Prior to doing any cutting, carefully inspect the wood for nails and screws. Since we reuse so much lumber, it is very common to have fasteners left in. Be especially aware of nails or screws that have been broken off below the surface of the material.
First, with your hand off the trigger, line up the saw blade with your mark. Remember to place the blade on the waste edge of your mark, otherwise the "kerf" of the blade (the blade's thickness) may make your cut piece about 1/8" too short.
