Push Sticks And Featherboards: Essential Safety Accessories

Have you ever wondered why safety is such a crucial aspect of woodworking? Well, it’s simple – the power tools and cutting blades involved can cause serious injuries if not used properly. And that’s where safety accessories like push sticks and featherboards come into the picture.

Push sticks and featherboards are essential safety accessories that can prevent accidents while woodworking. Not sure what they are? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Push sticks are handheld tools that are used to guide wood over a saw blade while keeping your hands safely away from the blade. Featherboards, on the other hand, are clamping devices that keep wood pressed against a fence or tabletop, ensuring it doesn’t shift during the cutting process.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of safety while woodworking, the definition and functions of push sticks and featherboards, the different types available and their benefits, as well as how to properly use them. We’ll also cover additional safety precautions and show you how to make your own push sticks and featherboards. And if you’re wondering where to buy them, we’ve got you covered there too. So, let’s dive in and learn more about these essential safety accessories!

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Importance of safety while woodworking

When it comes to woodworking, safety should always be your top priority. Whether you are an experienced woodworker or just a beginner, accidents can happen at any time. Therefore, you should know the importance of taking precautions while working with power tools and sharp cutting blades.

Without the proper safety measures in place, you could easily end up with cuts, bruises, or even more serious injuries. The importance of safety while woodworking cannot be overstated, as it not only protects you from physical harm but also ensures you complete your project with the best possible outcome.

Using safety accessories like Push Sticks and Featherboards can make a remarkable difference in your woodworking experience as they provide more control and stability, reducing the chances of accidents. We will delve into the definition, functions, types, benefits, and proper usage of these safety accessories in the sections below. But before we do so, let’s emphasize the importance of staying safe in woodworking above all.

Definition of push sticks and featherboards

Push Sticks and Featherboards are safety accessories used in woodworking. Push sticks are long and narrow pieces of wood with a handle at one end and a flattened shape at the other end. They are used to move wood through a saw or other cutting tool and keep hands safely away from the cutting blade.

Featherboards, on the other hand, are attached to the saw table or fence and apply pressure to the wood being cut. This helps keep the wood firmly against the saw table or fence, preventing it from moving and reducing the risk of kickback while cutting.

While both push sticks and featherboards perform different functions, they both serve the common purpose of improving woodworking safety. In the following sections, we will discuss their functions, types, benefits, and additional safety precautions when using them.

Functions of push sticks and featherboards

Push sticks and featherboards are safety accessories that are commonly used in woodworking to prevent accidents and injuries. Push sticks are designed to keep your hands away from the cutting blade and push the wood through the saw blade. They come in different shapes and sizes, and each is designed to work with particular woodworking tools. Featherboards, on the other hand, are designed to apply pressure to the wood to keep it flat and against the fence, while also preventing kickback. They are the ideal accessories for cutting thin stock or stock that tends to drift from the fence.

Together, push sticks and featherboards make a powerful combination for enhancing safety in your woodworking shop. By using these essential safety accessories, you can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries associated with woodworking, allowing you to work with confidence and peace of mind.

Types of push sticks

Push sticks are a must-have accessory for woodworking. These sticks vary based on their design and the type of cut you need to make. Here are some commonly used types of push sticks:

Basic Push Stick – This is the most common type of push stick. It’s designed like a long thin paddle and has a small handle on one end to grip while holding the workpiece with the other. The other end of the stick is a flat area that comes into contact with the workpiece.
Offset Push Stick – This type of push stick is the same as a basic push stick, but with two offset handles. The advantage of this design is that it allows you to have more control over the workpiece.
V-Groove Push Stick – The V-groove push stick has a groove that runs perpendicular to the handle. This type of push stick is useful when cutting against the grain because it provides more stability.
Tapered Push Stick – This push stick has a triangular shape and is designed to be used with wider workpieces. It’s tapered to fit into tight spaces and provides a better grip on the workpiece.

When selecting a push stick, it’s essential to choose the right one based on your needs. Different types of push sticks and featherboards have different functions, and it’s crucial to select the right one to ensure your safety during woodworking.

Types of featherboards

Featherboards are essential safety tools that grip wood pieces and hold them tight against a woodworking machine’s fence. There are different types of featherboards available in the market, each designed to meet specific needs. Some common types of featherboards include:

Single Featherboard: This featherboard has a single row of flexible fingers that move in only one direction. It is ideal for thin stock or lumber that tends to bend or twist during cutting.
Double Featherboard: This type of featherboard has two rows of flexible fingers that can move in opposite directions. It provides more support and stability compared to a single featherboard.
Magnetic Featherboard: Magnetic featherboards are relatively new, and they use strong magnets to attach to the woodworking machine’s table or fence. They provide excellent holding power and are suitable for machines that do not have mounting options.
Spring-Loaded Featherboard: This featherboard uses a spring to apply pressure on wood pieces. It is adjustable and can provide varying degrees of pressure, making it suitable for different types of wood.

Choosing the appropriate featherboard for your woodworking project is crucial. Always go for the one that matches your machine and wood type to prevent accidents that may occur through improperly using the featherboard.

Benefits of using push sticks and featherboards

In order to ensure safety while woodworking, it is essential to use appropriate safety accessories such as push sticks and featherboards. These accessories provide a range of benefits that not only keep you safe, but also improve the quality of your finished work.

The main benefit of push sticks is that they keep your hands at a safe distance from the blade of the saw, reducing the risk of injury. Push sticks also provide better control and accuracy when pushing wood through the saw, preventing kickback which can be dangerous.

Featherboards, on the other hand, help to keep the wood in place while it is being cut, reducing the risk of it moving around and causing injury. They also help to achieve a straighter and more accurate cut, resulting in a better finished product.

By using push sticks and featherboards, you not only ensure your safety but also improve your woodworking skills. So, it is highly recommended to use these essential safety accessories while woodworking.

How to properly use push sticks and featherboards

Using push sticks and featherboards correctly can go a long way in ensuring your safety while woodworking. Here are some tips on how to properly use these essential safety accessories:

Always use a push stick when pushing stock through a saw blade or router bit. This will help keep your hands clear of the blade and prevent kickback.
When using a featherboard, make sure it is securely fastened to the table or fence. This will ensure that the stock is properly guided through the cut.
Make sure the featherboard is positioned correctly for the specific cut you are making. Adjust its direction and height based on your needs.
Use multiple featherboards when necessary to fully secure the stock and prevent it from drifting during a cut.

By following these tips, you can keep yourself safe and ensure that your woodworking projects come out perfectly every time.

Additional safety precautions while using push sticks and featherboards

While push sticks and featherboards are essential safety accessories that every woodworking enthusiast should use, it’s important to take additional safety precautions to ensure that they work effectively. Here are a few tips

Always wear personal protective gear such as safety glasses and gloves when cutting large pieces of wood.
Always inspect your push sticks and featherboards before use to ensure that they are in good working condition.
Ensure that your push stick’s handle has a good grip so that it doesn’t slip while in use.
When using featherboards, always ensure that they are securely clamped to the workpiece so that they don’t move during the cutting process.
Never remove your hands from the push stick or featherboard during use. Always keep your hands behind the blade and out of harm’s way.

By following these additional safety precautions while using push sticks and featherboards, you can help minimize the risks involved in woodworking and make your projects safer and more enjoyable.

How to make your own push sticks and featherboards

Making your own push sticks and featherboards is a cost-effective way to ensure your safety while woodworking. With a few tools and materials, you can make these essential safety accessories.

For push sticks, you can use a piece of scrap wood and cut it into a shape that will allow you to safely push the wood through the saw blade. You can also add a handle on the end to provide more control.

Featherboards can be made using a piece of plywood and some wooden dowels. Drill a series of holes in the plywood and insert the dowels to act as fingers that will hold the wood against the fence and prevent kickback.

By making these safety accessories yourself, you can customize them to fit your needs and preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to save money and use up any leftover materials you may have.

Where to buy push sticks and featherboards

When it comes to purchasing push sticks and featherboards, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of options available in the market. However, purchasing these safety accessories is crucial to ensure your safety while woodworking.

You can check with the local woodworking store or specialized safety equipment suppliers to buy push sticks and featherboards. Additionally, you can also buy them online from leading e-commerce retailers or woodworking equipment websites.

While purchasing, ensure that the push sticks have a comfortable ergonomic grip and are made of a durable material that can withstand pressure. Featherboards should fit securely and snugly against the workpiece to prevent movement and kickbacks.

Always remember that safety should be your primary concern while woodworking, and investing in safety accessories like push sticks and featherboards can help prevent serious injuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, woodworking is a fulfilling and challenging activity, but with it comes a significant risk of injury. Safety should always be the top priority when engaging in the craft, and that’s where push sticks and featherboards come in. These affordable and indispensable safety accessories help you keep your hands at a safe distance from the blade while allowing you to work with greater precision and control. Whether you purchase them or make your own, push sticks and featherboards are a must-have for any woodworker. Remember to use them correctly, keep your workspace clean and organized, and observe all recommended safety precautions. With these simple steps, you can enjoy creating beautiful and functional wooden pieces while protecting yourself from harm. Stay safe!