119 – Featherboards & Push Sticks

Written on 05/12/2010

Marc Spagnuolo

A review of basic tablesaw safety gear.

This video is an accompaniment to an article I wrote for the June 2009 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine. The video focuses on featherboards and push sticks, and the article covers a broader selection of safety issues. Download the PDF of the article for free!

And if you want to be the coolest woodworker in town, you’ll pick up one of our special Wood Whisperer-designed push sticks! Hands down the most comfortable push stick around!

Ben H

on 05/12/2010 at 12:23 PM

What happened to the TWW push sticks?

thewoodwhisperer

on 05/12/2010 at 12:26 PM

hey thanks for the reminder! I was supposed to replenish the stock in the store and I forgot. I guess there is no reason why I can’t plug them in this post. :)

Aggie83

on 05/12/2010 at 02:08 PM

I am a firm believer in the Grr-Ripper system, not only on the table saw, but the jointer and router table, as well. If I had a band saw I am sure I would use them there, also.

Ben H

on 05/12/2010 at 02:34 PM

If there was ever a time, I’d say this is it.

robodude666

on 05/13/2010 at 10:20 AM

Déjà vu is the creepiest thing. Great video, nonetheless.

Beechwood Chip

on 05/13/2010 at 04:12 PM

re: board buddies, new fence, don’t have the track set up yet… that’s what you said last year!I love your safety videos. I always watch them all the way through, even if I’ve seen the stuff before. I figure it’s a good reminder, and there’s always a new tidbit. I also send links to all my friends.Thanks!

Jim

on 05/14/2010 at 10:24 PM

Hey Mark,I’m going to assume you have viewed the GrrRipper video on push sticks and stuff? I can’t understand how you can demonstrate the product and not mention the dangers push sticks represent. What’s up with that?Jim

thewoodwhisperer

on 05/14/2010 at 11:26 PM

I haven’t seen their video but I am very familiar with the product and I have seen their demo in person. You make it sound as if there is an automatic danger in using a push stick?!?! Sure, if you use one improperly and you don’t apply enough pressure at the front of the piece, you can have some trouble. But generally, you are better off using a push stick than using nothing at all. I own several grippers, but my regular push sticks are still in frequent use in my shop. Also, keep in mind this was only meant to be an introductory video to tablesaw safety gear. Not an in-depth discussion by any means.

Jim

on 05/14/2010 at 11:42 PM

You have to see the video. I made it sound like there is an inherrent risk in using push sticks because there is. Sometimes no push stick would be better than nothing or, since the wood wouldn’t move without it, your hand. Really, see the video. You’re scientific background may cause you to change your mind…

Jim

on 05/14/2010 at 11:54 PM

Marc,I just looked at the web site and you can go to the “Information Center” and see the videos on line now. I recommend “Why Use The Grr Ripper?”.Jim

thewoodwhisperer

on 05/15/2010 at 12:26 AM

Its really just a matter of proper use Jim. I’ve been using push sticks successfully for years now and there’s certainly more to it than just pushing it through with the tip of the stick. And I do tend to favor my shoe-style push stick more than all the others. So don’t get me wrong, I agree that they can be dangerous if used improperly. But if you put the proper force in the right places and use it on appropriate workpieces, its a great safety device. Its just not a black and white issue.

Jim

on 05/15/2010 at 07:40 AM

Sorry Marc, had to grab some shut eye. I couldn’t tell if you viewed the videos. They describe how placement of the push stick causes leveraging (I think that’s the proper term) that will cause a force (another term guess) in the direction of the rear of the saw blade even when you line the push stick up with the center of the piece. Even if you move it almost to the saw blade. Just inevitable.Does that mean you’ve been lucky or is there more to the story? I think this deserves a closer look. Being a scientifical type woodworker, you could probably break it down for us.Jim

thewoodwhisperer

on 05/15/2010 at 10:34 AM

I would be more than happy to demo the proper use of a push stick. One thing to keep in mind is you are watching a marketing video from a company that has a vested interest in you not trusting every other push stick in your arsenal. That’s not to say they are lying, but I do feel its an exaggeration of reality. Its like watching the black & white part of the infomercial where the poor lady is so darn frustrated because she can’t drain her pasta properly. Sure there is some truth to it, but its not telling the whole story.All that said, definitely pick up a GRR-Ripper. Its definitely one of the safest options out there in push stick devices. But I would not be doing my job if I led you to believe it was the only option and all others are unsafe.

Jim

on 05/16/2010 at 01:24 AM

I hear you on the conflict of interest thing since you’re both selling push sticks, so to speak. Anyway, I still can’t tell. Did you watch the video? I know you’re busy, just wondering. If you do/did watch the video, maybe you can tell me what part is misleading and which cuts are better with a push stick.Jim

thewoodwhisperer

on 05/16/2010 at 02:11 AM

I did watch the video. I don’t mean this to sound snarky, but have you ever used a push stick Jim? Its nothing more than an extension of your hand. And lets say you are using your hand alone, and you grip the piece only at the rear and push it forward through the tablesaw. You will have problems as the piece lifts and flies back at you. So you need to support the piece by pushing down, forward and toward the fence. Same goes for using a push stick. Only the push stick puts more distance between your fingers and the blade. And on some pieces you can use your other hand to help secure the work piece as you push it. On others, you may opt for the use of featherboards or something like Board Buddies if you desire. I am not saying push sticks are safer or better than the GRR-Ripper. I am simply saying that they can be used safely and have a place in the shop as an inexpensive safety device. And keep in mind that if you have a guard in place on your saw, you won’t be able to use it with the GRR-Ripper. But push sticks and push shoes do allow you to keep these other safety devices in place. For the record, the GRR-Ripper is an incredibly useful safety device. I wouldn’t own one and I wouldn’t have shown it in the video if I didn’t think so. But not everyone has the desire or budget to buy a GRR-Ripper. For those folks, traditional push sticks and push shoes, when used properly, are great safety devices for the shop.

Jim

on 05/16/2010 at 10:02 PM

Sorry for the delay Marc. No, I would never refer to you as snarky and yes, I started with a push stick. I’m only concerned with the relative merits of push sticks versus the GrrRipper. I think the people should know if you prefer the GrrRipper to the push stick like you did for the jointer setup equipment. I don’t think it’s possible to push with a stick in all three directions, (down, forward, and toward the fence) all at the same time. Do you? I prefer to take the guard off my saw and use my GrrRipper for all table saw cuts except large sheet goods then it’s guard on, etc. Do you?The reason I may seem persnickity (similar to snarky but not as arbitrary I think) is that I think we should be extremely clear about what the safest way to operate is. Other people respect your opinion and so do I but, I’m not clear where you stand. Which device do you recommend for what cuts?Jim

thewoodwhisperer

on 05/16/2010 at 10:44 PM

Hey Jim. I think we are really beating a dead horse with this. I am not sure I can state my position any clearer than I already have. There are some things I prefer the GRR-Ripper for and some things I prefer my push sticks for. For me, a push shoe does the vast majority of the work at my tablesaw. I like to keep my blade guard in place and the push shoe allows me to do that. Generally I reserve the GRR-Ripper for tricky cuts and smaller pieces that I normally wouldn’t even consider cutting on the tablesaw. That’s simply what works for me. Bottom line for me: the GRR-Ripper is a great safety addition to any shop. Can you make thousands upon thousands of safe cuts on the tablesaw without one? Absolutely.

Nelson

on 05/18/2010 at 07:15 AM

I’m stuck with my dad’s Ryobi 10″ portable table saw with two major drawbacks.. aluminum table top, and no miter slot(s).. the whole left side of the table slides with the miter fence attached to it.. (well 3, it’s made by Ryobi) I’m thinking of drilling and tapping holes to mount feather boards to the table! I bought a couple Freud blades and 6″ dado for it.. kinda feels like hot-rodding a Yugo.. lol

Jim

on 05/18/2010 at 11:44 AM

Dead horses don’t scare me when I’m beating them so…I got it in my head (through no fault of yours) that the proper review of the GrrRipper should be a ranking of each device in terms of safety. I think you have said (correct me if I’m wrong) that the GrrRipper is more safe than a push stick when you’re cutting small strips close to the blade. So, I was thinking my astute questions would reveal what your ranking was of these tools, for each kind of cut, like you did for the Jointer Setup Video. See how many assumptions I was making? Anyway, if you don’t think there’s anymore to say, I understand. If you choose to do a “ranking” later, I’ll watch just like I do all your videos.Kind regards,Jim

thewoodwhisperer

on 05/18/2010 at 03:10 PM

Perhaps in the future I’ll be able to do some sort of comparison. But its something that deserves a lot more attention and detail than I can give it in the comments area of a video post. Its a great idea though.

Troy

on 05/18/2010 at 07:51 PM

I love my GRR-Ripper. Been using both mine for about 5 years now. Up to now after untold number of ripping cuts, there’s been not one moment these let me down or made me feel the slightest bit concerned about safety. For boards wider than 4.5″ or so, I use a big mushy grouting pad ($5 at the BORG). I do exactly like Marc does also, applying a positive amount of pressure forward and against the fence, with either device.

J.Á.Davidsen

on 05/23/2010 at 04:13 PM

Hi from the Faro Islandsgreat website

MICHAEL DENNY

on 05/28/2010 at 10:21 PM

Hi, Just wondering if Jim has a rather large investment in the GrrRipper product line?

Jim

on 06/01/2010 at 08:53 AM

You guessed it Michael. I own a controlling interest in the GrrRipper product line. Trust me, you will never be able to purchase a GrrRipper. Don’t bother trying to buy it in person either, I’ve notified all the outlets that your picture is forthcoming and not to allow you into any of the stores.Hehe, it’s fun being the boss.Regards,Jim

Marty

on 06/05/2010 at 02:50 PM

Could you provide the manufacturer of the push stick (the one that you say is your favorite) and where you bought it?Thanks,Marty

thewoodwhisperer

on 06/05/2010 at 10:14 PM

Hey Marty. That one is actually from Sears. Don’t even know if they sell it any more. But when I made the ones I sell in The Wood Whisperer store, I wanted to model it after that same style. Only I added a much more comfortable handle. :)

Marty

on 06/20/2010 at 01:20 PM

Doesn’t look like they do sell it any more. There’s something about that style that I liked. Oh well.Thanks.

thewoodwhisperer

on 06/20/2010 at 02:15 PM

That is actually the one that I modeled mine after Marty. And I actually made it a little more comfortable. So if you like that style, consider checking out the ones we have for sale.

rick

on 08/27/2010 at 03:47 PM

I’m a little late to this one. But when I rip thin pieces 1/4″ or less, I use a sacrificial pusher made out of mdf or plywood. I hold it down to the stock and against the fence tightly while pushing it over and through the blade. My pusher stick gets a cut in the bottom of it. This isn’t the “safest” way but it works very well as long as you keep it tight against the fence while pushing through.Right?

Lori

on 03/18/2011 at 11:53 AM

Your videos are so awesome Marc!!! Thanks for showing us how to SAFELY use our table saws. That’s one thing that when watching old Norm he NEVER seemed to show the follow through when cutting on the table saw. When I was starting to learn to use the table saw with no one to really show me, I was always watching Norm’s videos HOPING he’d show some follow through!!! So your videos with FULL follow through are GRRRREAT!!! :-) Thanks for all your help over the years Marc!!! ~Lori

Jeff Richards

on 10/13/2011 at 09:47 AM

I stumbled upon this video looking for more insight into push sticks and safety considerations. I was a little taken back by Jim’s continual marketing efforts for the GRR-Ripper. Good information Marc as always, perhaps the marketing discussions can be screened in the future. Jim’s remarks certainly have turned me off in owning a GRR-Ripper. Jim, you won’t have to alert the outlets to not sell me one.

Jim

on 10/13/2011 at 10:45 PM

Don’t worry Jeff, I think I can help you. Marc has since done a review of the GRR-Ripper and is now completely convinced that no other push stick is safe. (I should know, I paid enough to convince him.) Hehehe. It is good being the boss. As for what you buy, don’t worry, we’ve already tracked down your credit cards and they will no longer be valid for anything even resembling a push stick. Don’t try making any either, we have cameras too you know…Regards,Jim(PS – Marc, I’m sorry, I just couldn’t resist.)

Jeff Richards

on 10/14/2011 at 03:03 PM

Jim, I hope you are in fact the boss (as you mentioned twice – little pretentious are we, hehe). If I was the head of marketing for the product and knew of the poor attempts at humor you were making, I would be a little taken back. My main point is I came onto this article to get some honest feedback and insights from viewer posts on what others use (I wouldn’t consider the comments section a marketing channel), but instead I felt as if I was reading the script of a bad infomercial. I was more than impressed with Marc’s patience throughout the postings. I haven’t used your product but from what I read and have heard it’s outstanding, your approach to helping people understand that leaves much to be desired.

thewoodwhisperer

on 10/14/2011 at 03:10 PM

I know a lot of this is tongue in cheek. But I still hold the same opinion of the GRR-Ripper. Its a great push stick but it is still not the only push stick I use. I do, however, use it whenever it makes sense for the particular operation at hand.

Jim

on 10/16/2011 at 12:56 AM

Ok, I give up Jeff. I’m not really the boss and the expression is “taken aback” as in:“Idiom5. taken aback, surprised and disconcerted: I was taken aback by his harsh criticism. ” from Dictionary.com.You’re right about Marc’s patience. He’s the best. I have to disagree with your assertion that my “approach to helping people understand that leaves much to be desired”. Even after all the comments you made, you admit that you still have a favorable opinion about the product and I’m guessing that when, not if, you come to the conclusion it’s the best “push stick” on the market, you too will own one.Finally, since you don’t seem to get my poor attempts at humor, I’ll say this. I sincerely hope you find your woodworking experience to be safe and if the GRR-Ripper is part of that, well, so much the better for you, not the real owners of the product.You have the last word,Jim

JimsPlace

on 01/02/2012 at 10:45 PM

Just came accross this this page. Boss, tell your Grr-Ripper “people” that nothing with that name is allowed any where around my equipment. Took what I had and put it in the trash.

Byrdie

on 07/08/2012 at 09:42 AM

As a disclaimer I will mention that I don’t have a GRRR (is that enough “r”s?) -ripper but think they’re probably a great tool. What should be mentioned, however, is that its design, by default, prevents the use of the blade guard. I am a convert, especially with my most recent table saw, and prefer using the blade guard when ever possible. My blade guard has a split design so that I can lower the side away from the fence while keeping the fence side flipped back and out of the way for thin cuts. It mounts directly to the riving knife. I realize that the arch-like design of the Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr-ripper simulates a blade guard.For ripping thin strips, an old style push stick with a long “nose” for downward pressure and the blade guard are an effective means of safely cutting.And, IMHO, nothing has done more to improve the safety of table saws than the addition of the riving knife – also difficult to use and full height in some cases with the Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr-ripper.

Kelly Vance

on 07/06/2013 at 12:51 PM

I’ve been using push “shoes” for around forty or so years. I only use a push stick to augment a shoe (e.g., push from the side). All my shoes are expendable and vary in width down to about 1/8″.My equipment scares me. The thought of pushing a board through a blade spinning at high speed and pushed by a horse or more cause panic. For example, if the board had any warp, the front would raise and the trouble being. Regardless, this is what I saw every “woodworking authority” using.After getting up and kicking the pedestals out from under each of those authorities, I began experimenting. Of course, the web didn’t exist for ideas back then, so it was a matter of common sense and trial and error. Common sense said I needed to hold the wood down where the blade wanted to slap wood down, or cause it to vibrate, where it wanted to lift wood [at the back of the blade], and to push from the back. Too, it needed to push where a feather board could not, such as between the blade and fence, or, if it was used, would require me to trust it, while only pushing from the back. Of course, the latter left me with another piece of wood lodged between the blade and fence.Thus was born the push shoe. It was a great innovation and, no doubt, just like the ones thousands of other woodworkers designed and built. As others pointed out, this allowed me to cut stock as small as 1/8″ using inside cuts (I still don’t stand behind the saw, because one or two missiles always escape.With the shoes and a splitter (I long for a riving knife, but they come with the four thousand dollar replacement version of my saw), kick backs a very rare.

BrianM

on 06/01/2016 at 06:26 PM

Who makes the overarm blade guard on your tablesaw?

Marc Spagnuolo

on 06/01/2016 at 06:40 PM

It’s the HTC Brett Guard.

119 – Featherboards & Push Sticks

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