Before I start cutting, I wait for a clear idea of what my finished piece will look like. It is often helpful to use a waterproof marker to draw a rough outline on the stone. Determine what method you will use to execute the finished piece, and thereby identify the tools you will need. Make your initial cuts. I often start by sawing faces or cutting off sections of milky, unwanted material.
Depth perception can be difficult when lining up for a saw cut.
Give yourself plenty of room so as not to cut too close to the rutile. Sawing can be effective if you are removing the surface skin of a crystal face. I do not like to use a saw if there is any chance I can miss and damage the material within. While I have had much experience lining up saw cuts, I find the saw to be a relatively inaccurate tool, and thus err on the side of caution and leave myself lots of room. Remember, sawing is the first of many tools you will be using to remove material.