its sounds like there are 2 themes going on here. one is to manufacture a few hundred timberframers rip saw to an agreeded spec. The other is to get hold of a some blanks and to make our own custom saws to our individual specs. This could lead to some interesting and heated debate at a frame 2002 event where saws are compared for performance etc!!! As i am not in the market for a rip saw at present i will just look forward to see what develops, and good luck on your quest whichever way you go.