Push Stick cutting file

[drodda]

Does anyone have any push stick files or anything else to use for feeding materials on your table saw? I thought maybe someone on here would have some nice devices they use for this and I could have the bot cut them out of scrap in the corners on the baltic birch as I cut other projects. Just thought I would ask? Every time I buy a nice plastic one, one of my helpers cuts it in half on the first day.

[butch]

Dave

Here is the push stick I have used for years. I make them in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 in thick. the only difference is with the 1/4 and 1/2in I make the heel 1/4in deep rather than 3/8in. But after using this stick for about 15 years, it doesn't seem to make any difference.
I have not cut this one on the SB yet, just drew it up awhile back. Fixed it this morning by adding the little cut in by the heel and base. I noticed it would have left a corner, and it needs to be 90deg right there.

Butch
SB Cut file

6805 (6.1 k)

Wouldn't take the VCarve file. If you want, e-mail me and I will send it.

[larry_r]

Dave and Butch

Your timing is perfect. I just ruined my plastic push stick today and was think of asking the same question as Dave.

Thanks
Larry

[beacon14]

Here's my version of Butch's solution, which I've also been using for years. I don't have a file since I'd been just cutting out a bunch at a time on the bandsaw, and they last a long time. Maybe next time I'll take the time to draw one and start cutting them out the easy way.

Anyway I like the design because it gives you something solid to grab on to, keeping fingers well above the blade and it allows you to keep downward pressure on the workpiece throughout the cut. Works great for thin strips too since you can just run the bottom of the pusher right through the blade. The bottom one in the photo shows evidence of this. If you leave a little extra meat on the horizontal part you can re-cut it a few times as the bottom gets torn up.

6806