Push sticks question

I currently have a plastic one that I use most of the time, but I will make my own from time to time to fit the need.

-- Jesus is Lord!

I just bought a GRR-Ripper from Woodcraft. They are on sale this month. I have yet to try it out. Many folks on the site recommend it. Other than that I have a group of plastic ones I use.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=4393

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

I use several different push sticks depending on the application, but most of the time I use this…..

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

I use wood, easily made and replaced, cheap, and I have never yet launched one….Joey

-- Joey~~Sabina, Ohio http://sleepydogwoodworking.blogspot.com/

I’m reaching for my Grr-ripper most of the time now.
It took a lot of convincing but I am converted.
Previously I used a bunch of different wood styles made from plywood and solids.
I think the trick with any pusher is to be able to make firm /gentle contact with the wood all the way through through the cut without having to protect your fingers. If you can’t feel safe with the “rehersal” , look for a different method.

Bob

-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner

Mine are all wood, made to hold the board in place and keep my pretty fingers away from that nasty blade. I use various styles and am debating on the Grr-ripper that some of the guys here use. When you consider that a Grr-ripper costs $70.00 and the handle is sold seperate at another $13.00…Maybe I’ll make a Grr-ripper outta wood. Stay tuned!

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

I currently use an aluminum push stick from Rockler with a molded plastic handle. Strong, narrow (1/8”?) and doesn’t damage the blade if it just brushes up against it (I haven’t come in full contact for a “launch”). What I really like is the rare earth magnet in the handle – so I just stick it to the edge of my table saw top. Therefore, if I put it back each time, it’s right there to grab when I need it. (I’ve also turned it around and used the magnet to pick up all the upholstery tacks scattered across my bench during my current restoration blog.)

Of course I could just as easily cut out my own wooden push stick and inset a rare earth magnet in the handle. I just never seemed to get it done, so I bought this one at Rockler instead of continuing to “delude” myself that I would do it “someday” – likely after I hurt myself.

-- Paul, Texas

I’m accustomed to using scraps for my push-sticks. Nothing fancy for me. If it needs a deeper notch, I cut it. When I am done, I’ll toss it. Of course, if it is in my scraps pile the next time I’m in the shop, I’ll use it again!

-- Dekker - http://www.WoodworkDetails.com/Blog/MNagy/

I have to confess… I’m not very familiar with the Grr-ripper. Has anyone posted any reviews here on LJ in the past?

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

Bob started a discussion here: http://lumberjocks.com/topics/626

and Dick started a discussion here: http://lumberjocks.com/topics/show/805

there’s probably more but those are the two that I remembered off the top of my head.

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I use a wooden push stick. I traced the outline of the handle of my dovetail saw and then traced out the rest of the shape freehand. It’s served me well enough so far. I doubt I’ll ever purchase a push stick. Making them from scrap material is quicker and cheaper. Plus, I just like making things to use around the shop.

The gripper-ripper is my first choice if it will fie the situation.

-- WOOD/DON (...one has the right to ones opinion but not the right to ones own facts...)

I agree with WayneC, the GRR-Ripper is the best I’ve ever owned. I got mine at the annual Woodworker’s show when they come through Sacramento.

-- Branden - Sacramento, California - www.ShopDogUSA.com

I love my GRR-Rippers, yes plural, the extra one comes in very handy, but every woodworker should have at least one and train thyemselves to use it religiously, it is the safest wat to push material through a saw, and affords the same safety when using the router table.

-- Brad,--"The way to eat an eliphant is one bite at a time"

We use shop made – De Wif works as a computer guru for the schools, she gets me old mouse pads – they work great when you glue em to the bottom of the push stick

-- The Gnarly Wood Shoppe

I’ve used router pad material on the bottom of my sticks—- old mouse pads would be cheaper. I’ll have to keep my eye out for those.

Thanks for the tip.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

I use two GRRippers in combination, but I also use the pictured pushstick. It has a replaceable hardboard tail hook. I use it with a featherboard when it seems like a better idea than the GRRippers.

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

Very nice pushstick, Tom. I like the extra height with the handle. BTW,Nice manicure. Next time I need photo work holding something I’m sending it to Alberta for hand model work. Gotta be better than these wrinkly ole sausage fingers of mine.

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

I make my own as well to fit the need. I really dont see the need to spend the money. Simply made and simply replaced.

-- All donations should be made out to me and in the form of wood or tools ~Chris