Orbital Action (Jigsaw)
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionOrbital action on a jigsaw adds a forward-and-back motion to the blade's up-and-down stroke. Instead of moving straight up and down, the blade swings forward into the material on the upstroke and pulls back slightly on the downstroke. Most jigsaws have 3 or 4 orbital settings (0, I, II, III) plus a straight setting. Zero orbital is the smoothest, slowest cut. Setting III is the fastest, roughest cut. The orbital motion clears chips from the kerf on the backstroke, which reduces heat buildup and blade deflection.
Why It Matters
High orbital settings rip through framing lumber and rough cuts 2 to 3 times faster than zero orbital. But the cut quality is rough, with more splintering and a less square edge. For finish cuts on hardwood or laminate, use zero or low orbital. For demo and rough framing, crank it up.