSTALLING A TABLE EXTENSION

• Depending on your saw model and shop needs you may wish to add an extension table to your set-up.
• Whether supplied with the unit, purchased aftermarket, or shop-made, make sure the extension table fits between the saw rails and can be installed flush to the saw table.
• Clamp the extension table in place on the rails, and using the remaining holes on the rails as a guide, drill two mounting holes front and back through the table apron.
• Use the supplied washers along with the spare bolts and nuts to secure the extension table in place.

FENCE AND RAIL MAINTENANCE

• Keep fence and rails clean and free of obstructions and never use force. If the fence doesn’t slide smoothly, stop and check for obstructions.
• A build-up of pitch, sap, or glue residue caused by ripping glued-up panels will tend to attract saw dust making the fence and rails sticky and gummy and preventing them from sliding smoothly.
• It is very dangerous to make rip cuts against a dirty, gummy fence as kickback and/or binding of the work and the blade may occur.
• Periodic wiping with a slightly damp rag as needed will keep your General T-Fence system clean and working smoothly.
• An occasional light buffing with a small amount of paste wax is recommended.
• A good choice is a silicone or Teflon-based lubricant, usually sold in spray can form.

RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• We offer a large variety of products for increased convenience, productivity, accuracy, and safety when using your saw.
• Here’s a small sampling of optional accessories available from your local General International dealer.
• For more information about our products, please visit our website at www.general.ca.
  • #B-050M – 28” x 36” extension table for General MFG 350, 650, 350R and 650R saws.
  • #50-105 – 27” x 36” extension table for General International 50-250 and 50-260 saws.
  • 50-106 – 29” x 36” extension table for General International 50-270, 50-300, 50-300CE, 50-305 and 50-305CE saws.
  • #50-115 – Adjustable support legs for #B-050M, #50-105 and #50-106 extension tables.
• You may also want to consider our model 50-030 extension mobile base that is specifically designed for table saws with extension tables & support legs.
• Our standard mobile base model 50-025 can be used in cases where outrigger support is not needed.

PARTS LIST

PARTS LIST GENERAL T-FENCE

• F-42 – COMPLETE FENCE ASSAY
• T50 – COMPLETE 50” GUIDE RAIL SET

GENERAL T -FENCE

CONTACT

• 835, Cherrier Street, Drummondville (Quebec) Canada J2B 5A8
• Tel.: 514-326-1161
• Fax: 514-326-5565 – Parts & Service
• Fax: 514-326-5555 – Order Desk
• orderdesk@general.ca.
• www.general.ca.

IMPORTANT: When ordering replacement parts, always give the model number, serial number of the machine, and part number. Also a brief description of each item and quantity desired.

• REVISION 3 – AUGUST 27/10
• © COPYRIGHT GENERAL INTERNATIONAL 08/2010

THANK YOU for choosing this General® MFG General “T” fence system. This fence system has been carefully tested and inspected before shipment and if properly used and maintained, will provide you with years of reliable service. For your safety, as well as to ensure optimum performance and trouble-free operation, and to get the most from your investment, please take the time to read this manual before assembling, installing, and using your General “T” fence system. The manual’s purpose is to familiarize you with the safe operation, basic function, and features of the General “T” fence system as well as the set-up, maintenance, and identification of its parts and components. This manual is not intended as a substitute for formal woodworking instruction, nor to offer the user instruction in the craft of woodworking. If you are not sure about the safety of performing a certain operation or procedure, do not proceed until you can confirm, from knowledgeable and qualified sources, that it is safe to do so. Once you’ve read through these instructions, keep this manual handy for future reference.

Disclaimer: The information and specifications in this manual pertain to the unit as it was supplied from the factory at the time of printing. Because we are committed to making constant improvements, General® MFG reserves the right to make changes to components, parts, or features of this unit as deemed necessary, without prior notice and without obligation to install any such changes on previously delivered units. Reasonable care is taken at the factory to ensure that the specifications and information in this manual correspond with that of the unit with which it was supplied. However, special orders and “after factory” modifications may render some or all information in this manual inapplicable to your fence system. Further, as several generations of this model of fence system and several versions of this manual may be in circulation if you own an earlier or later version of this unit, this manual may not depict your fence system exactly. If you have any doubts or questions contact your retailer or our support line with the model and serial number of your unit for clarification.

WARRANTY

GENERAL® & GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY

• All component parts of General®, General® International and Excalibur by General International ® products are carefully inspected during all stages of production and each unit is thoroughly inspected upon completion of assembly.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

• Because of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, General® and General® International agree to repair or replace any part or component which upon examination, proves to be defective in either workmanship or material to the original purchaser for the life of the tool. However, the Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover any product used for professional or commercial production purposes or industrial or educational applications. Such cases are covered by our Standard 2-year Limited Warranty only.
• The Limited Lifetime Warranty is also subject to the “Conditions and Exceptions” as listed below.

Standard 2-Year Limited Warranty

• All products not covered by our lifetime warranty including products used in commercial, industrial, and educational applications are warranted for 2 years (24 months) from the date of purchase. General® and General® International agree to repair or replace any part or component which upon examination, proves to be defective in either workmanship or material to the original purchaser during this 2-year warranty period, subject to the “conditions and exceptions” as listed below.

To file a Claim

• To file a claim under our Standard 2-year Limited Warranty or under our Limited Lifetime Warranty, all defective parts, components, or machinery must be returned freight or postage prepaid to General® International, or to a nearby distributor, repair center, or other location designated by General® International. For further details call our service department at 1-888- 949-1161 or your local distributor for assistance when filing your claim.
• Along with the return of the product being claimed for warranty, a copy of the original proof of purchase and a “letter of claim” must be included (a warranty claim form can also be used and can be obtained, upon request, from General® International or an authorized distributor) clearly stating the model and serial number of the unit (if applicable) and including an explanation of the complaint or presumed defect in material or workmanship.

CONDITIONS AND EXCEPTIONS:

• This coverage is extended to the original purchaser only. Prior warranty registration is not required but documented proof of purchase i.e. a copy of the original sales invoice or receipt showing the date and location of the purchase as well as the purchase price paid, must be provided at the time of claim.
• Warranty does not include failures, breakage, or defects deemed after inspection by General® or General® International to have been directly or indirectly caused by or resulting from; improper use, or lack of or improper maintenance, misuse or abuse, negligence, accidents, damage in handling or transport, or normal wear and tear of any generally considered consumable parts or components.
• Repairs made without the written consent of General® International will void all warranty.

References

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