I can say that I'm pretty firm in the "decorative" camp. Your words are
totally true, especially with how deep some heels of saws are, that thumb
would be traveling some significant distance just to stay on the top edge.

As to practicality I think you are also completely correct, BUT I also think
that working wood in a 3-piece suit isn't practical, and yet those old
timers must have known different.

Matthew Groves
Springfield, MO

PS Anyone wanting to split some costs in milling up an 11 foot bole of white
oak 42 inches across into q-sawn lumber, let me know.

> 
> That is an interesting thought, but I still don't think it passes the
> practicality test.

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