Originally Posted By: Devin Smith
It would be really nice to get 3" of depth on an 8" saw.


it sure is grin one of the first things I did to a cheap'o Hitachi saw when I got it.
Keep in mind, Makita uses the same motor on both the 7.25" and their 8.25" saws, Bigfoot uses the wormdrive skill body/motor for both their 10.25" AND 14" saws, so you should have enough power to push the blades you're proposing. Bigfoot might also be the only source for a 14" blade for your 12", I don't think anyone makes a 13" blade.
here's my hitachi set up with a 8.25" blade, some trimming required

there's a thin line between hobby and mental illness