My father was telling me that about 50 years ago he remember seeing a tool ressembling a skilsaw but with a small chainsaw blade instead of the circular blade. Does this tool still exist? The tool was just like a skilsaw but with a chainsaw blade. The blade would have been about 10" or 12" long and could be held and used with one hand. Would anyone know the maker of this tool or have any pictures? Thanks, would really like to know more about this "old" tool.

The beast you seek is called a linear link. It is a chainsaw blade that attaches to a skil saw wormdrive or a Bosch wormdrive. You can find it on the web at http://www.linearlink.com/testimonials.htm
It is in my opinion the best tool second to the chainsaw itself. It will easily cut a 12"x 12" like it is a 2" x 4". Good Luck.

I have a chain saw bar attached to my worm drive saw made by Prazi. It too will cut a 12" thick beam. I use it for a beam cut off saw.
You should be able to access their website at: Click here for Prazi-USA Link
I personally wouldn't use it one handed.
Hope this helps.
Jim Rogers