Woodstock SHOP FOX W1824 - Manual (Page 49)

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Push Sticks
When used correctly, push sticks reduce the risk of injury
by keeping hands away from the blade while cutting. In
the event of an accident, a push stick can absorb damage
that would have otherwise happened to hands or fingers.
Use push sticks whenever your hands will get within 12"
of the blade. To maintain control when cutting large
workpieces, start the cut by feeding with your hands then
use push sticks to finish the cut, so your hands are not on
the end of the workpiece as it passes through the blade.
Feeding: Place the notched end of the push stick
against the end of the workpiece (see inset Figure 69),
and move the workpiece into the blade with steady
downward and forward pressure.
Supporting: A second push stick can be used to keep the
workpiece firmly against the fence while cutting. When
using a push stick in this manner, only apply pressure
before the blade; otherwise, pushing the workpiece
against or behind the blade will increase the risk of
kickback (see Figure 69).
90º
Cut here to
push
1 ⁄
4
" stock
Cut here to push 1 ⁄
2
" stock
Notch for placing on
corners of workpieces
15
3 /
4 " Minimum Length
MATERIAL: Only use hard-
wood, sturdy plywood, or
high-density plastic. Do not
use softwood that may break
under pressure or metal that
can break teeth from the
blade!
SANDING: Sand
edges to remove
rough edges and
increase comfort.
SIZING: Push stick must
be at least 15
3 ⁄
4
" long.
Use 1 ⁄
2
"– 3 ⁄
4
" thick
material.
Notch to help
prevent hand
from slipping
1 ⁄
2
" Grid
Figure 71. Template for a basic shop-made push stick (not shown at actual size).
Making a Push Stick
Use this template to make
your own push stick.
=`^li\.'% Side view of push stick in-use.
Feeding
Supporting
Blade
Path Push Stick
Push Stick
Push Stick
Prohibition
Zone
Store Push
Stick Here
for Easy
Access
=`^li\-0% Using push sticks to rip narrow
stock.