Woodworking Machines - Push Sticks

Push sticks or push blocks should be used when operating standard woodworking machinery, including table saws, band saws, radial arm saws, jointer/planers and shapers. These sticks protect the hand while allowing good hand control of the stock as it is pushed through the cutting head or blade. Push blocks for jointer/planers should be constructed for two-handed positioning.

To keep your hands away from the blade:

• Always use a push stick for pieces less that 30 cm (1 ft) in length, or for the last 30 cm of a longer cut.
• Use a push stick of appropriate length to ensure your hand is away from the blade. For example, if you need to cut wood within 30 cm of the blade, use a push stick that is at least 45 cm long.
• Use the push stick to remove the cut piece from between the fence and the blade.

Hold-down push blocks should:

• be rigid
• enable the operator to protect both hands
• allow the operator to exert a firm and steady pressure on the work piece.

The following are samples of push blocks.

• Simple push sticks are useful on a table saw when distance between the blade and fence is narrow.

Simple push stick useful on table saw when distance between the blade and fence is narrow.

Double-handled hold-down push block

Frontal Push Block

Side Push Block

Use of two push blocks on single application