The orbital saw-blade movement on general purpose saws, sabre saws, and jig saws has three convincing advantages:

" Work is faster because the sawdust and chips are cleared from the cutting line more quickly.

" Work is easier, more convenient, and safer because less force needs to be applied.

" Saw-blades have a longer working life because they are lifted off the workpiece on each non-cutting stroke, thus reducing unnecessary friction.