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If truth to be told, not many power tools take as much abuse as the orbital action reciprocating saw. Even before its first use, the saw is most likely to get dirty and stay that way coming out of the box. Plumbers, carpenters, electricians and remodelers rely on the reciprocating saw to perform tasks tat are foreign to other power tool. The newest of the carded saws cut more forcefully, yet they're easier to handle, transport and adjust.

When one cuts with a reciprocating saw, it's usually about cut speed, a function of strokes per minute, stroke geometry and stroke length. During a recent test, the Milwaukee 6523-21, Makita JR3050T, Hilti, porter cable and Hitachi models feature orbital action, designed to improve cutting speed. Normally selected with a switch or even a rotating dial, the setting makes this 'swing action' more aggressive by featuring an up-and-down motion of the blade. Orbital action is hardly recommended when steel-cutting or when you desire precise cuts.

To see the difference between orbital action and straight, testers bored a whole through one standard blade and threaded the blade with a fiber-optic light. With the normal stroke, a basic back-and-forth motion was achieved. The orbital action accomplishes a lift-and-cut motion that aids to pull sawdust right out of the blade Kerf as it exposes fresh stock for more rapid cutting.

During the recent test, Hilti, Makita and Milwaukee orbital action saws cut twice as fast -through the laminated-veneer lumber than did the tools without this orbital action.

The best overall in orbital action saws is the Makita JR3070CT for $175. This orbital cutting saw is second in smoothness only to the Milwaukee 6523-21. It has a beautiful thumbwheel speed selector as well as variable-speed trigger combination. The lever of four-position and orbital-selector allows you to choose a vast range from the straight to orbital blade action, as the shoe-adjustment lever is simple and effective in its use. Like the Bosch, the auto-ejecting change in blade and user-friendly grip of rubber around the blade holder is featured. The Milwaukee 6523-21 for $190 is another favorite among power tool enthusiasts.

The Internet has information on various money-saving deals and promotions on Orbital Action Saws. Online stores offers discount power tools online specializing in Makita, Bosch, Milwaukee, Hitachi and Delta affordable power tools and accessories. Along with friendly, professional customer service, there is free shipping on orders over $99, with secured and hacker-safe certified transactions as well as same day shipping.