Yes, you can get clean, straight cuts with portable power tools

Been frustrated by poor-quality cuts using your portable power tools? Following these pointers will ensure wander-free machining and reduced tear-out. ■ Clamp a straightedge to the workpiece as a guide for the tool. You don’t need a fancy guide—the factory-cut edge of a piece of MDF or melamine panel works great, as shown. ■ Use sharp, clean blades and bits. ■ Clamp a backer to the workpiece on the appropriate face to avoid chip-out. ■ Use a slow feed rate, but be careful not to go too slowly or you’ll burn the wood. —from the WOOD® shop