A jigsaw can make straight, curved, and intricate cuts, making it a go-to tool for many house projects. One of the key features that sets modern jigsaws apart is their orbital action setting. In this guide, we’ll explain how to use the orbital action setting safely and effectively. This Old House contributor Mark Clement shows how to use this feature to improve your cutting performance in the video above.
What Is Orbital Action?
Orbital action is a setting on a jigsaw that allows the blade to move in an elliptical pattern instead of up and down. This motion creates a more aggressive cutting action, enabling faster and more efficient cuts through various materials. This setting is useful for cutting thick materials, making multiple rough cuts, or working with softer materials, such as wood or plastic.
Benefits of Orbital Action
The orbital action setting offers several advantages:
- Faster cutting speed
- Improved chip removal
- Increased cutting efficiency with thicker materials
- Reduced blade friction
Adjusting Orbital Action Settings
Most jigsaws feature adjustable orbital action settings, typically ranging from 0 to 3. Understanding how to use these settings can improve your cutting performance.
Setting 0: Straight Cutting
At the 0 setting, the blade moves straight up and down, similar to a sewing machine needle. This setting is ideal for creating intricate scroll cuts, cutting metal, and making precise, clean cuts in thin materials.
Settings 1–3: Increasing Orbital Action
As you increase the orbital action setting from 1 to 3, the blade’s elliptical movement becomes more pronounced. Higher settings are suitable for cutting thicker materials, making faster, rougher cuts in wood, and reducing blade friction and heat buildup.
Practical Applications for the Setting
Understanding when to use different orbital action settings can improve your cutting efficiency and results across various projects.
- Cutting metal: When cutting metal, such as copper pipes, set the orbital action to 0. This straight-cutting motion provides the most control and cleanest cut when working with metals. Remember to use a metal-cutting blade for these applications.
- Cutting stair stringers: For cutting stair stringers, Clement recommends setting the orbital action to 3. This aggressive setting allows for quick and efficient cutting through thick lumber. After making initial cuts with a circular saw, use the jigsaw to finish off the back side of the cuts.
- Making notches: When creating notches in porch floorboards or around posts, slightly dial back the orbital action. This provides more control and precision for visible cuts in the finished project.
Choosing the Jigsaw Right Blade
How effective your jigsaw’s orbital action is depends on whether you choose the appropriate blade for your material and cut type.
- Metal-cutting blades: Metal-cutting blades have finer, more closely spaced teeth. These blades are designed for use with the orbital action set to 0 for precise, clean cuts.
- Specialty blades: Specialty blades are available for cutting plastic or laminate. Always consult the blade packaging or manufacturer recommendations for the best orbital action settings.
- Wood-cutting blades: For wood, use blades with larger, more widely spaced teeth. These blades work well with higher orbital action settings for faster cutting.
Safety Considerations for the Orbital-Action Setting
While using the orbital action setting can improve cutting efficiency, it’s important to prioritize safety. Follow these safety tips when using a jigsaw:
- Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
- Keep your hands clear of the blade and cutting path.
- Properly secure the material before cutting.
- Use hearing protection, especially during prolonged use.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance keeps your jigsaw performing at its best. Here are a few maintenance suggestions to keep in mind:
- Clean the tool after each use, removing dust and debris.
- Inspect the power cord for any damage before each use.
- Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Store the jigsaw in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.
Enhancing Jigsaw Performance
Mastering the orbital action setting is just one part of achieving great results with your jigsaw—use the proper technique and replace your blade as needed for the best performance.
Proper Technique
When starting a cut, especially an intricate or precise cut, make a pilot hole for better control. Additionally, keep a steady hand and guide the jigsaw smoothly along the cutting line to prevent jagged edges and maintain a clean finish.
Regular Blade Replacement
An often overlooked aspect of jigsaw maintenance is blade replacement. Dull blades can increase friction and produce rougher cuts, compromising the quality of your work. Regularly check the sharpness of your blades and replace them as necessary to maintain peak cutting performance.