Table Saw Push Stick Safety: When and How to Use One

The table saw is one of the most useful tools in the shop, and one of the most dangerous. The simplest thing you can do to protect your hands is to keep them well away from the blade, and that's exactly what a push stick is for. It lets you keep control of the workpiece all the way through the cut while your fingers stay out of the danger zone.

When should you use a push stick?

A common rule of thumb: if your hand would come within about 6 inches of the blade, use a push stick. That covers most of these situations:

• Narrow rip cuts. When the gap between the blade and the fence is too tight for your hand to pass through safely.
• The end of any rip cut. As the back of the board approaches the blade, switch from your hand to the push stick to finish the cut.
• Short or small pieces. Anything that would put your fingers close to the blade to guide it.

When in doubt, use it. It costs nothing to grab a push stick, and it could save a finger.

How to use a push stick the right way

1. Set up before you start. Keep your saw's blade guard, riving knife or splitter, and anti-kickback pawls in place as your saw's manual directs. Set the blade height according to your manual, too.
2. Always use the fence or miter gauge. Never cut freehand. The workpiece should always be guided by the fence (for rips) or the miter gauge or a sled (for crosscuts).
3. Stand slightly to the side. Position your body off to the side of the blade, not directly behind it, so you're out of the path if a board kicks back.
4. Push down and forward. A good push stick lets you press the board down onto the table and forward into the blade at the same time. Downward pressure keeps the board flat and steady through the cut.
5. Push all the way through. Keep feeding until the workpiece is completely past the blade. Don't stop halfway or pull the board back toward you.
6. Never reach over or behind the blade. Let the cut pieces sit until the saw is off and the blade has completely stopped, then clear them.

What makes a good push stick?

A scrap of wood with a notch cut in it is better than nothing, but a well-designed push stick gives you more control:

• A heel that hooks the back of the board so you can push it forward without it slipping.
• A long bottom edge to hold larger pieces flat against the table.
• A grippy surface that doesn't slide across the wood.
• A comfortable handle that keeps your hand high and away from the table.

Our L-shaped push stick

We designed our L-Shaped Push Stick to cover both kinds of cuts with one tool:

• Maximum contact: the long flat edge holds larger workpieces down and steady.
• Precision control: the lead tip gives you fine control on narrow, detailed cuts.
• Replaceable soft TPU boot for grip that doesn't mar your work. When it wears out, swap in a new one.
• Three hanging holes so it lives right next to your saw, where it's easy to grab.

It's 3D printed in the USA from tough PETG and comes in red, yellow or black. Bright colors make it easy to find on a busy bench.

Shop the L-Shaped Push Stick →

This article is general guidance, not a substitute for your saw's manual or proper training. Always follow your table saw manufacturer's safety instructions.