Rotary reciprocating saws are a class of saw that oscillates a cutting implement around a rotary axis, instead of the traditional linear, 'plunging' fashion. Their first use was in the medicine, where cutting through bone warranted the need for a saw with minimal stroke length, and a cutting action that could be implemented through depth cut rather than a follow through cut.

 

The timber industry now also uses this type of action to cut in the same manner. A particular manufacturer has a hand held version for making difficult cuts, where other implements would otherwise not be able to make because of obstructions.