Sounds like a couple of good ideas from very experienced men. Just be careful. A circular saw set to on with a zip tie.... I've done this type of thing, too. Just be honest with yourself about your skills and experience vs. some of these suggestions. If your up to it, fine. Now, I'm not criticizing the suggestions, just adding a word or two of caution.

You could also take a 4x8x3/4" piece of plywood or mdf and, depending on the length of the boards you're ripping, cut it lengthwise into 2 or 3 pieces. Support the pieces on enough saw horses to create a long stable work surface. Tack a stop block to one end of the boards. Lay the piece of lumber you're going to rip onto the work surface with the end butted up against the stop block and just walk your circular saw down the board, using its guide fence to set strip width. If you set your blade depth just a hair deeper than the board, it won't tear up your work surface too much. You'll be using the circular saw the way it's intended to be used and if you let go, the motor shuts off.