Symptoms
- Cut drifts away from the marked line
- Cut is straight at first then curves
- Cutting freehand feels hard to control
- Edge is rough or uneven
Likely causes
- CommonCutting freehand without a guideIt's hard to hold a hand-held saw perfectly straight over distance.
- PossibleBase plate not square to the bladeA tilted plate steers the blade off line as you push.
- CommonForcing the saw faster than the blade wants to cutOverfeeding makes the blade deflect sideways.
- PossibleDull or bent bladeA damaged blade doesn't track straight even with good technique.
- PossibleWorkpiece shifting during the cutUnclamped material can move slightly and pull the line off.
What to do
- Clamp a straightedge (a level or a purpose-made guide) to the workpiece parallel to your cut line.
- Set the saw's base plate against the guide and check the blade angle reads 90 degrees with a square.
- Clamp the workpiece itself so it can't shift while cutting.
- Feed the saw at a slow, steady pace and let the blade do the work rather than pushing hard.
- Check the blade for dullness or bending and replace if needed.
- Make a test cut on scrap using the guide to confirm the line is now straight.
Tools and parts
- Circular saw
- Straightedge or saw guide
- Clamps
- Square
When to call a pro
If the saw still drifts with a clamped guide and a square blade, a repair shop can check the base plate for warping.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.