Replies

1. 
   RW | Oct 29, 2005 04:54am | #1

   I can only think of an alternate way to make the cuts, assuming you're cutting across the short dimension. Router, template, start with a top bearing bit and keep dropping it, go to a longer top bearing bit and bottom that out, then go to a bottom bearing bit, flip the work, and finish. Man, that sounds like a lot of work.

   Obviously there's the portable metal saws, and you could find or have made wood cutting blades to fit one, but they don't strike me as accurate enough for what you're attempting, or maybe you have steadier hands than I.

   "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

2. 
   MikeFitz | Oct 29, 2005 04:58am | #2

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=nb_ss_hi/103-3930800-4287025?url=search-alias%3Dtools&field-keywords=portable+bandsaw

   I've never used one, so I can't tell you if they work well or recommend one,

1. 
   jimblodgett | Oct 29, 2005 05:35am | #3

   How about one of those hand held bandsaws electricians use to cut conduit?  Maybe file a few teeth off a metal cutting blade to increase it's ability to cut wood?  Or maybe you could have a wood cutting blade welded to needed length?

   Just tossing out ideas.  Never tried it.  

2. 
   caseyr | Oct 29, 2005 07:49am | #4

   I have a couple of the Milwaukee portable bandsaws.  I have cut some pretty thick steel with them (1") and they cut surprisingly well.  The problem is that I have never been able to make a cut of any length in a really straight line - I usually get a fairly good curve going...  The Milwaukees seem to be by far the most common.  I have been to some auctions where the Milwaukees seem to go for close to, or even over, the retail price at the big boxes.

   There are a variety of blades available for these things, but I have not seen anything with a tooth spacing greater than 10 TPI - although they may be out there. 

3. 
   butch | Oct 29, 2005 01:07pm | #5

   You might want to try this idea I saw

   on "this old house".(yeah they are good for something

   sometimes). If you have a band saw already put it

   on one of those mobile bases(w/wheels) and get your timber stationary

   and perfectly straight with your band saw and move the band

   saw around instead of the timber. You'll need to do this on a

   flat surface like a garage floor. I saw that on t.o.h.

   and thought it was a pretty good trick.

4. 
   Huck | Oct 29, 2005 02:39pm | #6

   http://www.festools.com/festool_product.asp?productID=FD561-123
   (never tried one, but its on my wish list!)
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   edited to add: please note the description "Cutting power has been increased 60%, so you can cut things you never dreamed possible with a jigsaw (like 3/8" steel plate or 4-3/4" thick wooden beams"

   
   

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   Edited 10/29/2005 8:29 am by Huck

5. 
   PaulBinCT | Oct 29, 2005 04:26pm | #7

   What about the rig that Mafell makes that runs a chainsaw (gas or electric I think) on somekind of trolley for timber framing?

6. 
   limeyjoiner | Oct 29, 2005 08:12pm | #8

   http://www.mafell.com/produkte/prod_saegen_fr.htm

   Mafell make a couple of different models of hand held bandsaws for cutting beams

   
   

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   Edited 10/29/2005 1:15 pm ET by limeyjoiner