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New retro-fit kits let you add riving knife to some General tablesaws

Tom Begnal, associate editor, retired

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General Manufacturing has just announced riving-knife kits for their 10-in., 3hp, cabinet saw models 350 and 650. The kits contains everything needed to add a riving-knife to those saws. That means, if you own one of them, you won’t have to buy an entirely new saw to enjoy the safety benefits of a riving knife.

The kits fit only 3 hp, General models 350 and 650. They do not fit other saws from General or any other manufacturers. If you have the 5hp version of those General saws, you can still add a riving knife, but you need to modify the motor shaft. For details about the modification, contact the technical service department at General.

Each kit includes a:

• cast-iron saw-chute assembly.
• cast-iron arbor-bracket assembly (with arbor) with built-in quick-release riving-knife mounting-block/receptacle.
• high-profile riving-knife/blade-guard assembly with anti-kickback pawls.
• separate low-profile (shark fin) riving-knife.
• new table insert.
• step-by-step installation manual and DVD.

The announcement from General included this cautionary note: “Because of the major redesign of the saw that was required to incorporate a “true” riving knife (that raises and lowers in tandem with the blade), this retro-fit does require a fairly complicated partial disassembly, swap out of some of the major internal components, and then re-assembly and re-alignment of the saw. Due to the technical nature of the work involved, it is recommended only for those who have a higher level of mechanical aptitude or a background that includes experience with machinery repair.”

The kits; no. 350RNK (for model 350) and no. 650RNK (for model 650) sell for $599. For more information, and for a list of distributors, go to www.general.ca.

Tom Begnal

The Table Saw Book (2nd Ed.)
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Comments (1)

smithm writes: It's hard to believe that a large machinery company can justify making money on retrofit safety equipment that should have been in place beforehand. I guess they are atleast now recognizing the importance/demand.
Posted: 11:45 pm on April 21st

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