Portable Planer question

[wkheathjr]

ljmathias,

Right you are!  I know what you are talking about and I kept a firm grip on it from start to fininsh (when the blade stops turning).  I had opportunity to use it few times during the workshop and once it jammed on me so yeah and I did used 10" more than 16" or 7".  I got a Big Foot(10") with wormdrive for $177 plus shipping for under $200 all together.

Next is Chain Mortiser and then I can start build 3 projects within next 6 months.  My plan is to build a walkway bridge, one small cabin, and a shop.  By the time I get through with cutting for first project I should have enough fund for a drill guide and a 1", 1.5", and 2" drill bits.

[shinnlinger]

Another thing to be careful of with those big Makitas is to not over estimate it's power.  If your ripping a big angle say on a eve or ridge tie, you can burn them out.  JUst because the blade can engage the wood, it doesn't mean it can cut it.  Listen to the saw and don't force it.

[Jim_Rogers]

wkheathjr:
In your case you'll have to watch the saw and feel it's vibrations. If you see the blade slowing down by watching the sawdust output then slow down your forward motion, and let the saw cut the wood slower......
Learning the speed to feed a large saw is important, and it can change when cutting depending on what you are cutting (type of wood) and what you are cutting through, knots and other defects.

Jim

PS. I talked with Bonnie the other day, and she had nothing but good words to say about you.
Good luck.....