Band saws, table saws, radial arm saws—these are all machinery that should be handled with proper care. A great way to avoid unnecessary accidents while using these tools is to use push sticks.
This article shares what push sticks are, their benefits, and when to use push sticks for woodworking. To end this article, a list of examples of the different types of push sticks are also shared for the reader’s reference.
WHAT IS A PUSH STICK?
A push stick is a simple tool used by woodworkers to guide wood through woodcutting machinery (e.g. band saws, table saws, planers/jointers, radial arm saws, shapers, etc.). As the name implies, a woodworker uses a push stick to “push” pieces of wood through these machines.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Working with table saws can be risky and may cause accidents when the operator isn’t too careful. Instead of risking getting his fingers cut, using a push stick prevents his hands from getting too close to the blade. A push stick helps to maneuver a workpiece safely and to keep it flat against the fence or the machine table while cutting.
While some woodworkers prefer using their bare hands, using an extra safety precaution wouldn’t hurt. The use of push sticks not only protects against cuts, but also maintains an even feed rate and pressure while working.
WHEN TO USE PUSH STICKS FOR WOODWORKING
There’s a lot of debate as to when should push sticks be used for woodworking. Some use it as early as step one when cutting wood; others use it only when a workpiece gets to a specific size. Most woodworkers use push sticks when:
• Wooden pieces are less than 30 cm (1 ft) in length; for longer cuts, some use push sticks for the last 30 cm.
• There’s a need to remove a piece of cut wood lodged between the blade and the fence.
• It’s necessary to rip stock on a table saw, because a workpiece that isn’t properly guided can veer backwards, causing kickbacks at the operator.
• Running a narrow piece through a router table.
TYPES OF PUSH STICKS
Push sticks may be large or small, wide or narrow, long or short. Most woodworkers create a push stick with a handle that’s at least 45 cm long, but it’s completely up to the operator which design he is more comfortable with.
Here are a few examples of push sticks for work woodworking:
1. Push stick – the term generally used to refer to a tool used to “push” and designed with a long handle and a notch.
2. Push blocks – uses a thick block of wood attached to a handle and a hook that holds onto a workpiece.
3. Push pads – a flat pad with two handles attached to it. The underside is usually rubberized, intended to increase friction between the pad and the workpiece.
4. Push shoes – this is built with a long section that allows more control over a workpiece. This is usually designed to have an L-shape.
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