I can see no difference by using tape. If you feel your blade once in a while ( turn the saw off) and it is hot then.#1 the blade is dull. 2 you are running too fast, I have been cutting out letters for a name trtain out of 3/4 ( actual .800 ) thick popular I have cut the engine, combos, and 22 letters on the same blade. I am unseeing a #9 crown tooth blade. I have a DW 788 and the speed is at the #5 on the dial, when the blade get dull I just take it out and use the other end because it cuts on both the down and Up stroke. Oh yes the blade is an Olson blade.