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If you are new to the world of woodworking, or using a table saw in general, you may not be familiar with the concept of a push block or stick.
But as any experienced woodworker will tell you, a push block can make a world of difference between taking a chunk out of your finger or finishing a project without the need for stitches.
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Read on to learn about these incredibly important tools.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Table Saw Push Blocks and Sticks
- BEST OVERALL : GRR-RIPPER 3D Pushblock
- RUNNER-UP: Big Horn 10230 Power Safety Push Stick
- BEST FOR THE MONEY : POWERTEC 71009 Safety Push Block and Stick Set
- BEST BEGINNER PUSH BLOCK: GRR-RIP BLOCK Smart Hook Pushblock
- BEST MAGNETIC PUSH BLOCK: Safety Woodworking Push Stick
Comparison of the Best Push Blocks for Table Saws
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
Are All Push Blocks The Same?
In order to be defined as a push block, as opposed to a push stick or push shoe as discussed above, the block does need to fit the same basic concepts of a block such as shape, a handle, and a rear hook. So in that regard, all push blocks are basically the same.
However, there is a good deal of variation within that same blueprint. Some push blocks have magnets for additional stability and strength to clamp onto the table. Some have different handle designs for increased user comfort.
Overall, it is important to find the push block that will work best for you and what you are trying to cut.
How Do I Choose a Push Block?
All right, now that you have a better sense of what push blocks can accomplish, how do you find one that will work best for you? Here is what to look for:
Color
This trait may seem frivolous, but it is actually extremely important. You want a push block in a color that clearly distinguishes it from your workpiece – so nothing in the brown of wood or the gray of metal. The best push blocks are a completely unnatural and bright color, such as orange.
Stability
This is kind of the whole point of a push block, right? What would be the good of a push block that moves around and as a consequence, moves your work piece around? Find yourself a push block that will stay in place no matter what.
Durability
No matter how careful you are, odds are that one day you are going to accidentally cut into your push block instead of your work piece.
This is why you need to get a push block that can stand up to a decent amount of wear and tear and last you through years of cuts.
Review of the Best Push Blocks for Table Saws
All right, since you now know what to look for in a push block, let’s check out some actual products:
Best Overall
GRR-Ripper 3d Pushblock
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users love the three different force directions this model provides. With inward, downward, and forward force, users are able to increase both the level of control they have over their work piece as well as their overall safety when making cuts.
What We Love About It
We are huge fans of the moving blade guard included in this model. It allows you to make rip cuts as thin as a quarter of an inch, without ever worrying about your hand protection.
Who’s This Perfect For?
All types of users will greatly appreciate this model. It is endorsed for use by hobbyist woodworkers as well as those on the more professional level. Whether you want to use it in your garage, or in a large scale woodworking operation, you will not be disappointed with this option.
Final Thoughts
This push block is an all around impressive model that is versatile enough to be used in any setting, considering it can handle all different lengths and types of cuts and aids in cutting in any material. No matter what your intentions, you will not be disappointed with the GRR RIPPER.
Runner-up
Big Horn 10230 Power Safety Push Stick
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
People really appreciate the intentional design present on this model. It has closed construction around your hand, so even if something goes terribly wrong and your saw is able to chew through your push block, it still has a long way to go before it can actually damage your hand.
What We Love About It
We loved the spring loaded tip located near the back of this product. This tip extends outwards, which provides the maximum grip possible at the end of your work piece. You really cannot overstate the added stability this design feature provides.
Who’s This Perfect For?
For users with larger hands, this is an ideal product for you. It is on the bigger side as well, which means it will still be able to keep your hands far enough away from the blade to make you feel safe using it.
Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic product option that will work well for a range of users, but particularly those with heightened safety concerns. It has basically every safety feature in the book and is one of the most stable blocks on the market.
Best Push Block for the Money
PowerTec 71009 Safety Set
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users love how much bang they are able to get for their buck when they go with this product option. Not only does it come with a long push block, it also includes two push blocks that are shorter, a V-stick, and a push stick. There is no work piece you can’t stabilize with this set.
What We Love About It
Not only do you get a ton of different tools with this purchase, you also do not have to spend that much money. That’s right, the price for this model is ridiculously low. It is far and above the best value pack available.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you struggle with working push blocks, this is the model for you. It is still incredibly strong, but it is more lightweight than other models, so it is easier to use.
Final Thoughts
This push block is a steal of a deal that will save both your hands and your wallet. It also strikes an excellent balance between sturdiness and a lighter overall weight. Investing in this product option is a decision you certainly will not regret.
Best Beginner Push Block
GRR-Rip Block Smart Hook
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users love the intentional design features on this model that make it more easy to use. It has nubs on the back in order to help push the workpiece along. The handle is also designed at a specific angle to help aid you in moving material through.
What We Love About It
We were really impressed at how the manufacturers of this product thought about additional needs their consumers may have, such as shielding their face from debris. This model comes with mounts for deflector and connector shield plates to add protective layers around your work space.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you are a novice woodworker who is stressed about making smooth, accurate cuts, you should invest in this model. It is excellent for making the most precise cuts possible, thanks to features such as the flip guide.
Final Thoughts
We believe this push block is the ideal product option for beginner users who need some extra reassurance when making cuts. With its added safety features such as its protective guard, and its design to increase ease of use, any user can feel like a pro.
Best Magnetic Push Block
Safety Woodworking Push Stick
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users appreciate how this model strikes an excellent balance between being thin enough to work with the smallest items when making cuts, but still being rigid enough to prevent unnecessary flex and added danger.
What We Love About It
Everyone loves the magnets because they make users feel more secure when operating this block – but that is not the only reason we love the magnets. We also appreciate how the magnets make this stick easier to store, because you can place it right on the table saw cabinet!
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you intend on making a lot of fine, precise cuts on smaller pieces of wood, this is the product option you should choose to go with. You will not be able to find a better option for working with the most minute cuts.
Final Thoughts
This is far and above the most impressive magnetic push block we were able to find on the market today. With convenient storage options, and a size that allows both for maximum precision and maximum safety, you can’t really get better.
In summary, here are the best push blocks for table saws:
What is a Push Block and How Does it Work?
A push block can also often be referred to as a push stick and occasionally you may even hear someone use the phrase “push shoe,” though this is pretty rare.
It is a device intended to increase user safety when using dangerous woodcutting equipment such as table saws, band saws, routers, jointers, and other machines.
Push blocks in particular, as compared to push sticks or push shoes, are typically thick blocks of wood with a handle on top to hold it in place, and often also a hook located in the rear of the block to keep a grip on your wooden work piece.
All of these components of the device work together to stabilize your work piece, which helps you to make more precise and therefore safer cuts.
Additionally, push blocks provide an extra layer of protection for the inevitable kickback that we have all seen a table saw produce. When working with a push block, if the saw kicks back at you, the first thing the saw will chomp through is the block as opposed to your fingers. You can’t really put a price on that level of increased safety.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?
Still struggling with narrowing it down? Here are more qualities you should keep in mind when choosing a push block:
Size
You need to make sure your push block will work, not only for your table saw, but also for whatever work piece you intend to use it for. For example, if you are working on a larger work piece, you will likely need a larger push block in order to provide maximum stability.
Intended Use
You will notice we included a push stick on this list – that is because push sticks can be more effective than push blocks when it comes to making finer, more precise cuts. If you intend on working on a project that requires a high level of accuracy, you will need to choose your push block accordingly.
Material
Are you intending to use your push block mostly when working with wood, or mostly when working with plastic? What will the debris from your cuts look like? It can be a good idea to choose a specific push block based on the kind of material you intend to work with.
People Also Ask
Because push blocks are so crucial to user safety, it really matters that you choose wisely. Here are some of the most common additional questions that pop up when people are looking for the right push block:
How Do I Use a Push Block?
Push blocks are primarily used to push (hence the name!) the workpiece forward to move it through the table saw’s blade. For maximum safety, push blocks should also be used in conjunction with push sticks, which you would use as an inward point of contact with your work piece towards the saw fence.
What is the Best Material for a Push Block?
Push blocks are typically made of either wood or plastic. It is a matter of personal preference which one you would like to work with, but either way, you should make sure your push block has some non skid material affixed to it as well, such as rubber or sandpaper.
Should I Make a Push Block or Buy One?
There are benefits and drawbacks to both options. The benefit of making a push block is that you save money and can find a use for some leftover scrap wood. The benefit of buying a push block is it is more convenient and you can often find ones with cool features such as magnets.
Conclusion
Push blocks are one of those tools you really can’t go without if you value your safety and retaining the use of all ten of your fingers – and you also really can’t compromise on quality with these products.
You want to choose something that can stand up to wear and tear, aid you in your overall project stability when making cuts, and even enhance the preciseness and accuracy of the cuts you are able to make. We promise that if you go with one of our reviewed models listed above, you will achieve all of that and more.