... about 12" square, 7' long. I need to cut it length wise to make a couple benches out of it. The thing is real heavy and too big to cut on my band saw. ...
Too big for stationary tools? Ideas?
1. Rig up large in-feed and out-feed tables or stabilizers.
Here is a link to an old thread that describes a bit of using a bandsaw to cut a tenon on the end of a larger (moderate compared to your) beam. Look in th e"floor stretch section"
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/showthread.php?t=37064&highlight=heartwood
See this picture also, from that thread (if it works)
for what I did using a 14" bandsaw and pieces NOT as large as what you are using. The principle holds though.
2. Figure out a way to cut down to size using multiple cuts using portable tools
a. circular saw cut from each side, as deep as you can (or use a long router bit and straight edge (more waste that way)
b jig saw or sawsall with long blade to cut the remaining portion (3" thick?); these will likely follow the path of least resistance in the kerf of those circ saw cuts
3. Find someone (here?) who will cut it for you (as Mike suggests). Some folks have BIG equipment on the scale we are unaccustomed too for home shops. This can be a
- chainsaw mill, or
- anyone who can process logs can do what you need
4. I am not a hand tool guy, but a large frame saw with a rip blade might do this cut (with some calories expended).
Hope that helps
Henry W