Ed in Tampa wrote:Most interesting thread! One I found insightful.
I never in a hundred years expected to see method ...
I agree. And I was equally surprised to see the band saw was not the most popular. It is certainly the safest, and with a good fence (and blade of course) and some hold downs it will easily handle accurate long rips. (that 8' sturdy outfeed table is kinda nice too!)
But I also do agree there's a world to be said for comfort and confidence.
Mark V 520, Power-Pro!; Speed Reducer; B/S; Jointer; ShopMate DCS; SS Tenon Master; Rip-Strate; Incra; BCTW; DW734; var. SS sanding systems; Wood River;
Should you change your mind and decide on the tablesaw rip , my preference by the way, your big concern will be binding of the blade part way through. This is most likely if 1) your wood is 'wet' or green and 2) if one edge is not straight. If you straighten one edge and then take the advice from others - infeed and outfeed aids (FWW has a recent article on a long aux fence and table for 4x8 plywood cuts but applicable to long rips), well placed featherboard(s), riving blade to prevent binding, and someone to help on the outfeed side you will be okay. The first time is daunting AS IT SHOULD BE to cause you to really think through the process more than once.
If you stay with the circular saw be sure to straighten one edge before ripping to width and watch for binding at the tail side of the cut. At least there you can pause and insert wedges if it occurs.
