What Is An Orbital Sawzall? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor looking for a powerful and versatile cutting tool?

Look no further than the orbital Sawzall!

This innovative reciprocating saw features an elliptical motion that allows for faster and more aggressive cutting through wood.

But what exactly is an orbital Sawzall, and how does it differ from a standard reciprocating saw?

In this article, we’ll explore the unique features and benefits of this cutting-edge tool, including its rotating handle, variable speed trigger, and counterbalance system.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the orbital Sawzall is sure to become your go-to tool for all your cutting needs.

So let’s dive in and discover what makes this saw so special!

What Is An Orbital Sawzall

An orbital Sawzall is a type of reciprocating saw that features an orbital action setting. This setting introduces an elliptical motion to the standard back and forth sawing, allowing for faster and more aggressive cutting through wood.

The orbital action setting 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’s important to note that with a more aggressive cut comes additional vibration, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if not properly managed.

To combat this issue, some saws come equipped with a counterbalance system. This takes the form of many different types of systems, but the goal is always the same: to reduce vibration and make the saw more comfortable and safe to use.

One example of a reciprocating saw with a counterbalance system is the Skilsaw Buzzkill technology. This system helps to reduce vibration caused by the reciprocating saw’s aggressive cutting action, making it easier and safer to use.

Another example is the Milwaukee rotating handle Orbital Super Sawzall® Reciprocating Saw. This powerful tool features a 360° rotating handle that locks at 45° increments and can continuously rotate without going back to the starting position. The trigger can stay on while rotating, providing optimal user comfort in various cutting applications.

The saw also has a high-powered motor for fast orbital cutting action, as well as a variable speed trigger that provides 0 to 3000 strokes per minute with a 1-1/4 in. stroke. Other features include a speed dial for repetitive cuts, gear protecting clutch for longer tool life, and a QUIK-LOKTM blade clamp for fast and easy blade changes.

What Is An Orbital Sawzall?

An orbital Sawzall is a type of reciprocating saw that features an elliptical motion to the standard back and forth sawing. This motion allows for faster and more aggressive cutting through wood, making it an ideal tool for construction projects and DIY enthusiasts.

The orbital action setting makes the blade follow a circular movement, which enables you to saw even faster in a straight line. However, it’s important to note that using too much orbital action can increase vibration and make the saw uncomfortable and even dangerous to use.

To combat this issue, some saws come equipped with a counterbalance system. This system helps to reduce vibration caused by the reciprocating saw’s aggressive cutting action, making it easier and safer to use.

One example of a reciprocating saw with a counterbalance system is the Skilsaw Buzzkill technology. This system helps to reduce vibration caused by the reciprocating saw’s aggressive cutting action, making it easier and safer to use.

Another example is the Milwaukee rotating handle Orbital Super Sawzall® Reciprocating Saw. This powerful tool features a 360° rotating handle that locks at 45° increments and can continuously rotate without going back to the starting position. The trigger can stay on while rotating, providing optimal user comfort in various cutting applications.

Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, an orbital Sawzall can be an invaluable tool for your projects. With its powerful cutting capabilities and advanced features like counterbalance systems and rotating handles, an orbital Sawzall can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

How Does An Orbital Sawzall Differ From A Standard Reciprocating Saw?

An orbital Sawzall differs from a standard reciprocating saw in that it has an additional orbital action setting. This setting allows for faster and more aggressive cutting through wood, making it ideal for demolition works and heavy-duty operations.

The orbital action setting makes the blade follow a circular movement, which enables you to saw even faster in a straight line. This is different from a standard reciprocating saw, which only moves the blade back and forth in a straight line.

However, it’s important to note that with the orbital action setting comes additional vibration. This can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if not properly managed. To combat this issue, some orbital Sawzalls come equipped with a counterbalance system. This system helps to reduce vibration caused by the reciprocating saw’s aggressive cutting action, making it easier and safer to use.

In addition to the orbital action setting, an orbital Sawzall may also have other features that set it apart from a standard reciprocating saw. For example, the Milwaukee rotating handle Orbital Super Sawzall® Reciprocating Saw has a 360° rotating handle that locks at 45° increments and can continuously rotate without going back to the starting position. This provides optimal user comfort in various cutting applications.

The Benefits Of An Orbital Sawzall

There are several benefits to using an orbital Sawzall. First and foremost, the orbital action setting allows for faster and more aggressive cutting through wood. This is especially useful when working with softer materials like plywood or drywall. The semi-elliptical movement of the blade lengthens the stroke length of the tool while also pressing the blade against the material, resulting in faster cuts.

Additionally, the orbital action helps to eject chips and debris from the kerf, which keeps the material from choking up the blade gullets. This means that you can work more efficiently without having to constantly stop and clear out debris.

Furthermore, many orbital Sawzalls come with a lever that lets you access two or more orbital action settings. This allows you to adjust the level of aggression based on the material you are working with. You can set the tool to only do straight cuts or use increasingly more aggressive orbital action with every stroke.

Features Of An Orbital Sawzall: Rotating Handle, Variable Speed Trigger, And Counterbalance System

When it comes to choosing an orbital Sawzall, there are a few features that you should keep in mind. One of the most important features is a rotating handle. The Milwaukee rotating handle Orbital Super Sawzall® Reciprocating Saw is a great example of this. Its handle can rotate 360° and lock at 45° increments, allowing you to find the perfect angle for any cutting job. The trigger can also stay on while rotating, providing optimal user comfort in various cutting applications.

Another important feature is a variable speed trigger. This allows you to adjust the speed of the blade to match the material you’re cutting, providing greater control and precision. The Milwaukee rotating handle Orbital Super Sawzall® Reciprocating Saw has a variable speed trigger that provides 0 to 3000 strokes per minute with a 1-1/4 in. stroke.

Finally, a counterbalance system is also an important feature to consider. This feature helps to reduce vibration caused by the reciprocating saw’s aggressive cutting action, making it easier and safer to use. The Skilsaw Buzzkill technology is one example of a reciprocating saw with a counterbalance system.

How To Use An Orbital Sawzall Safely And Effectively

Using an orbital Sawzall can be a powerful and efficient way to cut through wood quickly. However, it’s important to use the tool safely and effectively to avoid injury or damage to the material you’re cutting.

The first step in using an orbital Sawzall is to choose the right blade for the job. Blades are labeled according to their use and material, making it easy to select the right one. Choose a blade with a low TPI for fast, rough cuts and a blade with high TPI for cleaner cuts. Always choose a blade that is at least two inches longer than the depth of the material you are cutting.

Once you have selected the proper blade, it’s time to set up your saw. If your saw has an orbital cutting feature, set it to full orbital when cutting through wood. If your saw has an adjustable orbital feature, like the Milwaukee rotating handle Orbital Super Sawzall® Reciprocating Saw, set it halfway when cutting through nail-embedded wood. Turn the feature completely off when cutting through metal.

When using an orbital Sawzall, it’s important to wear appropriate safety gear. This includes eye protection, ear protection, and gloves. The vibration caused by the tool can be uncomfortable or even dangerous if not properly managed, so make sure to hold the saw securely and maintain good balance at all times.

To start cutting, place the blade against the material you’re cutting and turn on the saw. Apply gentle pressure as you guide the saw through the material in a straight line. Avoid forcing the blade or twisting it as you cut, as this can cause kickback or damage to the material.

Finally, when you’re finished using your orbital Sawzall, make sure to turn it off and unplug it before changing blades or performing any maintenance. Store it in a safe place where it won’t be accidentally knocked over or damaged.

By following these tips for safe and effective use of an orbital Sawzall, you can enjoy fast and efficient cutting without risking injury or damage to your materials.

Choosing The Right Blade For Your Orbital Sawzall

When it comes to choosing the right blade for your orbital Sawzall, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to choose a blade that is compatible with your saw. Fortunately, most reciprocating saws have universal blades, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that fits.

Next, you’ll want to consider the material you’ll be cutting. For wood, an aggressive blade with an orbital cutting action will typically work best. However, for metal or other hard materials, you may want to opt for a blade with fewer teeth and a slower cutting action.

Blade length is also an important factor to consider. Longer blades are great for cutting wider materials, but they can also be used for flush-cutting if you bend the blade so that a good portion of it rides flat along the surface you’re working on.

Finally, it’s worth noting that some reciprocating saws offer multiple speeds of orbital action. This can be useful if you need to switch between fast and aggressive cutting and slower, more precise cuts.

Ultimately, choosing the right blade for your orbital Sawzall will depend on the specific job you’re working on. By considering factors such as material type and blade length, you can ensure that you have the right tool for the job and achieve the best possible results.