A resawing jig is used for cutting logs into planks. Specifically, you create over-thick slabs which you then let dry for a long time (1 year per inch of thickness), then joint and plane, rip and crosscut as needed. In this way, logs can be turned into lumber, just like the kind of stuff you buy at lumber store, save that you can choose woods you usually wouldn't find, and resaw them in ways you usually don't see. For example, you usually get flatsawn, or plain sawn boards, but you may quartersaw, or even riftsaw your own stuff. Look 'em up :)
The log is from an Indian Laurel Fig, AKA Cuban Laurel, AKA Chinese Banyan, AKA Green Island Fig. Fig wood isn't supposed to be all that great as a building material, but I aim to prove it one way or the other myself.
Some pics of the building of the resawing jig here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garyfixler/sets/72157619740126316/
Photo of the info (capacity, blade, electrical) plate on the saw:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garyfixler/2909611852/in/set-72157607688387576
