Table Saw Push Stick – Essential Safety & Precision For Every Cut

ByJim Boslice Table Saw

A table saw push stick is a crucial safety device used to guide workpieces through the blade, keeping your hands a safe distance away. It provides the necessary control and pressure for accurate cuts, especially with narrow stock.

Always use a push stick when your hands would otherwise be within 6 inches of the blade, ensuring consistent downward and forward pressure for safe and clean cuts.

Every woodworker knows the exhilarating power of a table saw. It’s an indispensable tool that makes quick work of ripping boards, cutting dados, and shaping stock for countless projects. But with that power comes a serious responsibility: safety.

Agree with me on this: keeping your fingers attached to your hands is a top priority in the workshop. No cut, no project, is worth risking injury.

That’s where the humble, yet mighty, table saw push stick comes into play. It’s not just a piece of wood or plastic; it’s your unwavering assistant, ensuring your hands stay clear of the spinning blade while maintaining impeccable control over your workpiece.

This comprehensive guide will promise to transform your understanding and use of this critical safety tool. We’ll dive deep into its benefits, explore different types, walk through proper usage, troubleshoot common issues, and even show you how to craft your own. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make every table saw cut safer, more precise, and more confident.

Understanding the Table Saw Push Stick: Your First Line of Defense

When you approach a table saw, your primary goal is to make an accurate cut. But your first thought should always be safety. The table saw push stick is fundamental to this safety mindset, serving as a critical barrier between your hands and the spinning blade.

It allows you to feed lumber through the saw without ever bringing your fingers into the danger zone, typically considered within six inches of the blade.

Benefits of Using a Table Saw Push Stick

The advantages of incorporating a push stick into your table saw routine extend far beyond just preventing injuries. They contribute to the overall quality of your work and your peace of mind.

  • Enhanced Safety: This is the most obvious and important benefit. A push stick keeps your hands well away from the blade, drastically reducing the risk of cuts or kickback injuries.
  • Improved Control: A good push stick provides superior grip and leverage on your workpiece. This allows you to maintain consistent downward pressure on the table and forward pressure against the fence, leading to straighter, cleaner cuts.
  • Reduced Kickback Risk: By ensuring constant contact with the fence and keeping the workpiece flat on the table, a push stick helps prevent the wood from binding and kicking back violently.
  • Better Cut Quality: Consistent pressure throughout the cut minimizes blade wobble and helps prevent burning, resulting in smoother edges and more accurate dimensions.
  • Versatility: Different types of push sticks are designed for various cuts, from narrow rips to larger panel cuts, ensuring you always have the right tool for the job.

Types of Table Saw Push Sticks: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Just like chisels or planes, not all push sticks are created equal. Understanding the different designs and their specific applications is a key part of any good table saw push stick guide.

Each type offers distinct advantages for various cutting scenarios, enhancing both safety and precision.

The Basic Straight Push Stick

This is often the first type woodworkers encounter. It’s typically a simple, long piece of wood or plastic with a notch at one end.

  • Design: A straight stick, often 12-18 inches long, with a V-notch or L-shaped notch cut into one end. This notch hooks onto the trailing edge of the workpiece.
  • Best For: Feeding narrow stock through the saw, especially for rip cuts where you need to maintain pressure against the fence.
  • Pros: Simple to make or buy, effective for basic rip cuts.
  • Cons: Can sometimes lift the workpiece if not used with care; provides less downward pressure compared to other designs.

The Paddle-Style Push Stick (Push Shoe/Foot)

This design offers more stability and control, especially for wider pieces or when you need more downward force.

  • Design: Features a larger flat “foot” or “paddle” that rests on top of the workpiece. Often has a handle angled upwards for a comfortable grip and a heel that pushes the stock forward.
  • Best For: Ripping wider stock where you need to apply significant downward pressure to keep the board flat on the table and against the fence. It’s also great for sheet goods.
  • Pros: Excellent for applying downward pressure, provides good control, less likely to slip off the workpiece.
  • Cons: Can be bulkier to store; may not be suitable for extremely narrow cuts where a straight stick is more precise.

Advanced Push Devices (e.g., Grr-Ripper Style)

While not strictly a “push stick” in the traditional sense, devices like the Microjig Grr-Ripper offer advanced control and safety.

  • Design: These typically feature multiple points of contact, often with non-slip pads, and sometimes incorporate a movable “leg” to hold down the offcut.
  • Best For: Precision ripping of narrow stock, thin strips, and small pieces, providing unparalleled control and safety.
  • Pros: Unmatched safety and control, allows for cuts that would be impossible with traditional push sticks, holds both the workpiece and the offcut.
  • Cons: Significantly more expensive than traditional push sticks; can take some practice to master.

How to Use a Table Saw Push Stick: Best Practices for Safe & Accurate Cuts

Knowing how to properly handle a table saw push stick is just as important as choosing the right one. These techniques form the core of good workshop habits and are crucial for consistent results and, most importantly, safety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Push Stick

Follow these steps for safe and effective use, ensuring you apply consistent pressure and maintain control throughout the cut.

  1. Position Your Body: Stand slightly to the left of the blade (if right-handed) and never directly in line with the potential kickback path. Keep your feet spread for a stable stance.
  2. Set Up Your Cut: Ensure your fence is locked securely, the blade height is appropriate (just above the workpiece), and the workpiece is clean and free of debris.
  3. Place the Push Stick: For a straight push stick, hook the notch firmly onto the trailing edge of the workpiece, slightly offset from the blade. For a paddle-style, place the foot flat on top of the workpiece, again, slightly past the blade.
  4. Apply Pressure: Use the push stick to apply both forward pressure (to feed the wood) and downward pressure (to keep the wood flat on the table) and inward pressure (to keep the wood against the fence). This trifecta of pressure is critical.
  5. Initiate the Cut: Turn on the saw. Once the blade is at full speed, slowly and steadily push the workpiece through the blade. Maintain all three points of pressure throughout the entire cut.
  6. Follow Through: Continue pushing the workpiece until it completely clears the blade and exits the outfeed side. Do not release pressure until the cut is finished and the piece is free.
  7. Retrieve the Workpiece: Turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop spinning completely before reaching for the cut piece or offcut.

Maintaining Constant Pressure: The Golden Rule

The key to preventing kickback and achieving clean cuts is consistent pressure. Never let up on the forward, downward, or inward pressure until the cut is fully complete.

A momentary lapse can allow the workpiece to bind or lift, creating a dangerous situation.

Using Push Sticks for Different Cuts

  • Rip Cuts (Narrow Stock): Use a straight push stick or a paddle-style with a narrow foot. Keep the stick firmly against the trailing edge, pushing both forward and against the fence.
  • Rip Cuts (Wider Stock/Panels): A paddle-style push stick is ideal here. Use one hand to apply downward and forward pressure with the push stick, and your other hand (safely away from the blade) to help guide the leading edge against the fence.
  • Crosscuts (with a Sled): While a crosscut sled largely eliminates the need for a push stick, you might still use a small push block to help secure smaller pieces against the fence of the sled.

Common Problems with Table Saw Push Sticks and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, woodworkers sometimes fall into habits that compromise safety or effectiveness. Addressing these common problems with table saw push sticks is essential for truly safe operation.

Not Using a Push Stick At All

This is the most dangerous problem. Many beginners, and even some experienced woodworkers, might try to push small pieces with their bare hands or an inadequate substitute. Never do this. If your hands are within 6 inches of the blade, use a push stick.

Using the Wrong Type for the Cut

Trying to push a wide panel with a flimsy, straight stick can lead to poor control and an unsafe situation. Conversely, using a bulky paddle-style stick for a very narrow cut might obscure your view or be unwieldy.

  • Solution: Have a variety of push sticks available. Match the push stick to the size and type of the workpiece.

Insufficient Pressure or Inconsistent Feed Rate

If you don’t apply enough downward and forward pressure, the workpiece can lift, bind, or chatter, leading to an uneven cut or kickback.

  • Solution: Practice maintaining firm, consistent pressure. The saw blade should be cutting smoothly, without undue strain on the motor or burning of the wood. A steady, deliberate pace is key.

Poor Grip or Slipping

A push stick that’s too slick, too short, or has a worn-out notch can slip off the workpiece, putting your hands in danger.

  • Solution: Ensure your push stick has a good, comfortable grip. If making your own, consider adding a handle or finger grooves. Regularly inspect the notch or foot for wear and replace or re-cut as needed. Adding non-slip material to the foot of a paddle-style stick can also help.

Holding the Push Stick Incorrectly

Some users might hold the push stick too loosely or at an awkward angle, reducing its effectiveness.

  • Solution: Hold the push stick firmly but comfortably. Your arm should be relatively straight, allowing you to push with your shoulder and body weight, not just your wrist.

Making Your Own Table Saw Push Stick: A Sustainable Workshop Project

Crafting your own sustainable table saw push stick is a fantastic way to utilize scrap wood and ensure you always have a custom-fit tool on hand. It’s a simple project that reinforces safety and resourcefulness in the workshop.

Why Make Your Own?

  • Cost-Effective: Use readily available scrap plywood or hardwood.
  • Customizable: Design it to fit your hand comfortably and suit your most common cuts.
  • Eco-Friendly: Repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste, making it an eco-friendly table saw push stick.
  • Educational: A great beginner project to practice basic cutting and shaping skills.

Materials and Tools Needed

  • Material: A piece of 1/2″ or 3/4″ plywood or hardwood scrap, roughly 12-18 inches long and 4-6 inches wide. Birch plywood is excellent for this.
  • Tools:

    • Jigsaw or band saw
    • Hand saw (optional, for the notch)
    • Router with a roundover bit (optional, for comfort)
    • Sandpaper (120-grit, 220-grit)
    • Pencil and ruler
    • Clamps

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Basic Paddle-Style Push Stick

  1. Design and Layout: On your scrap wood, draw the outline of your push stick. Include a comfortable handle and a foot that will rest on the workpiece. For the pushing “heel,” draw a square or L-shaped notch at the back edge of the foot. A good starting point is a total length of 12-14 inches, with the handle about 4-5 inches long and the foot about 3-4 inches wide.
  2. Cut the Profile: Use a jigsaw or band saw to carefully cut along your drawn lines. Take your time to ensure smooth curves for the handle.
  3. Cut the Pushing Heel: Use a hand saw or carefully make two cuts with your band saw to create the L-shaped notch at the back of the foot. This notch will grab the end of your workpiece. Ensure the depth is sufficient to catch the wood (e.g., 1/2″ to 3/4″).
  4. Refine and Sand: Sand all edges smooth, especially the handle, to prevent splinters and make it comfortable to hold. A router with a roundover bit can add a professional touch to the handle edges.
  5. Optional Finish: Apply a coat of shellac, varnish, or even just some paste wax to protect the wood and give it a smoother feel. Avoid finishes that make the foot too slippery.

Make a few different designs! Experiment with different handle shapes or foot configurations to find what works best for your hands and your most common cutting tasks.

Maintaining Your Table Saw Push Stick: A Care Guide for Longevity

Your table saw push stick care guide isn’t just about making the tool last; it’s about ensuring it remains effective and safe. A well-maintained push stick is a reliable partner in your workshop.

Regular Inspection

Before each use, take a moment to inspect your push stick. Look for:

  • Cracks or Damage: Especially if it’s made of wood, check for any splits or weakening. A damaged push stick could break during a cut, leading to a loss of control.
  • Worn Notch/Foot: The part that contacts the workpiece will wear down over time. If the notch is rounded off or the foot is too smooth, it might not grip effectively.
  • Loose Components: If your push stick has any attached handles or non-slip pads, ensure they are securely fastened.

Cleaning and Storage

Sawdust and resin buildup can make your push stick slippery or less effective.

  • Clean Regularly: Wipe down your push stick with a cloth after each use. For stubborn resin, a little mineral spirits or a dedicated pitch remover can work wonders.
  • Proper Storage: Store your push stick in an easily accessible but safe location, such as a hook near your table saw or in a dedicated slot in a storage cabinet. Avoid just tossing it into a drawer where it might get damaged or lost.

Replacing or Repairing

Don’t hesitate to replace or repair a push stick that shows significant wear.

  • Reshape the Notch: If the pushing notch on a wooden push stick is worn, you can often re-cut it with a saw to restore its grip.
  • Add Non-Slip Material: If a paddle-style push stick is losing its grip, consider adding a piece of non-slip rubber matting to the underside of the foot.
  • When in Doubt, Replace: A push stick is a low-cost item. If it’s severely damaged or compromised, it’s always better to make a new one or buy a replacement than to risk an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Table Saw Push Sticks

How many table saw push sticks do I need?

While one functional push stick is better than none, it’s ideal to have at least two or three different types. A basic straight stick for narrow rips, a paddle-style for wider stock and sheet goods, and perhaps a specialized push block for short pieces or crosscut sled use will cover most scenarios effectively and safely.

Can I use a regular stick as a push stick?

No, a “regular stick” is not a safe substitute for a properly designed push stick. It won’t provide the necessary grip, downward pressure, or control. It could slip, break, or even be pulled into the blade, creating a dangerous situation. Always use a purpose-built or well-crafted push stick.

What’s the difference between a push stick and a push block?

A push stick is typically longer and designed to push material through the blade, often with a notch at the end. It’s best for narrower stock. A push block is usually shorter, wider, and designed to sit on top of the workpiece, providing downward pressure and forward motion. It’s often used for wider panels, short pieces on a jointer, or on a router table, offering more surface area contact.

When should I *not* use a table saw push stick?

You should generally use a push stick for almost all rip cuts where your hands would be near the blade. However, for very wide panels (e.g., full sheets of plywood) where you can keep both hands safely on the workpiece far from the blade, a push stick might not be strictly necessary, though a push block can still offer better control. For crosscuts, a crosscut sled or miter gauge is typically used, eliminating the need for a push stick.

How often should I replace my push stick?

There’s no fixed schedule. Replace your push stick when it shows significant signs of wear and tear, such as deep cracks, a rounded-off or ineffective pushing heel/notch, or if it no longer feels secure and reliable in your hand. For wooden push sticks, you can often re-cut the heel to extend its life.

The table saw push stick might seem like a simple accessory, but its role in the workshop is anything but minor. It’s a testament to the fact that often, the most effective safety tools are the most straightforward.

By understanding its purpose, choosing the right type, mastering proper usage, and maintaining it with care, you empower yourself to work safer, smarter, and with greater confidence.

Embrace the push stick as an extension of your hands, a guardian of your fingers, and a partner in precision. Prioritizing safety never slows you down; it ensures you can keep building, creating, and enjoying your craft for years to come. Stay safe, stay comfortable, and keep those projects coming!

Jim Boslice
Latest posts by Jim Boslice (see all)

Similar Posts