I'm working on some furniture projects using large slabs that are 3" to 3.5" thick. Currently, I'm pre-ripping them on the ground with a track saw that has a max depth of 2". To finish the cut, I'm either using a hand saw for the last inch or flipping the heavy slabs to make a second pass. My goal is to prepare these slabs for moving to the table saw or jointer. I've thought about investing in a large circular saw like the Bigfoot or Sawsquatch, which costs around $350-$400. However, I'm open to alternatives. I don't want to use a chainsaw in my shop, and my sawzall is really slow. I just considered using a jigsaw with a sturdy blade. I'd love to hear any thoughts based on experience, especially if anyone has used the Sawsquatch or Bigfoot circular saw!
2 Answers
You might want to look into a 7 1/4” worm drive saw. That's what I use in my shop for rough cutting heavier boards. You can make a shallow cut from one side, flip the slab, and then finish the cut on the other side. It’s pretty effective! If you have a couple of friends to help hold the heavy slabs, that would definitely make things easier.
You’ve got a few options, but keep in mind you'll need a 10" blade to cut through 3" slabs. That said, there are different setups available, but they can get pricey. If you're looking for speed, a jigsaw could help finish your cuts, but the timing depends on your project deadlines.
That’s similar to what I’m doing now with my track saw—cutting, flipping, and finishing the cut. Seems like a solid technique!