Using A Push Stick With Woodworking Tools – Your Non-Negotiable Guide
What is a push stick for? A push stick is an essential woodworking safety device used to push a workpiece through a cutting tool, such as a table saw, jointer, or router table. Its primary purpose is to keep your hands and fingers a safe distance from the spinning blade or cutter.
When should you use a push stick? Always use a push stick when your hands would otherwise come within a few inches of the blade. A common rule of thumb for table saws is to use a push stick for any rip cut narrower than 6 inches between the blade and the fence.
We’ve all been there. You’re guiding a narrow piece of beautiful oak through your table saw, and you feel that familiar pucker of anxiety as your fingers get closer and closer to that screaming blade. You tell yourself, “I’ll be careful,” but your focus shifts from the cut to the location of your thumb.
That feeling is your brain’s healthy, built-in safety alarm. But you don’t have to work with that constant, low-grade fear. I promise that by the time you finish this guide, you’ll understand how a simple, often-overlooked tool can transform that anxiety into confidence and control.
This article is your complete using a push stick with woodworking tools guide. We’ll cover why it’s a non-negotiable part of your kit, the different types available, how to use one correctly on various machines, and the common mistakes to avoid. Let’s make your workshop a safer, more productive place.
Why Is Using a Push Stick a Workshop Essential?
Thinking a push stick is just an optional accessory is one of the biggest mistakes a new woodworker can make. In reality, it’s as crucial as the blade on your saw. The benefits of using a push stick with woodworking tools go far beyond just keeping your fingers attached.
The Obvious: Unbeatable Personal Safety
Let’s get this out of the way first. A spinning table saw blade can be moving at over 100 miles per hour. Your reaction time is simply no match for it. A push stick acts as a disposable, replaceable extension of your hand, allowing you to guide the wood while keeping your actual hand a safe distance away.
It’s a simple trade: a few cents worth of scrap wood or plastic for your irreplaceable fingers. It’s a trade you should make 100% of the time.
The Surprise Benefit: Better, Cleaner Cuts
When you’re not worried about your hands, you can focus entirely on the cut. A good push stick allows you to apply consistent, even pressure throughout the entire pass.
This dual pressure—forward into the blade and downward onto the table—prevents the wood from chattering or lifting. The result is a cleaner, smoother edge with fewer burn marks and a much more professional finish.
The Critical Factor: Preventing Kickback
Kickback is one of the most dangerous events in a workshop. It happens when a workpiece gets pinched by the blade and is thrown back toward the operator at incredible speed. A push stick helps prevent this by giving you better control.
By keeping the stock held firmly down and against the fence, you minimize the chances of it twisting or binding on the blade, which is a primary cause of kickback.
Choosing Your Push Stick: Not All Are Created Equal
Walk into any workshop, and you’ll see a variety of push sticks, from simple shop-made scraps to sophisticated commercial models. Understanding the main types will help you pick the right one for the job.
The Classic “Notched Stick”
This is the most basic design, often just a piece of scrap plywood or a 1×2 with a simple “bird’s mouth” notch cut into the end. It’s designed to hook over the corner of your workpiece to push it forward.
Pros: Easy and free to make from scrap.
Cons: Offers no downward pressure, making it less stable.
The “Shoe” or “Heel” Style
A significant upgrade, this design features a long, flat bottom (the “shoe”) and a heel at the back that hooks onto the workpiece. This allows you to apply both forward and downward pressure simultaneously.
This is arguably the most versatile and effective shop-made design. You can easily make one from a piece of 3/4-inch plywood.
The Gripper-Style Push Block
Commercial products like the MicroJig GRR-RIPPER represent the premium end of push devices. These are more “push blocks” than sticks and feature high-friction pads that grip the top of the workpiece.
They offer unparalleled control, allowing you to apply pressure in multiple directions. They are especially useful for very thin or small pieces of wood.
A Practical Guide: How to Use a Push Stick with Woodworking Tools
Knowing how to use a push stick with woodworking tools is a fundamental skill. The technique varies slightly depending on the machine, but the principle of safety and control remains the same.
On the Table Saw: The Primary Use Case
This is where your push stick will see the most action. You need it for virtually any rip cut where the piece between the blade and the fence is too narrow to safely place your hand.
- Position Your Body: Stand to the side of the blade, never directly behind it. This keeps you out of the “kickback zone.”
- Start the Cut: Begin feeding the workpiece with your hands, keeping them well away from the blade. Guide the board so it stays flat on the table and flush against the rip fence.
- Introduce the Push Stick: As your trailing hand gets close to the blade (about 6-8 inches away), grab your push stick with that same hand. Place the heel of the push stick firmly against the end of the board.
- Apply Dual Pressure: Use the push stick to apply steady forward pressure to move the wood and gentle downward pressure to keep it flat. Your other hand can gently guide the side of the board, but keep it far from the blade.
- Complete the Cut: Push the workpiece completely past the back of the blade. Never pull it backward. Turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop completely before retrieving your workpiece or the offcut.
On the Jointer
For face-jointing short boards or edge-jointing thin stock, push sticks are essential for keeping your hands away from the cutterhead. Here, you’ll often use two: one to push from behind and another to apply downward pressure near the front.
This technique prevents your hands from ever passing directly over the spinning knives.
On the Router Table
When routing a profile on a narrow piece of wood, a push stick is your best friend. It functions much like it does on a table saw, allowing you to guide the stock firmly against the fence and past the router bit without endangering your fingers.
This is especially important with larger router bits, which can be very aggressive and grab a workpiece if not controlled properly.
Common Problems When Using a Push Stick (And How to Fix Them)
Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. Being aware of the common problems with using a push stick with woodworking tools helps you build safer habits from day one.
Problem: Using a Worn-Out or Damaged Push Stick
A push stick with a chewed-up notch or a cracked handle won’t grip the workpiece properly. It could slip mid-cut, causing a dangerous situation.
The Fix: Inspect your push stick before each use. If the notch is damaged, recut it. If the stick is cracked or flimsy, throw it away and make a new one. They are meant to be sacrificial.
Problem: Applying Incorrect Pressure
Pushing down too hard can cause the board to bind. Not pushing down enough can allow it to lift or chatter. Pushing only from the corner can cause the wood to pivot into the blade.
The Fix: Focus on balanced pressure. The ideal spot to apply force is near the center of the board’s width, just behind the blade. This keeps it stable against both the table and the fence.
Problem: Keeping the Push Stick in a Drawer
If your push stick isn’t immediately accessible, you’ll be tempted to “just make this one quick cut” without it. This is how accidents happen.
The Fix: Keep your push stick right on the tool. Many woodworkers add a magnet to their table saw fence or hang the push stick on a hook directly on the saw’s body. Make it easier to grab than not to grab.
Best Practices for Push Stick Safety and Maintenance
Following a few simple rules will ensure your push stick is always ready and that you’re using it to its full potential. This is your quick using a push stick with woodworking tools care guide and best practices checklist.
- Always Use One: Make it a non-negotiable habit for narrow cuts. Don’t let familiarity breed complacency.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for cracks, splinters, or a worn-out notch before you power on the tool.
- Use the Right Tool for the Job: A simple notched stick might be fine for some cuts, but a shoe-style stick or push block provides far more control.
- Know When to Replace It: A push stick is a consumable item. If it has taken a few too many hits from the blade, retire it with honors and make a new one.
The Sustainable Woodworker: Making Your Own Eco-Friendly Push Stick
One of the best ways to practice sustainable using a push stick with woodworking tools is to make your own from scraps. This is a fantastic beginner project that uses up offcuts that might otherwise be thrown away.
A half-inch or three-quarter-inch piece of scrap plywood is the perfect material. It’s stable, strong, and won’t shatter if it accidentally contacts the blade. You can find hundreds of free plans online for simple, effective push sticks.
Making your own is an eco-friendly using a push stick with woodworking tools approach that not only saves money but also reinforces the idea that these tools are disposable safety items designed to protect you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using a Push Stick with Woodworking Tools
At what width should I start using a push stick on a table saw?
There’s no single official number, but a widely accepted rule in the woodworking community is to use a push stick for any rip cut where the workpiece between the blade and fence is 6 inches wide or less. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and use it.
Can I use a push stick for crosscuts?
Generally, no. For crosscuts, you should be using a miter gauge or a crosscut sled. These devices hold the workpiece securely and keep your hands far from the blade path by design. A push stick would not provide the necessary stability for a safe crosscut.
Is a push block better than a push stick?
They serve slightly different purposes but are both excellent safety devices. A push block (like a GRR-RIPPER) excels at controlling the top surface of the wood and is fantastic for thin stock. A “shoe” style push stick is a great all-arounder for pushing stock from the back. Many experienced woodworkers have both and use them depending on the specific cut.
What’s the best material for a DIY push stick?
Baltic Birch plywood is an excellent choice because it’s strong, stable, and doesn’t splinter easily. Regular cabinet-grade plywood also works very well. Avoid using woods that are prone to splitting, like pine, or materials like MDF that can break apart without warning.
The push stick isn’t just a tool; it’s a mindset. It represents a commitment to respecting your craft, your tools, and most importantly, yourself. Building the habit of reaching for it every single time is one of the most important skills you will ever develop in the workshop.
So take a few minutes today. Find that piece of scrap plywood, draw out a simple design, and cut your very own custom push stick. Hang it on your saw, and make a promise to yourself to use it. Your future projects—and your fingers—will thank you.
Stay safe, and happy building!
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