Your correct leaving the saw on one speed (high if your cutting mostly wood) The second speed is a nice feature for when you need it. I agree with John when he says it's most important to use the correct blade and size and to make sure it's tracking and guides are set properly. I've had issues burning when re sizing and realized it was due to my irregular speed of feeding. Sometimes burning can be caused by a worn blade. I've broke one blade in the twenty years of using my band saw.