I would buy one and one of the carpenters who works with me would as well.

The 13" Makita is a great tool. I have used them and find them to be pretty much the perfect size for North American style timber framing. I have used the Bigboy, Protool, and various mafells. I like the Makita.

I would certainly be interested in the newer style saws sold in the UK that Colin mentioned, as I have used them on several occasions over there. I like the soft start, the weight, and the lower guard mechanism.

Either model (old or new) would be popular with American timber framers.

Gabel