The blade originally ran (on the back) inside what appears to be a piece of wood. I have the bracket and will just take a block of wood and cut a slot in it for the blade. I wouldn't run it without that in place. Darn good way to tear up a hand as you obviously know.

I have an old 5 hp 3 phase Allis Chalmers motor on it now. Not as old as the saw but it looks 'right' on it. As for tires there are a couple of places I know of. One that caters to the Industrial crowd and they have most anything for the big saws.

I could have gotten by with a 20" saw. This is just what came along and I do love big saws and big jointers. It is more saw than I need but I traded for it and ended up with something like $100 plus gas in it. Could have sold for more than that in scrap iron!

And I can't wait to do some resawing on this one! Bet it will go though 6x6's like hot butter.