Push Sticks - Woodstock Shop Fox W1888 Owner's Manual

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 also 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.
Feeding: Place the notched end of the push
stick against the end of the workpiece (see
Figure 85.below), and move the workpiece into
the blade with steady downward and forward
pressure.
Making.a.Push.Stick
Cut here to
push
Cut here to push
Notch for placing on
corners of workpieces
1 ⁄ " Grid
2
Figure 86. Template for a basic shop-made push stick (not shown at actual size).
Use this template to make
your own push stick.
1 ⁄
" stock
4
1 ⁄
" stock
2
Notch to help
prevent hand
from slipping
MATERIAL: Only use hard-
wood, sturdy plywood, or
high-density plastic. Do not
use softwood that may break
under pressure or metal that
can break teeth from the
blade!
Model W1888 (For Machines Mfd. Since 10/20)
Supporting: 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 Push.Stick.Prohibition.Zone in
Figure 84 below).
Push Stick
Prohibition
Zone
Push Stick
Supporting
Blade
Path
Feeding
Figure 84. Using push sticks to rip narrow stock.
Figure 85. Side view of a push stick in-use.
SIZING: Push stick must
be at least 15
Use
material.
SANDING: Sand
edges to remove
rough edges and
increase comfort.
-58-
Store Push
Stick Here
for Easy
Access
Push Stick
3 ⁄ " long.
4
1 ⁄ "— 3 ⁄ " thick
2 4