If you’ve ever used a reciprocating saw, you may have noticed a setting called “orbital action” or “orbital mode”.
But what does it actually mean? And how does it affect your cutting experience?
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of orbital action on a Sawzall (a type of reciprocating saw) and other saws.
From faster cuts to smoother finishes, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this useful feature.
So grab your safety goggles and let’s dive in!
What Does Orbital Mean On A Sawzall
Orbital action on a Sawzall refers to the elliptical motion that the blade makes as it moves in and out of the tool. This motion allows for faster cuts in softer materials and facilitates faster chip removal from the blade path.
However, with a more aggressive cut comes additional vibration. As a result, you should never use this mode when cutting metal or PVC. Some saws combat the additional vibration caused by a reciprocating saw with a counterbalance.
If the reciprocating saw has an orbital setting, it makes the blade follow a circular movement which enables you to saw even faster in a straight line. More orbital action gives faster sawing. The less orbital action you use, the more accurate your cut.
What Is Orbital Action On A Sawzall?
Orbital action on a Sawzall is a feature that describes the movement of the blade in a reciprocating saw. Unlike the basic straight stroke that most saws use, orbital action moves the blade in a slightly circular motion as it moves in and out of the tool. This circular motion allows for faster cuts in softer materials and facilitates faster chip removal from the blade path.
The orbital setting on a reciprocating saw makes the blade follow a circular movement, which enables you to saw even faster in a straight line. The more orbital action you use, the faster your sawing will be. However, it is important to note that with a more aggressive cut comes additional vibration. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this mode when cutting metal or PVC.
Some saws combat the additional vibration caused by a reciprocating saw with a counterbalance. This takes the form of many different types of systems, such as Skilsaw Buzzkill technology. It is also worth noting that the less orbital action you use, the more accurate your cut will be. So it is important to find the right balance between speed and precision when using this feature on a Sawzall.
How Does Orbital Action Affect Cutting Speed?
Orbital action can significantly affect the cutting speed of a Sawzall. When the orbital action setting is turned on, the blade follows a circular motion, which allows for faster cuts in softer materials. The swinging motion of the blade helps clear the sawdust and swarf from the kerf, keeping the path of the blade clear of debris and excess material. This leads to less friction generated during the cut, allowing the blade to stay cooler and operate for longer periods before needing a break.
The amount of orbital action selected also affects cutting speed. More orbital action will result in faster sawing, making it ideal for making fast cuts along the grain of thick pieces of timber. On the other hand, less orbital action will result in a smoother, cleaner cut and is best suited for thinner workpieces that require more accuracy.
However, it’s important to note that orbital action is not recommended for cutting metal or PVC as it can cause additional vibration, leading to an inaccurate cut and potential damage to the material or tool. Some Sawzalls combat this issue with a counterbalance to reduce vibration.
The Benefits Of Using Orbital Action
There are several benefits to using orbital action on a Sawzall. Firstly, it allows for faster cuts in softer materials such as wood, plywood, and drywall. The semi-elliptical movement of the blade lengthens the stroke length of the tool while also pressing the blade against the material. This results in quick and aggressive cuts that can save time and effort.
Secondly, orbital action facilitates faster chip removal from the blade path. The movement helps the blade eject chips and debris from the kerf, which helps keep the material from choking up the blade gullets. This reduces the risk of blade damage and ensures a smoother cutting experience.
Thirdly, orbital action helps to spread wear along the blade, which can prolong its lifespan. The elliptical path that the blade follows means that it is not always cutting in the same spot, reducing the risk of localized wear and tear.
Finally, orbital action can be adjusted to suit different cutting needs. Most orbital reciprocating saws come with a lever that lets you access two or more orbital action settings. This way, you can set the tool to only do straight cuts or use increasingly more aggressive orbital action with every stroke. This flexibility allows you to customize your cutting experience and achieve better results.
When To Use Orbital Action And When To Avoid It
Orbital action can be very useful in certain circumstances, but it’s not always the best choice. Here are some guidelines for when to use orbital action and when to avoid it:
When to use orbital action:
– Cutting softer materials like wood, plywood, or drywall
– Needing to make quick, aggressive cuts
– Wanting to remove chips and debris from the blade path
When to avoid orbital action:
– Cutting harder materials like metal or PVC
– Needing a more precise cut
– Wanting to minimize vibration and improve control
It’s important to note that not all reciprocating saws have an orbital setting, and even those that do may have multiple settings for different levels of orbital action. It’s always a good idea to read the manual and experiment with different settings to find what works best for your specific project.
Orbital Action On Other Types Of Saws
Orbital action is not limited to Sawzalls or reciprocating saws. Other types of saws, such as jigsaws, also offer an orbital action feature. In effect, the end of the saw blade traces an elliptical (orbital) path, which generally provides faster cutting and helps spread wear along the blade. However, the motion can make a saw harder to control, so for precise cuts, it is generally recommended to use the normal sawing action.
Jigsaws often offer several speeds of orbital action, which range from fast for aggressive cutting to slower for a smoother finish. It’s important to note that not all saws have an orbital action setting, so it’s always best to check the specifications before making a purchase.
Fitting blades to both types of saw is a tool-free operation, though the mechanisms can vary slightly. Reciprocating saws have universal blades, whereas there are two different kinds of jigsaw blades. Reciprocating saw blades vary in length anywhere from 4 to 24 inches, though few exceed 12 inches. Jigsaw blades are usually 3 or 4 inches, and blades up to 10 inches are available, though these are rare.
Tips For Using Orbital Action Safely And Effectively
When using orbital action on a Sawzall, it is important to follow these tips to ensure safe and effective use:
1. Use orbital action only when cutting softer materials like wood or drywall. Avoid using this mode when cutting metal or PVC as it can cause excessive vibration and lead to inaccurate cuts.
2. If your Sawzall has a counterbalance feature, use it to reduce the amount of vibration caused by the orbital action.
3. Adjust the amount of orbital action based on the material you are cutting. More orbital action will result in faster cuts, but less accuracy. Less orbital action will result in more precise cuts, but slower cutting speeds.
4. Use blades with the appropriate number of teeth per inch for the material you are cutting. For metal, use blades with 21 to 24 teeth per inch. For wood, use blades with fewer teeth per inch.
5. When cutting metal, sandwich the material between two layers of thin plywood to prevent shredding or edge burrs. Lubricate the saw cut with cutting oil and use a coarser blade (like 14 teeth per inch) to prolong blade life.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use orbital action on your Sawzall for faster and more efficient cuts in softer materials.