EXPLODING table saw push sticks are a real thing! 

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR IMPORTANT INFO▼ -- Bow PushPro Pushstick (use discount code 731Bow10 to save 10%): lddy.no/1eahd ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Helical carbide jointer/planer heads from MyWoodCutters: mywoodcutters.com/ *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) - Link to 731 Woodworks video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dYknMJ7QbNA.html *Some other useful links:* -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

There's also an age component. As plastic gets older it generally gets more brittle, especially with UV exposure.

At last, a calm, sensible, informative video about what can happen and what types of push sticks to use. This video did not try to make a mountain out of a molehill to grab more views. An excellent video from a master woodworker. Keep up the great work.

When video creators start completely overblowing possible safety issues just to get clicks on their sponsored links, thats when I stop watching them. Thank you for posting this REASONABLE video, James. We need more content creators like you.

I've always made my push sticks with wood. Not implying that the plastic ones are not good, but I like the idea of customizing my stick, and there's never any shortage of wood in the shop.

Your videos are so incredibly polite in reference to others videos. You gave lots of good info and what *I* believe is a counter point to 731, but never called him out and never got disrespectful. Kudos!

Temperature matters. Around here, many hobby workers either work outside, or have a non-heated building for their woodworking. (Bulky coats around saws could get a video all its own, but most people are smart enough to take the coat off for the tablesaw work). The important bit for this is what is a pliable and tough plastic at 60F may shatter like glass at 10F, so if you are working in the cold, use a wood push stick.

James, back in the late 70's in middle school, my shop teacher (who had all his fingers) safely demonstrated kickback on the table saw and we all watched a piece of wood go into the wall behind it. Very positive lesson for sure! One day, my board got jammed in the surface planer because our shop teacher hit the emergency shutoff switch. He had seen a girl at the radial arm saw preparing to cut a board with her arms crossed. Her left arm was holding the board to the right of the blade and she was drawing the saw with her right hand! She's lucky she is not known as "Righty" now!

As a former teacher I always had the students make their own push sticks. The students had to explain their design and knew the consequences of what a powerful table saw can do. As a result of this activity not a single student in my class over 34 years had an accident with a PS! Plastics are a business and that’s okay but sometimes you need foundations first. 😊

731 is all about sales not woodworking he was good to watch till he went full time and woodworking stopped stumpy keep up you good work👍

You are the most reliable woodworking channel when it comes to issues of safety, and also for deeper understanding of tool usage and purpose. Thank you.

I gave up on plastic some time ago. I make my pushing devices out of wood. James, you showed some designs, as did some of my other favourite woodworkers. I made three; one got a little cut up on the bottom, but I use these all the time. I do have a Grripper that I use when cutting small pieces. But it’s wood for me. Love your collaboration with Mr. Lawless.

Glad you and 731 worked together, I am subscribed to both of you and it is nice to see collaboration between presenters who want to keep people safe. Thanks for putting safety first.

This was a great follow up video! Thank you James! I would love to see you as a guest on 731’s live edge show sometime.

Excellent presentation, no need to be sensational, just calmly give great honest advice. Brilliant video as always.

Lots of respect for you and the ability to present topics in a reasonable way, without the hype and clickbait. I'm getting tired of RU-vidrs that seem to only want to grab views (numbers, that generate money)... no disrespect for 731, as most content producers do it at the direction of RU-vid "rules". Thank you for taking the time to explain, as always.

the bow pushsticks and featherboards are great

Another reasonable response from Stumpy Nubs and some good info.

Thank you again James. This is another reason why I’ve followed your teaching for the last, what, must be close to ten years now here on RU-vid and your magazine etc, but, for however long it’s been, your wise, patient understanding and ability to so clearly share such important information is what sets you apart from every other presenter and teacher out there. I’m grateful for all you’ve taught me over the years and proud to tell people that a vast amount of my woodworking knowledge, and without a doubt, the smartest and cleverest techniques that I use regularly and constantly have come from your teaching. Thank you James, I, my family and all those who receive as gifts or those who buy my humble efforts as a woodworker can do so because of you and your wisdom and humble kindness in giving such wisdom and experience away to us all for free. Best apprenticeship I could have ever had and grateful forever James, thank you. Oh yeah, and I haven’t forgotten your old man either. We’re of a similar age and I reckon he’s a great guy and a great teacher as well and I’m grateful for all of his fine teaching as well, thanks mate. All my best from the great down under, see ya, stay cool and stay safe mate

This happened to me once. It was a Bosch push stick with a hollowcore. I used the Dewalt, which is totally solid and have never had a problem.

One of the first things we made in shop class was plywood push sticks.

I get the same amount of pleasure from making my push-sticks as I do with everything else I make. I am a woodworker.

I make my own out of 3/4" plywood, and run them thru the blade for certain cuts. I've used the same pattern for like 30 years now, and the have far better control than those long skinny sticks. When I have scrap ply, I trace a bunch of sticks on it, and make a couple dozen on a rainy day 😊 I'll share the pattern on my channel next time I make a batch...

Time and time again, you address nuance in issues and situations that many oversimplify. What I respect about you is your ability to convey nuance clearly and fairly with a great deal of humor as well.

The RU-vid woodworking community is quite a growing camp but way too many times I see videos wanting to make a visual statement rather than an intellectual statement. I guess everyone has their comfort zone in learning and communicating so it’s to be expected. Thanks for you being you James and not being comedic or outlandish in any safety conversations. I really appreciate your calm style and thoughts on so many important subjects. I know I will never see you hiding behind a sheet of plywood for protection and that is reassuring in improving my knowledge and experience.

You and 731 are my "go to" woodworking channels. I always get good info from watching similar, but sometimes slightly different, takes on a wide range of topics. Always enjoy both channels. Good job James!

It's friggin hilarious that the best, most consistent safety videos for woodworkers come from a guy called stumpy nubs 😆 why your my boy blue!

Good job James. Thanks for the follow-up.

Thanks for all the great content you put out. Loved your comment on wooden push sticks. I am a middle school & highschool woodshop teacher in Upstate NY. Thays the first project my students do is make their own push stick. After 15 years I have found its a great way to cover defects, grain structure and equipment safety and build confidence on the band saw with my eighth graders. Select their material, trace one of my templates, cut it out on the band saw, sand with the disc sander and spindle sander, palm sand the faces, drill a hanging hole in the handle and round over the edges at the router table. Great way to use up last year's scraps.

Nicely presented. Calm, spoke clearly and slowly. Great job on a very important topic.

The discussion is more important than the review. Also respect supporting other RU-vidrs, and small biz. Thanks!

As always, another informative video. I'm a make them from scrap wood guy. I have assorted types, from the long notched stick to the lays on the top with a lip in the back, to suit the need. And I run pine push sticks through the blade all the time when cutting narrow stock. Just over to the bandsaw and cut a new notch when needed.

Another good video. Thanks for sharing. Never thought of the plastic explosion factor for a push stick and didn't see the other guys video. I did lose a sliding compound miter saw to a piece of PVC pipe that blew up when I was cutting some dust collection piping on it, so I get the brittle plastic factor. The discontinued lower blade guard took out a window in my shop and sent shards flying. Not my best day. Lots of dangerous stuff in a woodworking shop, so always good to think safety. PS - I have a contractor's grade 12" sliding compound miter saw from Craftsman for sale for anyone not interested in keeping all their fingers. 🤪

The first thing i made with my wood working tools back in 1970 was a red oak push stick. Still have it today.

I think this is an excellent presentation. Your approach to this and other subjects is measured and considered and you do not make over-generalized pronouncements. I have a gray plastic push stick that has accidentally hit the blade and it put a little saw blade notch in it just like in wood. And I’m sure, as you point out, there are some plastics that might shatter. In all fairness to the 731 Guy, he does have good presentations and I enjoy watching him too. He may tend to over generalize at times, but I still find his channel informative and well worth watching.

Great video. I had the cheap orange and black Amazon push stick and suffered a violent explosion of one of them when accidentally contacting the blade. The 2nd one went in the trash along with the pieces of the first one....I was lucky that all the shrapnel missed me and hit the shop wall 10 feet behind the saw.

This is why I like this channel. Some others have a tendency to gear towards absolutes or sensationalism to get views and comments. James always give the more nuanced but correct and helpful information in a calm and understanding manner. He’s an excellent teacher.

Calm, rationale and intelligent presentation. That's what keeps me coming back.

Calm and steady video as always with all the information we novices require

Thanks to both of you for sharing your concerns and thoughts about the use of push sticks.

I subscribe to 731 as well as your channel and I think your video is the perfect follow up. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Well done as always.

Hi James: I have watched your videos for a few years now and I really enjoy your content and your years of experience and knowledge. I have been working as a carpenter for a little over 40 years now and have been fortunate enough to never have experienced a kick back. I believe that a lot of problems can be avoided by having the blade raised only an eighth of an inch or so above your workpiece, and holding the push stick tight to the fence when ripping narrow stock. That way, very little of the push stick comes in contact with the blade. I also prefer homemade push sticks that put downward pressure on the workpiece as many others have commented. Thank you also for your finesse in handling this issue. John Jensen from British Columbia

I am always so thankful for your videos. I find your counsel to be trustworthy and enjoyable to watch. You are my favorite shop manager.

This guy is as good as it gets.

Always a fan of your clarification videos! Safety is ALWAYS important. I came across another channel which I am also following now... Perkins Builder Brothers... After watching a few videos, I notice in some video's Jamie had all his fingers and in newer ones not. I wasn't brave enough to watch any of the videos documenting what happened but read an article about it... A planer with no guard. Whether you are a Pro or not... it just takes a second to change your life.

Dude; you are the best!! Thank you for your honesty!!

Yeah, I nicked the OEM Bosch worksite table saw push stick on the blade one time and it kicked back and shattered. The impact on the butt of my hand left a rather large gash and shattered the stick. There was a few moments of WTF, patched up my hand, and used a push block. This video clears up what happened. Thank you!

Thanks for posting this stumpy, I've learned something today that might just keep me safer. And thanks to the original video creator too ( a channel that's also well worth watching)

Regarding comfortable push sticks. I use white caulk mixed with corn starch. Makes a dough like substance that, when cured, is soft and pliable. Make great coating for handles on push sticks.

Years ago I had my plastic push stick hit the blade. My fault all the way, but, did not "shatter" but it did jolt a bit. Luckily it did not come off the piece and kick the wood back at me. Went and made my own push sticks out of wood just in case. Funny part is I never hit the blade again since. That is a good thing. Great video.

The primary push stick I use is made out of MDF. Not for any particular reason, it's just the scrap I had available at the time. I have run it over a blade before when I had to make a particularly difficult cut, and it basically just powdered away.

This is a good follow up to Matt’s video. To all the people that think Matt’s video was just to get clicks, I disagree. He was simply doing a demonstration on what could happen. Even though it didn’t happen. For some people that registers better than just being told it could happen.

Great tip and great information, delivered professionally. Your channel is routinely one of the best all-around productions on YT. Thanks for your work.

Nice backup to his video. Both channels mean well, they both care about the safety.

This was a great follow up to Matt's video. Thank you

Excellent follow up! I love it when my favorite channels work together. Would definitely watch a 1hr+ conversation between you and 731! I am still recovering from a kickback incident (not severe) that almost ruptured two hernia repairs.

2 of my favorite people on RU-vid. Always great stuff.

Thanks James. I like the way you brake things down and make people think. 👍🏻

Great add to Matt's video! I always make sure there's plenty of clearance between the blade and fence for my push stick to clear before I make the cut. When it's too close, I switch to my thin push block that rides on the fence. One day I'll order some of the good bow brand push sticks.

Thanks for the video! I will say that after finding and using the Migro-Jig Grrriper, I haven't looked back at pushsticks!

Excellent video. I’m a fan of plywood homemade push sticks because plywood is less likely to shatter than solid wood. That stick with the replaceable foam end is pretty cool, I have to admit.

The first thing that came to my mind was the effect of temperature on the material characteristics of plastic. Many people have workshops that can't be adequately heated, or are only heated when in use. That means there will likely be occasions when the sticks are in use while the plastic is considerably colder than room temperature. Cold plastics are harder plastics (even plastics that are fairly soft at human-standard temperatures), and harder usually means more brittle. It's a factor that's important to consider.

Knocked it out of the park again! I do appreciate and trust your perspective on the topic (and other topics)... sensible, not trying to capture the spectacular, just informative. Keep up the great work! it does not go unnoticed as demonstrated by the 772k subscribers and the simple fact that when I have a question about something (yep, newbie here) I look to your videos first-especially when it comes to safety... you can't put a price on trust.

Could always make the insert out of wood scraps, best of both worlds

I've never used a plastic push stick, I always make them out of Plywood, easy breezy and cheap too!

James, as always, a well measured logical approach to tools and their uses. Thanks

Great safety information conveyed in a calm and balanced manner. Thank you.

JLR Workshop- Stumpy, Thank you for some clarity. I watched Matt's video when it first came out and I concluded much the same as you about hardness (brittleness), and the safety issues that may be presented. Generally, I like his videos, and his channel, and consider them on about the same level as yours. I had never seen the Bow pushsticks, and was intrigued. You gave me some ideas on how to improve some of my wood sticks that I tend to lean toward.

Worth noting that plastics often get more brittle with age, so your push stick that was kinda hard but did cut safely last year, may well shatter tomorrow.

A few years ago, I bought a Grizzly hybrid table saw and it came with this red plastic push stick. One hit on the blade sent it flying out of my hand. Since then, it's only used to help snug the work piece against the fence and only before the blade. I've got a wooden push stick for actually pushing the stock through. Still, I'm respectfully nervous every time I get near the saw.

Thanks for this video! I watched 731 video and thought wow you must be pushing that bow push stick hard. Thanks again for your comments.

The shop I worked in had 3 Delta table saws. They had been supplied with push sticks by the manufacturer when new, but they had earned their scars over time, and one had disappeared entirely at some point. So, I made some new ones... Using one of the originals as a pastern, I marked them out on a piece of UHMW polyethylene. I cut them out on a band saw and four new push sticks were born. (That's one for each in the shop, and the one I took home for my own saw.) They were quite stiff enough to push material through the saw, but if they did come in contact with the blade there was no shattering. In fact, I tested a piece and it didn't kick back, shatter, or anything - it was simply cut away smoothly.

Now that was another excellent woodshop safety video James! I make my own push sticks and may consider attaching a rubber end tip to them as well. 👍👍

I don't use "chicken foot" push sticks. I had a kickback incident that scared the crap out of me. I was pushing thin plywood through the saw using one of those. The board on the other side of the blade came up and straight back at me. So I studied push sticks for a long time and abandoned the long chicken foot. I made instead a push stick out of plywood with a long reach and handle up high away from the blade. I can put downward pressure on more of the board than the chicken foot allows and I've never had that happen again. I made these long-reach push sticks out of different thicknesses of plywood. So far I have been able to avoid the blade, but I can cut out a new pusher on the bandsaw in a few minutes. And the ability to put downward pressure on more of the board makes me feel better about making these cuts, especially on thinner material. I saw Matt's video and was interested to see your comment. Thanks for the good information!

First, I want to thank you for your careful explanations without a lot of drama and urgency in your voice. Every topic doesn't need a lot of hype to demonstrate. 731 is not the only one who does that. He's not even the only woodworking channel that does. When I do use the table saw I have an old push stick cut from 3/4" plywood on the bandsaw. It has some nicks on the tip to show it's working to save my fingertips.

"That tip is what really makes the difference" @ 7:50. Words to live by.

Thanks for a great follow up with more context. I use plywood to make push sticks. It will not shatter & grain direction don't matter much no matter how you slice it (pun intended). My biggest problem with push stick comes with the saw is that the notch is very deep. It's more than 3/4" so if you are cutting 3/4" or less, it will make contact with the table top and dragging across. It often gets hung up just a little when you get to the throat plate. What' below the top of the board can come in contact with the saw blade easily because it's hard to see. When I make mine, I ensure it's 1/4" so the push stick will not touch the table top when I'm using it.

I believe the best push sticks are carefully home made with soft wood. I also prefer your calm analysis and presentation over the more "sensational" presentations that some seem bent on making....

Love both of these channels 731 and stumpy

Safety information is always valuable and you always have valuable information to share. Keep 'em coming!

I've used a modified pool noodle on a stick for years - never had a problem with any of this and totally cheap to replace.

I really like the Matthias Wandel design, very similar to the Bow shape/function but Matthias' video shows why using them in pairs work really well.

I have rip cuts from 2x4' and 2x6's that are about a quarter inch thick and 2-3' long from a project I did a years ago. Never threw away the scraps from the rips because they make perfect push sticks. Yes, the blade has hit them a few times, but it doesn't rip them out of my hand because of the length and where I'm holding them. Also, when my push stick needs to be close to the blade, I try to avoid hitting it, but mentally prepare just in case it does come in contact.

Thanks for the great video, I have the Rockler push stick and it blew up

Thank you very much for reminding us even woodworking safety equipment can become a dangerous projectile - or damaging shrapnel. And seeing 731's improvised shielding, it appears he could do with a decent flak jacket or lab safety suit for future demonstrations.

You make excellent points! I almost always have used wooden push sticks 'cause Pappy told me that they worked better. And, ya know, after dang near 65 years of wood working I've still got all me fingers and both thumbs.

Great video. My dad was a cabinet maker and made all his push sticks out of scrap, I remember seeing him just make a few when things were slow in the shop. It might be worth noting that plastics respond differently to different temperatures. A plastic that is soft in the summer might be brittle in the winter in an unheated shop.

Thank you for making this video

Thanks for another great safety video, good info, clearly presented!

projectfarm should test this!

So this 731 was given a small sponsorship deal and decided to go over the top with his video.. so this guy has had to step in to clear a few things up. Got to love the Interweb.

I made two wooden push sticks several years ago. I painted the ends of them red just so I always know where they are as I advance my work into the blade. The ends of both sticks are all chewed up from touching the blade over the years, Better them then my fingers. Thanks for the video and the reminders.

I am thankful you made this video, thanks for making this... my current push sticks are oak with the grain sticks. I like that stick you showed with the replacement tip, I think making wood inserts for that could be very easy to make with a simple paper wrap to make sure it doesn't fall out for pennies per replacement.

I only use wood push sticks. I once had a Bosch push stick bump the blade and got a piece of plastic in my nose. I should add this happened when it was 10 degrees outside when I was cutting. So I would think temperature play a part.

My hands down to both of you. My self I always feel a bit concerned with a push stick. Pretty nice explanation. ( pwrsonal option)

I have a 3/4" wide plastic push stick (the plastic is firm but soft) but I also have made my own 3/16" thick push stick for thin rips. One thing I paid attention to was to round the end so it would not tend to dig into my hand if there ever was any kickback. I think that is really important. The curved handle design isn't just about comfort but so if there is kickback it will slide through your grip instead of pushing into your hand.

Tanks!! Love your " safety first" videos

My favorite push stick is a large 1 foot nylon speed square. I carved out a notch in the end to make better contact while pushing. When it hits the blade it just cuts like plywood. Soft plastic is the best

My table saw came with a plastic push stick and a pattern to make more. So, I made several push sticks out of scrap 3/8 inch plywood using my hand held jig saw. I even glued pieces on either side and shaped a nice comfortable handle with the Dremel. It took maybe an hour. I'd like to make some thick plywood push blocks, but haven't yet decided on which design I want to use.

Thank you for your well-balanced opinion. I use plywood ones myself, but you have definitely given some great advice