Another sawzall question: Orbital action or not?

[Banjorear]

OK, I was about to pull the trigger on a new Milwaukee Sawzall, but noticed some of the new ones offer orbital action.

I've never used one with the orbital action before. Is it worthwhile or just another part to wear out?

Thanks,

 

[Thumper68]

I have had both types and I hardly ever used the orbital action, so I would opt for the one without.

One thing that I demand is the quickloc cord, have it on all my drills and sawzalls now, you can get a 25 foot cord for it, makes using extension cords a thing of the past.

 

[Zeke]

That 25 foot detachable cord sounds expensive. AFA the saw action, they should be adjustable like a jig saw. Sometimes it's good, sometimes not so much like on thin metals.

 

[rlitman]

What Zeke said. Orbital is bad on thin metal and with abrasive blades (like on tile or cast iron) but really helps speed up cutting on thick wood.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Considering a Sawzall is used mostly for tearing up/out mistakes, and the orbital action is intended for more rapid cutting in that exact usage, yes, you want it. Many guys refer to them as a "f/u saw."

 

[kf4zht]

I have an older milwaukee with a selectable orbit on it. On the top there is a slider from right to left, one way is straight cut, the other orbit. It is handy to have the choice, the orbit helps get through wood and other thick materials and turn it off for sheet metal.

Definatly on the detachable cord. Even if you dont get the long version. Every sawzall I see with a fixed cord is frayed at the tool side from being pushed on when stored. With the detachable you can fit it in a hand carry box easier.

 

[larry_g]

Considering a Sawzall is used mostly for tearing up/out mistakes,

If that were true I would have no need for one

lg
no neat sig line

 

[rlitman]

I have an older milwaukee with a selectable orbit on it. On the top there is a slider from right to left, one way is straight cut, the other orbit. It is handy to have the choice, the orbit helps get through wood and other thick materials and turn it off for sheet metal.

Just to clarify on what I said above. Every saw that I've seen that offers orbital action does so with a selector.
Some are on/off. Some let you choose what level of orbital action you want. All still let you turn it off to have no orbital action when you don't want it.
It is not another part to fail. If it fails, the saw just won't orbit. Nothing lost there.

So, there are positives to having a saw that orbits, but no negatives (although there are times when you would want to turn the orbiting off).

 

[cheechi]

my 15 amp super sawzall has the orbital, i used it a few times to see how it works. I'd say it's worth it and I'd pay some extra to have it.

But since you're going back and forth on which to get, I would narrow it down to 3 or 4. The 'short' dewalt 12A, the 13A or 15A milwaukee (assembled in USA btw) depending on budget, or a cheapo 10a if you're going to use it where it's super dusty and you will kill it prematurely.

 

[oldwino]

I have a couple of Bosch orbital's that I always liked (and used the orbital on thick wood often) but haven't had them out since cordless sawzalls came out. No cord beats the **** out of all other options.

 

[shaggymutt1]

I have never heard of this. Guess its youtube time!