Hmm.... seems like we are talking about different saws. looking at
Tom's post giving the measurements of the blade, I am talking about a
different saw than you gentlemen.

We used a saw like this, with the thickest blade my boss could buy. On
large moldings, we found that the more rigid blades gave the truest
cuts, hence the thick blades. The thick blade was necessary as this
saw blade has no stiffener (back).

http://tinyurl.com/axfyx

The saw we used was heavier built than the one in the picture, and it
was originally made for making those gawdawful huge chunky frames (most
of them that ugly burnished gold) that were the rage in the 70s. The
saw was rumored to have cost around $500, and it was a Millers Falls
brand, probably made by someone else.

Sorry if I caused any confusion. I am positive the blades on those old
miter/back saws were nowhere near 1/8" thick.

Robert