Woodworking is a popular hobby for many people, but it can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. One essential safety tool for woodworking is a push stick. Push sticks are used to keep hands and fingers away from the blade while guiding the wood through the saw. They come in various shapes and sizes, but the purpose is the same: to protect the user from injury.
When it comes to push sticks, there are several things to consider. The most critical thing is the material used to make the push stick. It should be strong enough to withstand pressure and durable enough to last. The size and shape are also important, as they need to fit comfortably in the user’s hand and be easy to maneuver.
After researching and testing various push sticks, we have identified the best woodworking push sticks on the market. These push sticks not only provide excellent protection, but they are also easy to use and made of high-quality materials. In this article, we will discuss each push stick in detail, including its features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Best Woodworking Push Sticks
When it comes to woodworking, safety should always be a top priority. One of the most essential safety tools for any woodworker is a push stick. Push sticks help keep your hands away from the blade while guiding the wood through the saw, reducing the risk of accidents. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best woodworking push sticks available. Our picks are based on safety features, durability, and ease of use, so you can feel confident in your purchase and focus on your woodworking projects.
Peachtree Woodworking Supply Safety Woodworking Push Block and Stick Package 5 Piece Set
Click Here To See The Price On Amazon
We highly recommend the Peachtree Woodworking Supply Safety Woodworking Push Block and Stick Package 5 Piece Set for anyone looking for essential safety protection when working with woodworking machinery.
Pros
- The kit includes five different safety devices, covering a wide range of woodworking applications.
- Each device is intentionally made in high-visibility safety orange color, making it easy to see where your hands are during the cutting process.
- The rubber foam pads on the push blocks make it easier and safer to control your stock.
Cons
- The rubber soles on the push blocks are not very effective on some surfaces.
- The narrow v-style push stick is not as comfortable to use as the other devices.
- The kit is not suitable for outdoor use.
We found this kit to be very useful and effective in preventing kickback and protecting our fingers and hands during the cutting process. The push sticks and push blocks are easy to use and provide a good grip on the stock. The high-visibility safety orange color is a great feature, making it easy to see where your hands are at all times.
The rubber foam pads on the push blocks are soft and receptive, providing a good grip on the stock and making it easier to control it. However, we found that the rubber soles on the push blocks are not very effective on some surfaces, so it’s important to choose the right surface to work on.
The narrow v-style push stick is not as comfortable to use as the other devices, but it is still effective in guiding and controlling your stock. The kit is not suitable for outdoor use, so it’s important to keep it in a dry and safe place.
Overall, we highly recommend the Peachtree Woodworking Supply Safety Woodworking Push Block and Stick Package 5 Piece Set for anyone looking for essential safety protection when working with woodworking machinery.
POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick for Table Saws
Click Here To See The Price On Amazon
We highly recommend the POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick for Table Saws for anyone looking for a reliable and durable woodworking safety tool.
Pros
- The L-shaped design allows for a single push stick to guide the entire workpiece, providing hand safety while sawing and cutting.
- The dual ergonomic handles with maximum grip make it easy to hold and control.
- The extended heels, additional padding, and extra ribs provide added structure for long-term durability.
Cons
- The design leaves your hand too close to the blade for some users’ liking.
- The friction is just okay.
- The foam padding may not be as comfortable as other options.
We found that the POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick for Table Saws is a well-crafted woodworking safety tool that provides the necessary hand protection while guiding wood for sawing and cutting. The L-shaped design allows for a single push stick to guide the entire workpiece, making it easy to use and control. The dual ergonomic handles with maximum grip provide added comfort and control, while the extended heels, additional padding, and extra ribs provide added structure for long-term durability.
However, some users may find the design leaves their hand too close to the blade for comfort. Additionally, the friction is just okay, and the foam padding may not be as comfortable as other options. Overall, we believe the POWERTEC Deluxe Push Stick for Table Saws is a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and durable woodworking safety tool.
POWERTEC 71511 Deluxe Push Stick Set, 2PK Combo, 2PK
Click Here To See The Price On Amazon
If you’re looking for a reliable and well-crafted woodworking push stick set, the POWERTEC 71511 Deluxe Push Stick Set is a great option.
Pros
- The magnetic push stick is a great feature that keeps the tool close to the saw surface and prevents it from vibrating into the saw.
- The contoured ergonomic handle of the L-shaped push stick is comfortable to hold and feels natural in the hand.
- These push sticks are designed to work securely with cleats, notches, and other nonslip surfaces.
Cons
- The push sticks could be a little thinner to work with narrow pieces.
- Only one of the tools has magnets that hold on to the saw frame for storage, and the other tool doesn’t.
- The set is a little short, but it works fine.
We’ve been using this push stick set for a while now and we’re happy with its performance. The magnetic push stick is especially useful as it keeps the tool close to the saw surface and prevents it from vibrating into the saw. The contoured ergonomic handle of the L-shaped push stick is also a great feature that makes it comfortable to hold and use. We appreciate the craftsmanship of these push sticks as they are well-crafted and designed to work securely with cleats, notches, and other nonslip surfaces.
However, we do have a few minor complaints about this set. The push sticks could be a little thinner to work with narrow pieces. Additionally, only one of the tools has magnets that hold on to the saw frame for storage, and the other tool doesn’t. Finally, the set is a little short, but it works fine.
Overall, we would recommend the POWERTEC 71511 Deluxe Push Stick Set to anyone looking for a reliable and well-crafted woodworking push stick set.
Milescraft 3404 PushStick
Click Here To See The Price On Amazon
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and durable push stick for your woodworking projects, the Milescraft 3404 PushStick is a great choice.
Pros
- The TPE material on the bottom of the stick prevents slipping and marring, making it safer to use.
- The high-visibility yellow color makes it easy to spot in a busy workshop.
- The extra-tall handle is tilted inward, away from the blade or bit location, providing a comfortable grip and better control.
Cons
- The foot that grips your workpiece is a bit short and can sometimes slip off.
- The handle is angled to the right, which may not be comfortable for left-handed users.
- The plastic material may not be as durable as metal push sticks.
We found the Milescraft 3404 PushStick to be a reliable and safe tool for woodworking. The TPE material on the bottom of the stick prevented slipping and marring, making it safer to use. The high-visibility yellow color made it easy to spot in our busy workshop, and the extra-tall handle provided a comfortable grip and better control.
However, we did find that the foot that grips your workpiece is a bit short and can sometimes slip off. Additionally, the handle is angled to the right, which may not be comfortable for left-handed users. Finally, the plastic material may not be as durable as metal push sticks.
Overall, we would recommend the Milescraft 3404 PushStick for its safety features, comfortable grip, and high visibility. However, if you’re looking for a more durable or left-handed option, you may want to consider other push sticks on the market.
BOW Products PushPRO PP1
Click Here To See The Price On Amazon
If you’re looking for a reliable and customizable push stick for your table saw, the BOW Products PushPRO PP1 is an excellent option.
Pros
- The high-density EVA tip provides greater feed control and reduces vibration for a cleaner cut.
- The EVA tip is replaceable and reversible, ensuring the push stick remains in top condition even after accidental contact with the blade.
- The EVA tip is non-marring, preventing any damage to even the softest of woods.
Cons
- The ergonomic and modular design may take some time to get used to.
- The push stick may not be suitable for larger materials.
- The price point may be higher than comparable push sticks.
We were impressed with the BOW Products PushPRO PP1’s EVA tip, which provided excellent feed control and reduced vibration for a cleaner cut compared to plastic push sticks. The replaceable and reversible EVA tip ensures the push stick remains in top condition, and the non-marring tip prevented any damage to the wood. The ergonomic and modular design allowed for customization, although it may take some time to get used to. However, the push stick may not be suitable for larger materials, and the price point may be higher than comparable push sticks. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and customizable push stick, the BOW Products PushPRO PP1 is worth considering.
Buying Guide
When choosing a woodworking push stick, there are a few important features to consider. We recommend looking for a push stick that is durable, comfortable to hold, and easy to use. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Material
The material of the push stick is an important consideration. Many push sticks are made of plastic, which is lightweight and easy to handle. However, some woodworkers prefer push sticks made of wood or metal, which can be more durable and long-lasting.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the push stick can also affect its usefulness. Look for a push stick that is long enough to keep your hands safely away from the blade, but not so long that it becomes unwieldy. The shape of the push stick should be comfortable to hold and easy to grip.
Design
The design of the push stick can also be a factor in its effectiveness. Some push sticks have a hook or notch that can be used to hold the material being cut, while others have a paddle shape that can be used to push the material through the saw. Consider which design will work best for your needs.
Safety Features
Finally, look for a push stick with safety features such as a non-slip grip or a blade guard. These features can help prevent accidents and keep you safe while using your saw.
By considering these factors, you can choose a woodworking push stick that is safe, effective, and comfortable to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best push sticks for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend using push sticks that are easy to grip and control. Push sticks made of softwood or plastic are good options as they provide a comfortable grip and are easy to handle. We also recommend push sticks with a non-slip surface to prevent slipping during use.
What is the difference between a push stick and a push block?
Push sticks are designed to be used with narrow pieces of wood, while push blocks are designed for wider pieces of wood. Push blocks have a larger surface area, which provides more control and stability when pushing the wood through the saw.
When should you use push sticks?
Push sticks should be used whenever you are cutting narrow pieces of wood on a table saw or other woodworking tool. Using a push stick will keep your hands away from the blade, reducing the risk of injury.
What are the advantages of using a push stick?
Using a push stick provides several advantages, including increased safety, improved accuracy, and better control. Push sticks keep your hands away from the blade, reducing the risk of injury. They also allow you to maintain a consistent feed rate, which helps to improve accuracy and reduce the risk of kickback.
What are some popular push stick templates for table saws?
There are several popular push stick templates available for table saws, including the L-shaped push stick, the V-shaped push stick, and the paddle-shaped push stick. Each template has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your needs.
Are push sticks necessary for wider pieces of wood?
While push sticks are designed for narrow pieces of wood, it’s still important to use them when cutting wider pieces. Push blocks are a better option for wider pieces, but push sticks can still be used to help guide the wood through the saw and maintain a consistent feed rate.