As accurate as you want it to be. It's mostly in the operator more than the saw. If you stick with one of the top names, not the entry level saws, you'll be fine. I turn the speed down on mine occasionally but most of the time I leave it about 2/3 throttle. The key word here, no matter what saw you decide on, is PRACTICE! Don't jump in and think you'll be an expert right off. Get some thin plywood and just scribble some patterns on that and cut away. Lot's of "how to" videos on youtube.