hi, i use my 16" saw all the time. i have used the new base and even though i am quite skilled with my saw, i perfer the old base for square cuts. you wont be super great with saw till you have made hundreds of cuts! practice, practice! I do tie my guard back (don't tell osha) and watch my blade on all three lines i can see. if my cut starts to wonder i stop and start over back at the begging of the cut. listen to the saw, it talks to you. if it is really binding chances are you off your line! good luck hope i helped
matt
