The Perfect Push Sticks, Push Blocks, and Sanding Blocks
As a woodworker, you know that the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to your projects. Having the proper push blocks, push sticks, and sanding blocks can help you work more efficiently and safely. A push stick is a tool that helps to push wood through a saw blade, preventing the operator's hand from coming into contact with the blade. A push block is a similar tool that is used to push wood along a table saw or router table. Both push sticks and push blocks help to keep your hands away from the cutting area, reducing the risk of injuries. In addition, push sticks and push blocks can help to improve the accuracy of cuts by keeping the workpiece from shifting during the cutting process. As a result, push sticks and push blocks are essential tools for any woodworker who values safety and precision.
And there's a ton of different options out there to choose from. So today I want to cover why I use the ones I use and most importantly how I make them. I’m going to show you how to make a couple different variations of each of these but you only need to use a minimal amount of material, which is awesome! Like a lot of you, I enjoy my creature comforts and making my own tools in the shop and making my own jigs are a big part of woodworking for me. I think it's really cool to find what you like and make it!
And grab your free set of plans here!
Push Stick Style 1
This style push stick works really well because it gives you downward pressure and it allows your hand to stay above the workpiece. It also allows you to have really great control. When it's exiting the blade, you can lift up on the handle and it actually pushes the workpiece through and out onto the outfeed table.
Push Stick Style 2
This push stick here is a little dangerous in my opinion because if you are working on a workpiece it could easily lift up and come right back and hit you in the face. I like to use this in combination with the first push stick where I give it some sideways pressure against the fence and I can push my workpiece through. There may be one or two cuts that come up depending on the project that this push stick is used in a traditional sense.
Push Block
This push block is great for cutting dados. It is really nice because you can easily push the board over the saw blade and you don't have to worry about your fingers getting anywhere close to the blade. I’ve also used some other designs over the years and I’ve adapted this one to work for me.
Disposable Push Sticks
These disposable push sticks are used for smaller cuts when I know for a fact I'm going to destroy the bottom of my push stick. I like to use a feather board when making thinner cuts and these come in handy when it would be impossible to use the traditional push stick. This push stick is ¼” thick but it’s nice and tall. Your hand is over the top of the blade and you don’t have to worry about your fingers.
Sanding Block
These sanding block are awesome because the curves on them are slightly smaller than the diameter of the circle of adhesive backed sandpaper, which helps to maximize the surface area and leads to less waste. And the adhesive backed craft foam will allow the bottom of the sanding block to really contour to the work piece resulting in a better finish.
Making the Push Sticks, Push Blocks, and Sanding Blocks
These tools can be made in a couple different ways. A template can be printed and attached using spray adhesive to MDF or a CNC can be used. Both templates are available HERE. And make sure you check out the full build video so you can follow along.
Whether you’re just starting out in woodworking or you’ve been at it for years, having a good set of push sticks and push blocks is essential for your safety. And if you want to make your own tools, it can be a fun and satisfying project. I’ve got free plans for all the push sticks, the push block ,and sand blocks, so fill out the form HERE and get yours today. Do you have any favorite homemade woodworking tools? Let us know in the comments below!
