I found the pattern of the rabbit shape online while checking out some woodworking sites that most of my readers wouldn't go to.
I used to have this type of push stick:
The problem is, that is only contacts the wood on such a small spot:
So, I found this rabbit push stick online. The long base allows you to have more control on the wood, push down more consistently over a larger area, and keep your hands away from the blade.
Draw the pattern on 1/2" plywood:
Then cut around with a jigsaw making sure the bottom is as straight as possible so that it can sit flat on the wood you will be cutting on the tablesaw:
I sand the edges of mine, especially where the holder is, to make it smooth, and you can drill an eye hole to hang him up. It takes less than 10 minutes to make one!
My rabbit enjoys going for a ride when I'm cutting against the fence:
Always play safe when using power tools!
That is the most creative push stick I've ever seen! And that it's actually more effective is bonus. Very cool!
ReplyDeleteMidge
Yay Julie! He's so cute, and so practical!
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gail
LOL! I love it! I think my father would officially think I took over his workshop if I replaced his push tool with this. Ha ha
ReplyDeleteOMG it's so cute!! I remember in woodshop class in 9th grade we had a push stick like the other one you showed. We actually had 2, one to push like you showed, and one to push on the side so it stays flush with rail.
ReplyDeleteI want to make my dad one, and for me when I use the table saw, so I can actually use it and my dad not be scared of letting me! I dunno if he'd use it... I'm always scared now because a few years ago the actually cut his thumb down the middle. It's all ok now, but I don't want him to get hurt!
Surely this cutie lapin encourages the PUSH to be downwards, and for your hand to be over the stock going around the blade and therefore far too close to any blade trouble that might arise for any reason. Traditional push-sticks, while only presenting a relatively small depth to engage with the stock end, are seen to be much safer as your hand and the tool are used several inches BEHIND the stock and not ON or OVER the stock, and therefore dangerously near the buzzing blade! It is also worthwhile considering what the 'spare' hand is doing when one is pushing the stock through; many pushers are tempted to use both hands, one to push along the stick, the other to push the stock into the fence . . . . following the stock dangerously too near the blade again! One ought to reflect on the positioning of guiding fences and additional attachments called featherboards to ensure stock runs along the fence tightly and safely. And then there is the question of having two fence grooves on the table so that lefties can be accommodated more safely! Don't remove that blade cover lightly; nor the kick-back 'knife' behind the blade. Always protect your eyes with adequate visors and bright light to see your work area and ensure saw dust is sucked away before you inhale it, including the 'invisible' dust.
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