I actually got fed up thinking about it and just went into the workshop and took it out again and some scrap wood and put it through it's paces

I think that the issue is the speed. The lower the speed the less it does it and I think that coupled with the blades being of poor quality you have the problem

I did a few test cuts with a lower speed setting and it seemed to behave although I would not trust it running a straight line for long.

I have two more particleboard sheets to cut for my new workshop this weekend and so I am going to brave it again! My arm is doing me in with the handsaw. I suppose if I went and bought a decent particleboard handsaw that might help also! I am a great believer in only using power tools when they either do it quicker and just as good or better as in a router!

Oh well thanks for you ideas and it is great to bounce them off of someone who can think the way I do about these things!

The mandolin is going to be a masterpiece TRUST ME!

Jim