Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
I'm writing this as I want to go to bed (it's late) and need to keep a record of my plan.

The bandsaw, even my large Hammer, is too unwieldy to make a straight cut. Not to mention maneuvering the heavy top into position and keeping it on track. Too hard.

A circular saw has promise but mine is a dinky 7 1/2" blade (I used to use it to break down sheet goods).

The need is to cut straight and keep the two cuts parallel.

The best tool here is a router. Reject the temptation to save the dog strip. It is not too much effort to make another. Rout out one side and then the other. I can only go to a depth of 2", but that will ensure that the top section is a clean edge and square. I'll flip the top and rout from the reverse side. Then make a new dog hole strip and fit it.

Now I'll go to bed.

Let me know what you think.

Regards from Perth

Derek