Careful about splitting: could be horrible with interlocked grain.
Check first. Sawing won't be that easy but should be doable
PvR

Robert schreef
Well, I think I'll buy one of these and give it a try. The lumber
yard only has six or seven of left (out of a pallet of 40) and I don't
think I'll run accross another chance like this. They're not cheap --
about $100 each ($7 per pound). What I'll do is take off the wax,
split it down the middle to get two 4 by 4 blanks and then let them
equilibriate for a couple months or so. Then I'll make a jack and
smoother. I'm working on a set-up to machine the mouth with a
cross-vise and end mill in my drill press -- I don't know if it's
going to work but I'd love to be able to make a solid plane without
glue lines -- and I'm not good enough with a chisel -- yet.

Robert