Push Stick Options

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:10 pm

Thanks to each and all. I have learned much about Push Sticks. Wouldn't you know one of my kids gave the big yellow one and I put it away. Now I will use it. I found it interesting that a search for the grrripper brought up several negative discussions but no pictures until I visited Woodcraft and Rockler. Both show pictures and have no inventory in stock. Hmmm that made me wonder about the safety issue. Now I need to wait for my copy of Wood so I can see which rubber compound they suggested. Thanks again. Jim:)

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:30 pm

Jim,
They didn't recommend any particular type other than to say the stuff you dip tool handles into. It was one of the reader submitted tricks.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:31 pm

sawmill,

What issue of Wood has the article on push sticks being dipped (rubberized)?

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:56 pm

Are the bigger yellow push sticks the grrripers I've heard mentioned?
I've seen home made versions of that type and was thinking of cutting one out myself, but the big yellows look nice enough to purchase.

reible · Post by **reible** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:01 pm

Hi,

Since I was in the shop today I picked up a few of the "push sticks" I have. A couple of them are from the old PTWFE, one is made out of an old wood hanger, and of course the shopsmith ones you will no doubt know about.

I also pictured a push block/backer that is useful for routing (that is the one with the wood handle sticking out, front right. I buy the turned bits and you just drill a hole and stick it in, when block of wood is chewed up you toss it and make another).

I didn't notice my half moon one that I like and another coat hanger special made from a larger hanger so they are not pictured. I have a D-handled and a few more specilised ones, they are easy to make and cheap... and you can make them to your liking. It is not uncommon to use more then one on an operation so it pays to have extras sitting around for when you need them.

Can't say I've ever felt the need to add any coating to them. But if it makes it safer for you then great. I don't get Wood so maybe someone can report back a summery???

Ed

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charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:06 pm

I'm surprise no one has mentioned the Shopsmith fence straddler.

I don't have a Gripper, but do use the Shopsmith Fence Straddler quite a bit, for both narrow and wider rips. Actually, anything under about 3". With the saw guard in place, it will push 3/8" rips very nicely.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:30 pm

John, look at the first picture in Dusty's 10!9 AM posting in this thread. It shows the yellow one.

The Shopsmith Fence Straddler is a great push stick. It's not much help with a Dado cut where the stock is taller than the fence however.

As I think about it I value and use every push device in my shop in a given situation. I have a feeling the first time I lose a finger my bride will see to it that the shop becomes history. Her Father was a small town cabinet maker who lost four fingers when he was about my age. She still remembers that and the effect it had on her Mother and Dad.

Today I ordered three more of the SS #518215 Featherboards. I had never used three at one time in a row and found only having two inadequate last Saturday. Tomorrow I will add another yellow push stick.

Oh yes the safety rule regarding push sticks and featherboards is better now defined. Jim

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:35 pm

Thanks Jim!
I like the ones in Dusty's pictures better than the grrrripers. (I just found them in a search)
It looks like Dusty's yellow push sticks would do a great job of keeping hands away from the blade.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:45 pm

fjimp wrote:...The Shopsmith Fence Straddler is a great push stick. It's not much help with a Dado cut where the stock is taller than the fence however.
Jim

Jim, you are absolutely correct! If a person is ripping a groove on stock wider than the fence, any push would work safely, even human hands! Guess I'd prefer the palm of my right hand.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:27 pm

I also liked the Shopsmith Fence Straddler a lot but now own a Jet cabinet saw and the SS straddler will not fit. Will make on some day but know how that goes.
I also have a push stick from Rockler with a magnet in the handle. Very handy

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page ... sh%20stick

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Push Stick Options

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