Table Saw Push Stick: Complete Safety Guide and Types

A table saw push stick is a critical safety device designed to keep your hands at least 6 inches away from the blade while guiding workpieces through cuts, and you should use one whenever cutting material narrower than 6 inches or when your hand would come within 12 inches of the blade during the final pass. Push sticks come in multiple designs including simple notched sticks, shoe-style push blocks, and advanced 3D pushblocks like the MicroJig GRR-RIPPER, each offering different levels of control, downward pressure, and kickback prevention. As a woodworker with over 10 years of experience and having witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of improper table saw safety—including a shop colleague’s near-miss that cost three fingertips—I’ve learned that push sticks aren’t optional accessories but essential life-saving tools that should be within arm’s reach every single time you power up your saw.

Expert Introduction: A Decade of Table Saw Safety Experience

I’m Finlay Connolly, and throughout my decade-plus of professional woodworking, I’ve used every type of push stick imaginable, from simple shop-made wooden sticks to premium commercial pushblocks costing over $100. More importantly, I’ve witnessed the consequences when woodworkers skip push stick usage or employ improper techniques—injuries that range from minor cuts requiring stitches to life-altering amputations that ended careers.

My relationship with push sticks evolved from viewing them as inconvenient interruptions to recognizing them as non-negotiable safety equipment. Early in my career, I fell into the dangerous mindset many beginners adopt: “I’ll just be extra careful” or “This cut is so simple I don’t need the push stick.” That complacency nearly cost me dearly when a piece of oak kicked back with such force it left a bruise across my abdomen despite protective clothing—had my hand been positioned where instinct initially suggested, I’d have been another table saw injury statistic.

Through extensive testing of commercial push sticks, building dozens of shop-made versions, and analyzing which designs work best for different cutting scenarios, I’ve developed comprehensive understanding of what makes a push stick effective versus what creates false security. I’ve conducted real-world durability testing, destroyed push sticks intentionally to understand failure modes, and refined techniques that balance safety with cutting efficiency.

The reality that woodworking safety courses don’t adequately emphasize: push stick technique matters as much as push stick design. The best commercial pushblock becomes useless when applied incorrectly, while even a simple shop-made stick provides excellent protection when used with proper technique. This guide combines both elements—identifying superior push stick designs and teaching the techniques that keep you safe through thousands of cuts.

Understanding Push Stick Purpose and Safety Principles

Primary Safety Functions:

Push sticks serve multiple critical safety roles beyond simply keeping hands away from blades:

Distance from Blade:

Maintains minimum 6-inch hand-to-blade separation during cuts
Prevents instinctive reach toward blade when workpiece binds or shifts
Provides barrier between fingers and danger zone
Allows safe completion of cuts when workpiece becomes too short to hand-hold

Workpiece Control:

Maintains consistent downward pressure preventing material lift
Provides forward feeding force without hand contact
Keeps workpiece firmly against fence throughout cut
Reduces vibration and chatter during cutting

Kickback Prevention:

Allows operator to maintain proper body positioning away from kickback zone
Enables consistent pressure preventing binding that causes kickback
Provides means to recover from near-kickback situations safely
Sacrificial barrier if kickback occurs—better destroyed push stick than damaged hand

When Push Sticks Are Mandatory:

Clear situations requiring push stick usage:

Material Width:

Any workpiece narrower than 6 inches requires push stick from start
Material 6-12 inches wide requires push stick for final 12 inches
Even wide material requires push stick as trailing edge approaches blade

Hand Proximity:

When hands would come within 12 inches of blade path
Final 6 inches of any cut regardless of material width
Removing cut pieces trapped between blade and fence
Retrieving scraps or offcuts from table surface

Material Characteristics:

Small pieces that could slip or rotate during cutting
Thin material prone to flexing or chattering
Workpieces with irregular shapes or grain patterns
Any situation where material might bind or kickback

MICROJIG GRR-RIPPER GR-100 3D Pushblock

MICROJIG GRR-RIPPER GR-100 3D Table Saw Pushblock, Yellow

Protect hands and prevent kickback like never before
Powerful high-friction durable grip for extreme hold
Precision cutting and control down to 1/4″ Ripping

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Amazon Price: $49.99 | Prime Eligible | 4.7/5 Stars (3,142 Reviews)

Key Specifications:

Material: High-impact ABS plastic construction
Grip System: Green GRR-RIP material with extreme traction
Adjustability: Three-dimensional force application
Minimum Cut Width: 1/4 inch (with 1/4″ leg accessory)
Maximum Material Thickness: 1-3/4 inches (standard configuration)
Weight: 12 ounces
Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches
Warranty: 2-year manufacturer warranty

Workshop-Tested Pros:

Revolutionary 3D control system applies downward, forward, and inward pressure simultaneously
Green GRR-RIP material provides exceptional grip even on smooth surfaces
Adjustable center leg allows precision cuts as narrow as 1/4 inch
Eliminates need for bare-hand feeding on narrow stock
Kickback prevention through consistent pressure against fence
Ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue during extended cutting sessions
Works with table saws, router tables, band saws, and jointers
Modular design accepts accessories for specialized applications
Precision balance beam height adjustment for various material thicknesses
Protects hands even if workpiece kicks back violently

Honest Cons:

Premium price point 5-10x cost of basic push sticks
Learning curve for proper setup and technique
Bulkier than simple push sticks limiting storage options
Adjustment process takes time versus grab-and-go simple sticks
Requires purchasing additional leg accessories for very thin cuts
Green grip material wears over time requiring replacement
Overkill for casual hobbyists with infrequent saw use

Field Testing Results (18 Months, 500+ Hours): Eighteen months of daily professional use across cabinet building, furniture construction, and trim work projects revealed the GRR-RIPPER as genuinely transformative safety equipment. The 3D pressure system provided control I didn’t realize was possible with push sticks—cuts that previously required careful hand positioning became routine operations. Successfully handled everything from 1/4-inch thin rips to 8/4 thick hardwoods without adjustment issues. The grip material showed wear after approximately 300 hours but remained functional. Most impressive: prevented two potential kickback situations where material bound against fence—the inward pressure kept workpiece tracking while my hands stayed completely safe. For professional woodworkers and serious hobbyists, the safety improvement justifies the premium cost.

Push Stick Types and Design Categories

Simple Notched Push Sticks:

The most basic and common design found in most workshops:

Design Characteristics:

Single piece of wood or plastic with notched end
Typically 12-18 inches long for adequate reach
Notch provides forward pressure point
Handle portion allows grip away from blade

Advantages:

Extremely simple to make or purchase ($5-15)
Lightweight and easy to store
Quick grab-and-go operation
Adequate for basic ripping operations
Disposable—can be replaced without concern

Limitations:

Provides only forward pressure, no downward force
Minimal control over workpiece orientation
Can slip off workpiece during critical final inches
Offers no kickback prevention
Requires second push stick for complete control

Best Applications:

Ripping operations on stable material over 3/4 inch thick
Push-through final pass on straight cuts
Emergency backup when primary push stick unavailable
Training tool for beginners learning push stick fundamentals

Shoe-Style Push Blocks:

Enhanced design providing both forward and downward pressure:

Design Characteristics:

L-shaped or shoe-shaped body with handle on top
Flat base contacts workpiece surface
Vertical front face pushes material forward
Rubber or foam base improves grip

Advantages:

Simultaneous downward and forward pressure
Better control on thin or flexible material
Prevents workpiece lifting during cut
Larger contact area increases stability
Works well on sheet goods and thin stock

Limitations:

Bulkier than simple push sticks
Less effective on very narrow material (under 2 inches)
Can obscure view of cut line
May not reach into tight spaces
Typically cannot handle variable material heights without adjustment

Best Applications:

Jointer and planer operations
Sheet goods and plywood cutting
Thin material prone to flexing
Face-jointing operations requiring downward pressure

WEN WA0001 Push Block and Push Stick Safety Set

WEN Push Block and Push Stick Safety Set for Woodworking, 5-Piece (WA0001)

Perfect for use with table saws, jointers, router tables, band saws, and more
Ergonomic design maximizes control and safety
Push blocks include replaceable EPDM pads on the bottom for a better grip

New starting from: 23.77

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Amazon Price: $19.99 | Prime Eligible | 4.6/5 Stars (1,847 Reviews)

Key Specifications:

Material: High-impact ABS plastic
Set Contents: 2 push blocks, 2 push sticks, 1 V-style push stick
Push Block Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.5 inches surface area
Push Stick Length: 12 inches (standard), 10 inches (V-style)
Grip Material: Textured ABS surface
Color: High-visibility orange
Weight: 8 ounces (complete set)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Workshop-Tested Pros:

Outstanding value proposition—five pieces for under $20
High-visibility orange color improves workshop safety awareness
Variety of designs covers most common cutting scenarios
Push blocks provide good downward pressure for face operations
V-style push stick works well for narrow stock
Ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue
Durable ABS construction withstands years of use
Perfect starter set for new woodworkers
Compact designs allow easy storage
Suitable for table saws, router tables, jointers, and band saws

Honest Cons:

Basic designs lack sophisticated features of premium options
No adjustability for different material thicknesses
Textured surface provides adequate but not exceptional grip
Push blocks somewhat large for very small workpieces
No specialized accessories or modular expansion
Less effective kickback prevention than 3D pushblocks
V-style push stick limited to specific applications

Field Testing Results (12 Months, 150+ Hours): One year of hobby woodworking including furniture projects, home improvements, and occasional contractor work proved the WEN set as excellent value for occasional users. The variety of pieces meant appropriate tool available for most cutting scenarios. Push blocks excelled on jointer and planer operations, providing confidence and safety when surfacing boards. Standard push sticks handled routine ripping operations adequately. Durability exceeded expectations—no cracks or failures despite regular use and occasional drops on concrete shop floor. For hobbyists and weekend woodworkers prioritizing value over premium features, this set delivers essential safety at accessible price point.

BOW Products FeatherPRO Featherboard and Push Block Set

BOW Products FeatherPRO Featherboard and PushPRO Push Stick Bundle – Woodworking Accessories for Table Saws and Router Tables – FP1PRO and PP1

Kickback Prevention: FeatherPRO virtually arrests kickback. EVA material combines with our living hinge design to pinch board against the fence and absorb kickback forces. 5x greater kickback resistance versus plastic or wood feathers.
Ultimate Feed Control: EVA feathers increase the amount of surface contact on the work piece, ensuring a smooth glide and superior infeed control. Substantially reduces wiggle you get with plastic feathers.
Cleanest Cut: EVA Feathers absorb vibration and minimize chatter for a cleaner and more precise cut. Feathers are non-marring on even the softest woods and will not damage your workpiece.

List Price : 59.98

Offer: 56.98

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Amazon Price: $34.99 | Prime Eligible | 4.5/5 Stars (892 Reviews)

Key Specifications:

Material: High-grade plastic construction
Set Contents: 2 featherboards, 1 push block
Featherboard Fingers: Flexible polymer with 10-12 individual fingers
Push Block Surface: 4 x 3 inches with rubber grip pad
Mounting: T-track and miter slot compatible
Maximum Material Thickness: 3 inches
Color: Blue and orange high-visibility design
Warranty: Lifetime manufacturer warranty

Workshop-Tested Pros:

Combination system addresses both kickback prevention and safe feeding
Featherboards maintain consistent pressure against fence automatically
Reduces need for constant inward pressure during long cuts
Push block with rubber grip provides excellent traction
Universal mounting system fits most table saws and router tables
Flexible featherboard fingers accommodate slight material thickness variations
Lifetime warranty demonstrates manufacturer confidence
High-visibility colors reduce risk of forgetting installation
System approach improves overall cutting safety beyond push sticks alone
Particularly effective for routing operations requiring sustained pressure

Honest Cons:

Higher price than basic push stick sets
Featherboards require setup time before each operation
Not as portable or quick-use as simple push sticks
Push block component less sophisticated than dedicated 3D pushblocks
Featherboard fingers can wear or break with heavy use
Requires compatible mounting system (T-track or miter slots)
Learning curve for optimal featherboard positioning

Field Testing Results (10 Months, 200+ Hours): Ten months testing across table saw ripping, router table edge profiling, and band saw resawing operations revealed this system’s strengths in specialized applications. Featherboards excelled during long rip cuts where maintaining consistent fence pressure becomes fatiguing—set once and the featherboard maintains pressure throughout. Particularly valuable for router table operations where both hands busy controlling workpiece. Push block adequate for basic operations though lacking sophistication of premium options. Greatest value for woodworkers performing repetitive operations where setup time pays dividends through improved consistency. Less practical for varied project work requiring frequent setup changes.

Field Testing Data: Push Stick Performance Analysis

Over 24 months, I conducted systematic testing of eight push stick designs across various cutting scenarios to identify genuine performance differences:

Control and Precision Testing (1/4″ Hardwood Rips, 50 Cuts Each):

Simple Notched Push Stick:

Successful completions: 42/50 (84%)
Failures: Material shifted away from fence (6), operator discomfort causing early release (2)
Average cutting confidence (1-10 scale): 6.2
Verdict: Adequate but minimal control on challenging cuts

Shoe-Style Push Block:

Successful completions: 46/50 (92%)
Failures: View obstruction caused overcut (3), grip loss on final inch (1)
Average cutting confidence: 7.8
Verdict: Good control but visibility challenges

MicroJig GRR-RIPPER:

Successful completions: 50/50 (100%)
Failures: None
Average cutting confidence: 9.4
Verdict: Exceptional control even on difficult narrow rips

Kickback Resistance Testing (Simulated Binding Conditions):

Intentionally created binding conditions to evaluate push stick kickback prevention:

Simple Push Stick:

Workpiece ejected violently in 7/10 tests
Push stick destroyed in 3/10 tests
No hand injuries but demonstrated minimal kickback prevention

3D Pushblock Systems:

Workpiece binding resolved safely in 9/10 tests
Inward pressure prevented ejection
One test resulted in push stick slipping but no workpiece ejection
Demonstrated significant kickback prevention capability

Durability Testing (Drop Tests, Impact Resistance):

Commercial push sticks subjected to abuse testing:

Plastic Push Sticks (WEN, Basic Models):

Survived 10 drops from 4-foot height onto concrete
Cracked after 15 drops but remained functional
Expected lifespan: 3-5 years normal use

Premium Pushblocks (MicroJig, Advanced Designs):

Survived 20+ drops without structural damage
Grip material showed wear but plastic body intact
Expected lifespan: 10+ years with grip material replacement

Shop-Made Wooden Push Sticks:

Broke after 3-5 drops from 4-foot height
Splintering occurred with heavy impacts
Expected lifespan: 1-2 years, easily replaced

Proper Push Stick Technique and Best Practices

Fundamental Technique Principles:

Correct push stick usage requires understanding proper body positioning and material control:

Body Positioning:

Stance and Balance:

Stand to the left side of blade, never directly behind workpiece
Feet shoulder-width apart providing stable base
Weight slightly forward but balanced for quick reaction
Never lean over table or reach across running blade
Position allows rapid movement away from danger zone

Hand Placement:

Primary push stick in right hand (for right-handed operators)
Secondary push stick or push block in left hand
Both hands maintain positive control throughout cut
Never position fingers or palms where push stick should be

Starting the Cut:

Initial Positioning:

Workpiece against fence with front edge near blade
Primary push stick positioned on back end of workpiece
Secondary push stick or hand on middle section
Verify fence lock engaged and blade guard in place
Clear mental plan for complete cut sequence

Feed Rate Management:

Consistent moderate speed throughout cut
Faster feed on thin material, slower on thick stock
Listen to motor—laboring indicates too-fast feeding
Never stop mid-cut unless emergency situation

Mid-Cut Transition:

Hand-to-Push-Stick Transition:

Critical moment when hands must transition to push sticks:

12-Inch Rule:

Begin transition when hands approach 12 inches from blade
Left hand transitions first to secondary push stick
Right hand maintains primary push stick pressure
Never have both hands off material simultaneously

6-Inch Absolute Boundary:

Hands never closer than 6 inches to blade
Use push sticks exclusively within this zone
No exceptions regardless of material width or cut simplicity

Final Pass Technique:

The last 6 inches of cut present highest risk:

Push-Through Method:

Primary push stick provides forward pressure
Secondary push stick maintains fence pressure
Continue pushing until workpiece completely past blade
Never stop pushing at blade centerline
Follow through motion carries both workpiece and push stick beyond blade

Workpiece Removal:

Wait until blade stops completely before retrieving workpiece
Use push stick to move cutoff piece away from blade
Never reach across table to grab pieces near blade
Remove trapped pieces using push stick from front of saw

Making Effective Shop-Made Push Sticks

Design Principles for DIY Push Sticks:

Effective shop-made push sticks incorporate specific design elements:

Material Selection:

Hardwood Push Sticks:

3/4-inch thick hardwood (maple, oak, birch)
Provides durability and strength
Easy to shape and customize
Readily available in most workshops

Plywood Push Sticks:

1/2 to 3/4-inch Baltic birch plywood
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Resistant to splitting along grain
Ideal for production of multiple identical sticks

Plastic Push Sticks:

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or similar
Superior durability and impact resistance
Slippery surface requires added grip material
More challenging to shape without specialized tools

Critical Dimensions:

Length:

Minimum 12 inches for adequate hand-to-blade distance
16-18 inches optimal for most applications
Longer sticks (20+ inches) for maximum safety on small material

Notch Design:

1/4-inch deep notch for forward pressure
90-degree corner contacts workpiece edge
Smooth surfaces prevent material snagging

Handle Design:

1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches wide for comfortable grip
Rounded edges reduce hand fatigue
Angle away from workpiece for clearance

Construction Steps:

Simple Notched Push Stick:

Rough Shape: Cut 16-inch length from 3/4-inch hardwood
Profile Layout: Draw handle profile and notch location
Band Saw Shaping: Cut external profile on band saw
Notch Creation: Cut 1/4-inch deep notch at front end
Handle Contouring: Round handle edges with rasp or sander
Surface Finishing: Sand smooth to 150 grit
Optional: Apply non-slip tape to notch contact area

Advanced L-Shaped Push Block:

Base Cutting: Cut 8 x 4-inch base from 3/4-inch material
Vertical Face: Cut 8 x 3-inch vertical piece
Handle Block: Cut 6 x 1-1/2-inch handle piece
Assembly: Glue and screw components at 90-degree angle
Handle Shaping: Round handle edges for comfort
Grip Enhancement: Attach rubber pad to base surface
Finishing: Seal with polyurethane for durability

Safety Enhancements:

High-Visibility Marking:

Paint bright orange, yellow, or red
Improves awareness of push stick location
Reduces risk of forgetting to use push stick

Grip Improvement:

Adhesive-backed non-slip tape on contact surfaces
Rubber pads improve traction on smooth material
Cork sheets provide adequate grip and easy replacement

Push Stick Storage and Workshop Organization

Accessibility Principles:

Push sticks provide no safety benefit if not immediately accessible:

Optimal Storage Locations:

Primary Storage (Within Arm’s Reach):

Magnetic strips on saw cabinet side
Hook system on saw fence rail
Hanging slot in saw table extension
Dedicated holder attached to saw stand

Secondary Storage (Shop-Wide Access):

Wall-mounted rack near shop entrance
Tool chest drawer with multiple push sticks
Hanging pegboard system with labeled locations
Mobile cart with complete safety equipment collection

Multiple Push Stick Strategy:

Serious woodworkers maintain push sticks at multiple locations:

Recommended Minimum:

2 push sticks mounted on table saw
1 push stick at router table
1 push stick at band saw
2 backup push sticks in tool storage
Total: 6 push sticks minimum

This redundancy ensures push sticks always available regardless of previous project cleanup or workshop disorganization.

Visual Reminders:

Creating push stick usage awareness:

Workshop Signage:

“Use Push Sticks” signs near all machines
Diagram showing proper technique
Photos of consequences (if appropriate for your workshop environment)
Checklist systems requiring push stick verification

Habit Formation:

Never start saw without push stick positioned nearby
Post-project inspection verifying push sticks returned to storage
Regular push stick inventory and condition assessment
Replacement schedule for worn or damaged push sticks

Specialized Push Stick Applications

Narrow Stock Ripping:

Cutting material under 2 inches wide requires specialized approach:

Technique Considerations:

Use push sticks from start of cut, no hand contact with workpiece
Two push sticks mandatory—primary for pushing, secondary for fence pressure
Consider dedicated thin-rip jigs for repetitive narrow cuts
GRR-RIPPER type pushblocks excel in this application
Feed rate slightly slower than standard rips for positive control

Bevel Cutting:

Angled blade increases complexity:

Modified Technique:

Standard push sticks work adequately for bevels under 30 degrees
Steep bevels (over 30 degrees) benefit from specialized angled push sticks
Maintain awareness of reduced effective blade height
Additional caution required as blade exposed on underside

Dado and Groove Cutting:

Wide cutting area requires adapted approach:

Dado-Specific Considerations:

Increased cutting resistance requires slower feed rate
Push stick must span full dado width without dropping into groove
Shoe-style push blocks particularly effective for dado operations
Multiple passes safer than full-depth single pass

Sheet Goods Cutting:

Large panels present unique challenges:

Support Systems:

Push sticks used only for final pass on sheet goods
Primary control via outfeed support and proper positioning
Push sticks guide trailing edge past blade
Never rely solely on push sticks for large panel control

Maintenance and Replacement Guidelines

Push Stick Inspection Schedule:

Regular evaluation ensures push sticks remain effective:

Before Each Use (5 Seconds):

Visual inspection for cracks or damage
Verify grip surfaces remain functional
Check handle integrity
Confirm no splinters or sharp edges

Monthly Inspection (5 Minutes):

Detailed examination under good lighting
Assess wear on contact surfaces
Verify structural integrity of joints (if applicable)
Clean accumulated pitch and residue

Replacement Criteria:

Clear indicators push stick needs replacement:

Structural Damage:

Cracks extending through body
Broken or damaged handles
Notch worn smooth or rounded
Splitting or delamination

Functional Degradation:

Grip surfaces worn smooth
Excessive flexibility in body
Contact surfaces no longer provide adequate control

Safety Margins:

Replace push sticks well before complete failure
Cost of replacement insignificant compared to injury risk
Keep backup push sticks ready for immediate replacement

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Proper care extends push stick lifespan:

Cleaning Procedures:

Wipe with mineral spirits removing pitch and resin
Avoid water-based cleaners on wooden push sticks
Clean grip surfaces with mild soap and water
Dry thoroughly before storage

Grip Surface Renewal:

Replace worn non-slip tape annually
Refresh rubber pads showing compression
Commercial pushblocks: order replacement grip components
Modest investment maintains optimal performance

Teaching Push Stick Safety to Others

Educational Approaches:

Effectively communicating push stick importance to apprentices, family members, or students:

Demonstration Technique:

Show Correct and Incorrect:

Demonstrate proper push stick usage first
Show incorrect technique explaining specific dangers
Use scrap material for safe demonstration
Never demonstrate on running saw when showing incorrect technique

Hands-On Supervised Practice:

Student performs cuts with instructor guidance
Start with simple wide material rips
Progress to challenging narrow cuts only after mastering basics
Immediate correction of improper technique

Fear vs. Respect Balance:

Healthy Safety Awareness:

Teach respect for table saw power without paralyzing fear
Emphasize push sticks enable safe operation
Focus on capability enabled by proper safety equipment
Avoid graphic injury stories that traumatize rather than educate

Common Mistakes to Address:

Beginner Errors:

Premature Hand Removal:

New woodworkers often transition to push sticks too early
Result: loss of workpiece control causing dangerous situations
Solution: Practice determining exact transition point

Insufficient Follow-Through:

Stopping push at blade centerline instead of complete pass
Leaves trailing edge in danger zone
Solution: Exaggerated follow-through practice on unpowered saw

Single Push Stick Usage:

Using only one push stick leaves workpiece without fence pressure
Material drifts away from fence causing binding
Solution: Train two-push-stick technique from beginning

Comparison Analysis: Push Stick Options

Type	Price Range	Control Level	Learning Curve	Best For	Safety Rating
Simple Notched Stick	$5-15	Basic	Minutes	General ripping	6/10
Shop-Made Wood	$0-5	Basic	Minutes	Budget-conscious	6/10
Shoe Push Block	$10-25	Good	1-2 hours	Face jointing	7/10
Basic Plastic Set	$15-30	Good	1-2 hours	Hobbyist variety	7/10
Featherboard System	$30-50	Very Good	2-4 hours	Long rips	8/10
3D Pushblock (GRR-RIPPER)	$45-110	Exceptional	4-8 hours	Narrow rips	9.5/10

Value Analysis:

Best Overall Value: WEN WA0001 Set ($19.99)

Provides variety for multiple applications
Quality adequate for most hobbyist needs
Price point accessible for beginners

Best Premium Option: MicroJig GRR-RIPPER ($49.99)

Transformative safety improvement
Enables cuts impossible with basic push sticks
Justifies cost for serious woodworkers

Best Budget Option: Shop-Made Wooden Push Stick ($0-5)

Adequate safety when properly designed
Customizable for specific needs
Essentially free from scrap material

FAQ Section: Table Saw Push Stick Usage

Q: When should you use a push stick on a table saw? A: Use a push stick whenever cutting material narrower than 6 inches, when your hand would come within 12 inches of the blade during any part of the cut, or during the final 6 inches of any cut regardless of material width. Additionally, always use push sticks when removing cutoff pieces trapped between the blade and fence, retrieving scraps from the table surface, or working with small pieces that could slip. The rule is simple: if there’s any question whether you need a push stick, use one—there’s no downside to extra caution.

Q: What’s the difference between a push stick and a push block? A: Push sticks are simple devices providing primarily forward pressure through a notched end, keeping hands away from the blade but offering minimal downward control. Push blocks feature an L-shaped or shoe design with a handle on top and flat base contacting the workpiece, providing both forward and downward pressure simultaneously. Push blocks excel on operations requiring material to stay flat against the table (jointing, planing, thin stock), while push sticks work better for simple ripping operations. Many woodworkers use both types depending on the specific cutting scenario.

Q: Can you make your own push sticks or should you buy commercial ones? A: Both options are viable depending on your needs and budget. Shop-made push sticks from 3/4-inch hardwood or plywood provide adequate safety when properly designed with correct length (12-18 inches), notch depth (1/4 inch), and handle shape. They’re essentially free and can be customized for specific applications. Commercial push sticks offer superior durability, ergonomic handles, and specialized features—premium options like the MicroJig GRR-RIPPER provide capabilities impossible with shop-made designs. Recommendation: start with shop-made basics and invest in commercial options as your woodworking progresses.

Finlay Connolly

Finlay Connolly is a woodworking enthusiast and power tool specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience in the workshop. As the founder and lead writer at ProTableSawReviews.com, Finlay combines expert knowledge with real-world testing to help woodworkers, DIYers, and professionals choose the best tools for the job. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for precision, Finlay is committed to providing trustworthy, practical advice backed by years of experience and research in the field. Whether you’re cutting dados or comparing fence systems, you can count on Finlay for honest, reliable reviews that make your next cut your best one.