Abstract: A portable band saw for cutting boards of variable thickness from a log has a frame that carries the band saws wheels and a space between the cutting length of the band and the frame that is large enough for the board that is cut from the log to fit through and a slide or rollers for riding on the log when the band saw is cutting a board from the log is carried by the frame in the space between the cutting length of the band and the frame so that the band saw rides along the log from end to end of the log while cutting a board from the log of thickness determined by the space between the cutting length of the band and the bottom of the slide. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, to make the first cut on a rough log, anchor plates are attached to each end of the log that carry supports for a smooth rigid beam suspended between the supports on which the band saw slide rides to cut a straight flat surface longitudinally along the log.