Wayne, that is what I plan to do with the next one. 4est trekker does it that way with a band saw. Mine was cut to 1/2" thick on a table saw. My band saw is not up to the task, but ill try cutting most of the way with the table saw and finish the balance by hand. If I had any class, I'd do it all with hand tools!
The other choice is to avoid the saw altogether and remove all excess wood with the Rigid.
John, your fix makes perfect sense and as much as I appreciate the value of your advice, I'm going ahead as is if only to satisfy my curiosity.