General F-36 T-28 User manual

REVISION 4 SEPTEMBER 18/08
RIP FENCE SYSTEM ONLY - TABLE SAW SOLD SEPARATELY

THANK YOU for choosing this General® MFG General “T” fence system. This
fence has been carefully tested and inspected before shipment and if properly used and
maintained, will provide you with years of reliable service. 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 operating the unit.
The manual’s purpose is to familiarize you with the safe operation, basic function, and features
of this 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 instruc-
tion, 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.
All component parts of General® MFG products are carefully tested and inspected during all stages of
production, and each item is thoroughly inspected upon completion of assembly. Because of our commitment to
quality and customer satisfaction, General® MFG agrees to repair or replace, within a period of 24 months from
date of purchase, any genuine part or parts which, upon examination, prove to be defective in workmanship or
material. In order to obtain this warranty, all defective parts must be returned freight pre-paid to General®
International Mfg. Co., Ltd. Repairs attempted without our written authorization will void this warranty.
GENERAL ® MFG WARRANTY
Disclaimer: The information and specifications in this manual pertain
to the unit as it was supplied from the factory at the time of prin-
ting. 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 deli-
vered units. Reasonable care is taken at the factory to ensure that the
specifications and information in this manual corresponds 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 machine. Further, as several generations of
this General “T” fence system and several versions of this manual may be
in circulation, if you own an earlier or later version of this unit, this manu-
al may not depict your Fence System exactly. If you have any doubts or
questions contact your retailer or our support line with the model
number of your unit for clarification.
GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL
8360 Champ-d’Eau, Montreal (Quebec) Canada H1P 1Y3
Telephone [phone] • Fax [phone] • www.general.ca

1. Do not operate the saw when tired, distracted, or
under the effects of drugs, alcohol or any medica
tion 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
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 unsu-
pervised use.
5. Stay alert! Give your work your undivided attention.
Even a momentary distraction can lead to serious
injury.
6. Fine particulate saw dust is a carcinogen that can
be hazardous to health. Work in a well-ventilated
area and whenever possible use a dust collec-
tor and wear eye, ear and respiratory protection
devices.
7. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, neck-
laces and ornaments while saw is in operation.
8. Be sure that adjusting wrenches, tools, drinks and
other clutter are removed from the machine and/or
the table surface before commencing operation.
9. Keep hands well away from saw blade and all
moving parts. Use a push stick to feed stock, and
use a brush, not hands, to clear away chips and
sawdust.
10. Be sure that saw blade is securely locked, and in
proper cutting direction, before operation.
11. Use recommended-speed, saw blade and acces-
sories for the working material.
12. Be sure the blade has gained full operating speed
before beginning to cut.
13. Always use a clean, properly sharpened blade.
Dirty or dull blades are unsafe and can lead to
accidents.
14. Do not push or force stock into the cutting 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 risk of injury in the event of work piece
kickback, never stand directly in-line with the blade
or in the potential kickback path of the work piece.
17. Avoid working from awkward or off balance
positions. Do not overreach during cutting opera-
tion; keep both feet on 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 in 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. If using a power feeder, stop the feeder before
stopping the table saw.
21. Use of parts and accessories NOT recommended
by General® International may result in equipment
malfunction or risk of injury.
22. Never stand on machinery. Serious injury could
result if the tool is tipped over or if blade is uninten-
tionally contacted.
23. Always disconnect tool from power before servicing
or changing accessories such as a saw blade, or
before performing any maintenance, cleaning
or adjustments, or if the machine will be left
unattended.
24. Make sure that switch is in the “OFF” position before
plugging in the power cord.
25. Make sure tool is properly grounded. If tool is
equipped with a 3-prong plug it should be used
with a three-pole receptacle. Never remove the
third prong.
Rules for Safe Operation
To help ensure safe operation, please take a moment to learn the machine’s applications and limita-
tions, as well as potential hazards. General® International disclaims any real or implied warranty and
hold itself harmless for any injury that may result from the improper use of it’s equipment.

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.
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 support foot,
pointer, locking handle knob, camfoot and locking
handle, above.
If you have the T-28, standard fence rails your hardware
bag will contain the following, . If you have the T-52
extended length fence rails, your hardware bag will
contain the contents shown in .
NOTE: Bags contain extra fasteners that may not be
needed for your installation.
Using the appropriate diagram for your model of 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.
T-28 FOR MODEL 50-175/185
The diagram, below, shows how the screw holes in the T-28 front guide rail align with those on a General@ International
model 50-175 or 50-185 saw.
4
Note: the Front rail, right, is the
one that is the wider of the two
rails. It will sit upright, like this:
ATTACH THE FRONT FENCE RAIL TO YOUR SAW
T-28 HARDWARE T-52 HARDWARE

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-gauge pilot bit, then use a 1/4” bit to finish the
holes.
T-28 FOR MODELS 50-220 & 50-220R
The diagram, below, shows how the screw holes in the T-28 front guide rail align with those on a General International
model 50-220C saw.
T-52 FOR MODELS 50-220 & 50-220R
This diagram shows how the screw holes in the T-52 front guide rail align with those on your General International
model 50-220CL saw.
Note: the Front rail, right, is the
one that is the wider of the two
rails. It will sit upright, like this:
Note: the Front rail, right, is the
one that is the wider of the two
rails. It will sit upright, like this:
5
Note: the Front rail, right, is the
one that is the wider of the two
rails. It will sit upright, like this:
T-52 FOR MODELS 50-175 & 50-185
This diagram shows how the screw holes in the T-52 front guide rail align with those on a General International model
50-175L or 50-185L saw.
Inset the rail
roughly the
width of the
fence: 3 1/2”
3 1/2”

Using the appropriate diagram for your model of saw and rails below, place 4 pan head phillips screws, lock
washers and nuts to assemble the rear rail to the back of the saw. But don’t tighten the nuts yet.
FOR MODELS 50-175 & 50-185
Here, the bolt holes in the T-28 (top) and T-52 rear fence rails are shown in relation to the corresponding holes in our
General International model 50-175 or 50-185 table saws. 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.
Place the supplied L-jig, as shown at far right , 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 left and right ends
of the rail. Tighten the center screws only after double-
checking rail height using the L-jig all along the rail and
at both ends.
Assemble the guide tube, , to the front fence rail by
fastening 4 of the 5 hex head bolts, , to the underside
of the rail. For now, omit the first bolt, , on the far left of
the rail because this is where you will attach the saw’s
On/Off switch (see your saw manual).
Note: when the tube is attached, there will be a gap of
about 1 inch between it and the rail, , in which part of
the fence will ride.
Note: If You are installing our General T-Fence system on another manufacturer’s saw, you may be able to
fasten all 5 of the hex head bolts, unless their On/Off switch is to be attached to the front rail in the same
location as ours.
T-28
T-52
ATTACH THE BACK FENCE RAIL TO YOUR SAW
6

FOR MODELS 50-220 & 50-220R
Here, the bolt holes in the T-28 (top) and T-52 rear fence rails are shown in relation to the corresponding holes in a
General International model 50-220 or 50-220R table saws. 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.
T-52
Use a ruler to ensure that the top of the back rail is 7/16” lower than the
table top. Tighten the nuts on right and left sides first, then the rest.
ASSEMBLE THE FENCE LOCKING MECHANISM
1. Install the camfoot, , (with the top loop facing you) by inserting the
smaller pair of bolt and nut, , through it and tightening the nut.
2. Install the Locking handle, , (with the black magnet facing up) by
inserting the larger pair of bolt and nut, , through it and tightening
the nut.
Important: Do not over tighten bolts or the cam and handle will be
unable to rotate freely.
T-28
7

8
ASSEMBLE THE SUPPORT FOOT AT THE REAR OF THE FENCE
1. Place one of the supplied large washers, , over the support foot
screw and insert the foot through the hole at bottom of the back
end of the fence, , and secure it with the supplied nut. To avoid
scraping your knuckles on the two protruding screws, . Place a
piece of tape across the wrench to hold the nut in place as you
reach in.
CHECK FENCE ALIGNMENT
INSTALL POINTER AND MEASURING TAPE
1. Slide the fence so it touches the saw blade, . Lock down the fence
with the locking handle.
2. Install the plastic pointer, , 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, .
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 it’s
highest point. 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, . Lock down the fence
handle and make a visual check that the fence is parallel with the
T-slot all along its length.
Also, you can place a small 3/4” thick block of wood, , upright into
the T-slot and slide it from the front to the back checking its distance
from the left edge of the fence.
2. If the fence is not parallel, it can be adjusted by using an Allen
wrench to turn one or both of the screws, or . Do this slowly, just
an eighth to a quarter turn at a time, or you will quickly overshoot
the desired adjustment.
3. 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.

INSTALL POINTER AND MEASURING TAPE, CONT.
Remove the white backing strip from the measuring tape and carefully
install 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 backing strip from the start of the tape, stick
that down, then remove the rest of the backing and pull the measure
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, , 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 table top 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 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 table top, 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 pointer.
9

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
FOR YOUR FENCE SYSTEM
We offer a large variety of products to help you increase productivity, accuracy
and safety when using your machine. Here’s is but a small sampling of the acces-
sories that are available from your local General® International dealer.
10
#50-105, 27” X 36” EXTENSION TABLE
#50-115, SUPPORT LEGS
#50-025, MOBILE BASE
If you have purchased the extended length T-52 fence rail
system, it is highly recommended that you purchase and
install our #50-105 - 27” x 36” extension & #50-115 - support
legs.
The beauty of extended rails is that it becomes possible to
rip larger sheets of plywood and paneling.
You may also want consider our model 50-030 Extension
Mobile Base that is specificaly 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.
#50-030, MOBILE BASE

11
PARTS LIST
GENERAL T-FENCE
PART N0. DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION QTY
BS-200SA FENCE BODY 1
BS-006SA CAM AND HANDLE ASS’Y 1
BS-208 CAMFOOT 1
B-012C SIDE PANEL FOR 36” GUIDE 2
BS-210 ARBORITE GUIDE COVERS FOR F-36 2
P-249 HANDLE 35C HOLE 3/8” -24 1
P-267 BLACK “T” MOLDINGS 1/8” x 1/2” 80”
P-489 FLAT WASHERS 3/16” SAE 2
P-369 SELF TAPPING SCREWS - NOT SHOWN 10 - 16 3/4” HEX. HD 5/16” 12
P-635 ROUND HD SLOT MACH. SCREW 10 - 32 x 3/8” 2
P-760 HEX. HD CAP SCREW 1/4” - 20 x 1 3/4” 1
P-987 NUT 3/8” -16 (NYLON INSERT) 1
P-986 NUT 1/4” -20 (NYLON INSERT) 7/16” 1
P-704 FENCE ALIGNMENT SET SCREWS 6/8” - 16 X 5/16” 2
P-799 NYLON PADS 7
P-797 HAIRLINE POINTER 1
P-707 HEX. HD CAP SCREW 3/8” - 16 x 1 3/4” 1
P-800 ADJUSTABLE LEG 1
BS-282 REAR RAIL FOR 28” T-FENCE 1
BS-522 REAR RAIL FOR 52” T-FENCE 1
BS-281 FRONT RAIL FOR 28” T-FENCE 1
BS-521 FRONT RAIL FOR 52” T-FENCE 1
BS-283 GUIDE FOR 28” T-FENCE 1
BS-523 GUIDE FOR 52” T-FENCE 1
BS-214 “L” JIG FOR F-36 1
P-801 ADHESIVE MEASURING TAPE 1
F-36 - COMPLETE FENCE ASS’Y
T-28 - COMPLETE 28” GUIDE RAIL SET
T-52 - COMPLETE 52” GUIDE RAIL SET

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.
GENERAL T -FENCE
8360, Champ-d’Eau, Montreal (Quebec)
Canada H1P 1Y3
Tel.: [phone]
Fax : [phone] Parts & Service
Fax : [phone] Order Desk
[email protected]
www.general.ca