wrote in message
1 I am thinking of a used worm/hypoid gear circular saw as the
replacement 'motor'. At 13 Amps is is almost 2hp and the bearings and
the gears are pretty rugged.

2 I would remove the blade guard and I would mount my 10" blade on
the 7-1/4" saw under the table with the blade fully extended.

Most anything can be made to work, but it can also have the potential for a
disaster if done wrong. You can buy a used saw for about $100. I see
Craftsman saws in the paper all the time for that price.