Orbital Action Reciprocating Saws

[Eric Wheeler]

Hi All,

I have been browsing for a new sawzall. It seems the higher end saws have what they call orbital action. I was wondering what exactly this is. When I hear the word orbit, I think of a circular motion...so to me this seems like the blade spins like a drill bit...I know this obviously is not true, but that's just what it seems it should do using the word, "orbit"

[Russ Massery]

Eric, Welcome to the Creek.
Along with the blade up and down or in and out the saw. The blade moves up and down with teeth. This makes the saw cut more aggressive ( faster). So if you to look at the blade from the side it moves left and right and up and down. In a rectangle circular motion that where the term orbital action from. I feel it worthwhile option.

[Eric Wheeler]

So its pretty much the same as old school saws when lifting the handle end above level, then lowering it past level...repeat. Now the saws automatically move the blade to accomplish the same thing?