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SAFETY ACCESSORIES
Push Sticks
When used correctly, push sticks reduce the risk of
injury by keeping hands away from the blade while
cutting. In the event of an accident, a push stick can
absorb damage that would have otherwise happened to
hands or fingers.
Using A Push Stick
Use push sticks whenever your hands will get within 12"
of the blade. To maintain control when cutting large
workpieces, start the cut by feeding with your hands then
use push sticks to finish the cut, so your hands are not on
the end of the workpiece as it passes through the blade.
Place the notched end of the push stick against the end
of the workpiece, and move the workpiece into the blade
with steady downward and forward pressure. (See
Figure 42)
Figure 42:
Feeding For Push Stick
A second push stick can be used to keep the workpiece
firmly against the fence while cutting. When using a push
stick in this manner, only apply pressure before the
blade; otherwise, pushing the workpiece against or
behind the blade will increase the risk of kickback (see
Figure.43).
Figure 43:
Using Push Stick
Push Blocks
When used correctly, a push block reduces the risk
of injury by keeping hands away from the blade
while cutting. In the event of an accident, a push
block often takes the damage that would have
otherwise happened to hands or fingers.
Using A Push Block
A push block can be used in place of or in addition
to a push stick for feeding workpieces into the
blade. Due to their design, push blocks allow the
operator to apply firm downward pressure on the
workpiece that could not otherwise be achieved
with a push stick.
The push block can be used in two different ways
(see Figure 44). Typically, the bottom of the push
block is used until the end of the workpiece reaches
the blade.
Figure 44:
Feeding For Push Block
The notched end of the push block is then used to
push the workpiece the rest of the way through the
cut, keeping the operator's hands at a safe distance
from the blade. A push stick is often used at the
same time in the other hand to support the
workpiece during the cut.
(see Figure.45).
Figure 45:
Using Push Block
