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Just received an ad from Woodcraft for a push-stick device called the Grr-Ripper. Although the concept seems valid on the video, I question whether the quality warrants the price. Have any of you had the opportunity to hold this thing in your hands? Will it make the table saw safer for me, or just bring my hands closer to the blade without a saw-guard?
Thanks, Gary

kalynzoo wrote:Just received an ad from Woodcraft for a push-stick device called the Grr-Ripper. Although the concept seems valid on the video, I question whether the quality warrants the price. Have any of you had the opportunity to hold this thing in your hands? Will it make the table saw safer for me, or just bring my hands closer to the blade without a saw-guard?
Thanks, Gary

I picked up a pair off of ebay for a fair ammount cheaper than what woodcraft wants. Havent used the yet, but the guys at woodcraft really like them

http://cgi.ebay.com/GRR-RIPPER-GR200-PU ... 4a9f1ca688

I have two of them and use them all the time. The control and safety is unmatched. I started out with one and after seeing how often I used it I purchased another. I can easily cut a 1/4 x 1/4 if I need to and feel totally in control and safe. Many comments on this forum have discussed the cost between safety equipment and emergency room costs and this was an easy decision for me.

I also have a set of two Grr-Rippers that I use very frequently. They make handling small or narrow parts safe and comfortable and they keep your hands out of the blade's path. They are a little expensive but they were a good investment for me.

Have some thoughts on them. Watched the companies promotional video about them. Don't own any myself.

Thought #1. They would not replace my featherboards. Especially for long boards. I do not believe I can hold a long board against the fence with a gripper like a featherboard can.

Thought #2. Don't like the way their use requires elimination of the saw blade guard. I rather like that guard and don't want to saw without it. Especially while running my hand right over the blade.

Thought #3. I don't believe the claim about perfect safety and totally eliminating kickback. In fact I can see how one could easily get stupid handling wood after a cut and create kickback.

Thought #4. I question how long it would take me to accidentally run the gripper itself through the saw. As my various push blocks and such attest to.

Thought #5. I could make some of these myself out of blocks of wood and that tacky drawer liner material. In fact, I might. Especially a fence rider.

All in all it's a pretty interesting looking item, but I don't believe it is as wonderfull as the infomercial makes it out to be.

foxtrapper wrote:Have some thoughts on them. Watched the companies promotional video about them. Don't own any myself.

Thought #1. They would not replace my featherboards. Especially for long boards. I do not believe I can hold a long board against the fence with a gripper like a featherboard can.

Thought #2. Don't like the way their use requires elimination of the saw blade guard. I rather like that guard and don't want to saw without it. Especially while running my hand right over the blade.

Thought #3. I don't believe the claim about perfect safety and totally eliminating kickback. In fact I can see how one could easily get stupid handling wood after a cut and create kickback.

Thought #4. I question how long it would take me to accidentally run the gripper itself through the saw. As my various push blocks and such attest to.

Thought #5. I could make some of these myself out of blocks of wood and that tacky drawer liner material. In fact, I might. Especially a fence rider.

All in all it's a pretty interesting looking item, but I don't believe it is as wonderfull as the infomercial makes it out to be.

You echo my concerns.

If you are still thinking about the GrrRiper Woodcraft has them on sale now for $69.99...

Woodcraft

... And Incremental Toolshas them on sale for $59.95.

$49 on ebay.

foxtrapper wrote:$49 on ebay.

I think we could make a 'ripppping' sled with shallow fence and clamps cheaper!