Finding a gift for DIY lovers is a breeze!
To give you a little context, my husband mowed the lawn when I went out of town for a couple of days, and I thought of presenting him with a token of appreciation.
Now, he had been working with his table saw to build a new fence for the yard, so I asked my son about a few related tools that would simplify the process. And that’s when he introduced me to push blocks. After some research, I discovered how beneficial they are in preventing injuries while ensuring precise cuts.
However, the plethora of options left me all confused. So, I decided to shortlist the 5 names that would ultimately help me find the right one.
If you, too, are on the hunt for one, then welcome home! Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and today, I’ve curated this guide on the best table saw push block.
Let’s begin!
Top 5 Table Saw Push Block Reviews
1. Fulton Safety Woodworking Push Block Package
One of my first recommendations for you is the Fulton Safety Woodworking Push Block Package. This 5-piece set contains everything that you need for a safe woodworking experience during all your DIY projects. What’s more, the bright orange color adds a pop of color to your workshop.
Product Highlights
First and foremost, the positive customer feedback got me interested in this set, and I don’t regret trying it out! It essentially comprises 2 small push blocks, one with an angled handle and the other with an offset handle, 1 large push block, 1 wide push stick, and 1 narrow-width safety push stick.
Design-wise, the bright orange color stands out from the rest of the work surface so that users have better visibility for placement purposes. Moreover, the two small push blocks and the large push block, are equipped with receptive rubber foam pads for smooth gliding. As a result, you can achieve greater control over the stock while pushing it manually.
Here, I should also mention that while the push blocks are ideal for jointers or other routing applications, the push sticks are suitable for table saws. For its rather affordable price range, there’s hardly anything more I could’ve asked for.
What’s There To Like About It?
I absolutely loved the rubber sole lining on the three push blocks, meaning users don’t have to employ a lot of force to feed the stock through the blade. And at my age, anything that saves my muscles from fatigue earns a bonus point!
Plus, they can be washed with warm water to get rid of sawdust and debris. Just make sure you allow them to dry thoroughly (for at least 24 hours) before putting them back on the push blocks.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Perhaps the only thing that I can crib about is the extended delay in delivery, which kept my husband’s much-ambitious DIY fence-making project on hold for quite some time. But once the set arrived, there was no looking back for him. So, you’d want to place your order well in advance.
Pros and Cons of Fulton Safety Woodworking Push Block Package
Pros
Cons
- This five piece safety kit is designed to be your essential safety protection to help from getting to close to the cutters or blades on a router table, shaper, band saw, table saw and jointer. From the narrow v-style push stick, to the beefy long push block, this kit has all the bases covered in regards to many different woodworking applications.
- Each device in this kit is intentionally made in the SAFETY ORANGE color for high visibility when in use. This provides the user the ability to see exactly there hands are at during the cutting or milling process. Being SAFETY ORANGE also allows for you to easily find the device when its not in its normal location.
- The general idea behind these safety devices is to help you guide and control your stock when feeding through a table saw, band saw, jointer or a router table. The push blocks are generally used on jointers and some router applications, while the push sticks are primarily used on table saw projects. All five devices help prevent kickback and protect your fingers and hands during your cutting process
2. GRR-RIPPER GR-100 Push Block
Next in line is the GRR-Ripper GR-100 Push Block for table saws. Although the weird brand name may suggest otherwise, this is one sturdy and durable unit that lets you get through the job without any major hiccups.
Product Highlights
I was impressed with the “3D appearance” of this unit, thanks to its robust plastic construction. Much like the push blocks in the Fulton Woodworking project, the square or closed-handle on this one will assure users of reinforced grip, especially if you’re new to woodworking or have never used a push block before.
Furthermore, the Green-GRIP proprietary anti-slip material at the base maintains a firm contact with the wood. On top of that, the threaded grooves provide greater traction on various workpieces like oak, cherry, walnut, pine, and even plastic and aluminum. You can easily clean the grooves with rubbing alcohol to eliminate any accumulated sawdust.
But its greatest advantage is that it offers three directions of force that only adds to the versatility factor. While the downward direction practically eliminates kickback, the inward direction keeps the stock firmly against the fence. On the other hand, the forward control feeds the stock on both sides for high precision.
What’s There To Like About It?
As a novice or someone who doesn’t have much strength in their arms, you’d appreciate the different force directions that simplify the overall woodworking experience. For instance, the downward direction keeps the workpiece from jumping off the table and the inward pressure guides it all along until you’re done with the ripping.
Apart from that, the brand offers an extended 3-year manufacturer warranty (when purchased from authorized dealers) for better peace of mind of users.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Cleaning the grooves may require more time since you can’t dismantle the base like in the case of the rubber soles of its predecessors. One easy way can be to soak it in rubbing alcohol and then go over the grooves with a clean cloth. Also, the premium pricing can be a constraint for potential users.
Pros and Cons of GRR-RIPPER GR-100 Push Block
Pros
Cons
- Protect hands and prevent kickback like never before
- Powerful high-friction durable grip for extreme hold
- Precision cutting and control down to 1/4" Ripping
3. POWERTEC 71009
The Powertec 7100 Safety Push Block And Stick Set is yet another 5-piece woodworking set that made it to my list. Sporting a durable construction, it protects your hands from injuries without requiring you to break the bank.
Product Highlights
To begin with, I was compelled by its familiar appearance with the Fulton Safety Woodworking Push Block Package and wanted to see if this set performs just as well. And thankfully, the performance wasn’t too different either. For one, it includes the same tools, viz., 3 push blocks (one large and two small), one straight and one curved push stick.
I liked how the push blocks maintain a “secure grip” on the workpiece, and the angled handle makes for a comfortable grip. The plastic material doesn’t poke the hands even with long hours of use.
Other than that, both the push sticks have adequately large handles that keep your hands at a safe distance from the saw blade. The injected molded plastic construction means there are almost negligible chances of them slipping from your hands.
Finished off with the bright orange color for better visibility and safety, this set might as well be the perfect gift for DIY lovers.
What’s There To Like About It?
Among other things, the L-shaped push stick will come in handy to facilitate pushing the entire workpiece in one go. Likewise, the straight push is useful when you don’t have a lot of space to work in. I love how they are specially designed for smaller workpieces, which are more likely to bring your hands near the blade.
Furthermore, the ergonomic handles on the push block feel quite natural, allowing users to maintain steady downward pressure on the workpiece.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I felt that the rubber sole on the push blocks could’ve been a bit thicker as I had to employ slightly more force than usual. One way to get over this problem is by drilling and taping a couple of holes to insert nylon screws, which would increase the leverage to a good extent.
Pros and Cons of POWERTEC 71009
Pros
Cons
- INCLUDES: (1) Long Hold Down Push Block (2) Short Hold Down Push Blocks (1) Safe V Stick and (1) Straight Push Stick
- BLOCK FUNCTION: Provides added hand safety while guiding wood for sawing and cutting - safety blocks allowing you to maintain a firm and steady downward pressure of the workpiece, without the bounce or chatter as it crosses the cutters blades
- STICK FUNCTION: Offers enhanced hand safety while guiding wood for sawing and cutting – the l-shaped stick (also called a v push stick) allows you to push the entire work piece through the blades, and the standard straight push stick is great when you have limited space - both are narrow and are useful when working with smaller stock
4. Fulton Safety Push Blocks
If you’re on the hunt for only push blocks, then this unit from Fulton may suit your needs. This pack of 2 push blocks is ideal for use with various equipment like router tables, jointers, band saws, shapers, and more.
Product Highlights
The Fulton Safety Push Blocks sports the familiar, “safe” orange color as the tools in the woodworking package from the brand. They are specifically designed to protect your fingers from getting too close to the saw blade, while the thick rubber padding ensures greater control over the workpiece.
Beyond that, you can use both of them for feeding the stock through on a jointer or band saws for resaw applications. Similarly, they can be used on router tables and shapers to hold the stock in place. And unlike the Powertec 7100 Safety Push Block, the base is lined with thick rubber padding to ensure better grip.
Moreover, you easily remove and wash the padding with plain warm water to eliminate sawdust and debris buildup. Be it for those occasional DIY woodwork projects or for daily use in the workshop, these push blocks can do it all.
What’s There To Like About It?
I really like how these push blocks can be used in any direction as per the need of the project. In this regard, both the rubber padding and angled handle enable them to hold on to the surface of the workpiece without slipping away. Besides, the latter has a grooved design that takes care of your grip.
Since I was skeptical about removing the rubber padding (as I am not good with these tools), I used a soft microfiber cloth and could wipe it completely clean. So, brownie points awarded!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Although I don’t have any major complaints about them, I do feel that they are slightly expensive, considering that you can get a full set at a lower cost. Also, the grip may be a bit small for users with larger palms, which may affect the grip on the workpiece.
Pros and Cons of Fulton Safety Push Blocks
Pros
Cons
- Push blocks are designed to be one of your essential safety devices to help provide protection and prevent your fingers from getting too close to cutters or blades on a router table, band saw, shaper or a jointer. Push blocks work well in multiple situations throughout your woodworking projects and are intended to be used any time your fingers are close to being in harms way.
- Push blocks can be used one at a time like when feeding stock through your router table with a fence or you could use two at a time for extra downward pressure like when you would feed stock through on a jointer. They also work well on band saws for re-saw applications and can also be used on shapers much in the same way they are used on router tables.
- This Push Block has been intentionally made in a bright SAFETY ORANGE color for high visibility when in use. This provides the user the ability to see exactly where their hands are at during the cutting or milling process. The bright SAFETY ORANGE color also allows you to easily find the device when it’s not in its normal location.
5. Milescraft 7334 Safety Bundle
Before wrap[ping up the list, I thought of including another woodworking set, this time from Milescraft. Made of high-quality plastic, all the 3 pieces exhibit significant durability without compromising on user convenience. What’s more, you can get multiple sets for larger workshops.
Product Highlights
To give you a little insight about the brand, it’s a relatively new name (starting operation in the early 2000s) in the tool industry, but it has quickly earned a reputation for manufacturing quality products. And this “safety bundle,” consisting of a featherboard, grabber, and push stick is no exception.
Talking about the design aspect, each tool is made of a sturdy plastic material that facilitates better control over your workpieces, meaning users can rest assured about safety. And similar to the bright orange color of some of my other recommendations, the yellow color of these tools makes them easier to spot and place.
Moreover, the tall, offset handle design keeps your hands farther away from the blade without affecting the grip. In combination with the strong bottom grip, the push block ensures that the workpieces don’t shift position, especially when near the blade.
What’s There To Like About It?
During trial, I found out that the universal aluminum bars fit ⅝-inch and ¾-inch miter slots, making them pretty versatile in dealing with a variety of tasks. Likewise, the simple yet effective structure of the push block is enhanced by the diamond rubber grip at the bottom, which reduces the overall force required.
Turning the knobs on the featherboard will expand the rails, resulting in optimum holding pressure for the workpiece. Lastly, the patented design makes for consistent cutting minus the kickbacks.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One of the biggest drawbacks is that the featherboard isn’t really efficient when making narrow cuts. This is primarily because of the placement of the bolts on the slot that actually fits into it Also, a few users have reported that the tools may not fit some table saw miter tracks like Ryobi or Craftsman.
Pros and Cons of Milescraft 7334 Safety Bundle
Pros
Cons
- The Milescraft Feather Board has a unique split rail construction and pre-load tension design to maintain consistent pressure across the face
- The Milescraft Grabber is a multi-purpose push block for ripping and routing
- The Milescraft Push Stick has an extra tall handle that is tilted inward, away from the blade or bit location
Buyers Guide
Sure, a majority of push blocks won’t require you to break the bank, but that doesn’t mean you should randomly pick one. In that sense, knowing the best options at your disposal is only the job half done, unless you consider the key characteristic features as well as your own requirements.
On that note, I’ve prepared this extensive buyer’s guide to help you make the right pick.
1. Compatibility
Undoubtedly, one of the most important things to factor in is the compatibility on offer. In this regard, you’d obviously want a unit that fits most table saws, simply because it provides more versatility. Another advantage is that you don’t have to buy new push blocks every time you get a new table saw.
Since you can’t test its compatibility with different table saws (especially when buying online), a good way to ensure this is to go through the customer reviews. If some of them mention that the said unit isn’t compatible with a particular brand of table saws, it’s best to look for something else.
Otherwise, if you don't indulge in woodworking frequently, just make sure that the unit you’re considering fits your current table saw.
2. Color
As you may have already guessed from my reviews, the color of the push block plays a crucial role in the overall safety. Not only are bright-colored units easier to spot in the garage or workshop, but they also make it easy to determine the right position for them. The most popular colors are orange and yellow, which are what most brands use for manufacturing them.
3. Durability
From what I have observed, most push blocks are either made of thick wood blocks or plastic to be both durable and easy to use. I prefer using the plastic ones as they are slightly easier to push. But no matter which material you’re opting for, ensure it provides adequate safety and doesn’t break under pressure.
4. Ergonomic Grip
Without an ergonomic grip handle, it’d be practically impossible to use any push block. Personally speaking, I love the ones that have an angled design and are engraved with grooves as they facilitate better grip, especially when you have gloves or mittens on your hands.
Even if you choose the ones that come with a long handle, make sure you can grip it completely to have better control, and subsequently, more safety.
5. Padding
Since the padding affects the grip of the push block on the workpiece, you should pay attention to the quality and type of padding before making a decision. That’s why most manufacturers use either rubber or foam, which maintains a strong “hold” on the stock without damaging it.
Although I’m in favor of the removable padding design as they are easy to clean, you can go for the ones that can be cleaned with a simple microfiber cloth.
6. Price
As I’ve already mentioned before, a majority of the push blocks don’t cost a fortune, but it may be helpful to know that the high-end units, even in the budget picks, are likely to have better quality construction than the cheap ones. So, when it comes to your safety while working with saws, I’d suggest investing in quality tools.
7. Woodworking Package Vs. Single Push Blocks
There’s no rocket science here - choosing between a woodworking set and only push blocks will depend on your specific requirements. For instance, if you work with various equipment like router tables, jointers, etc., having a woodworking set with push sticks and feather boards would be more beneficial.
On the other hand, if you’re a first-time DIY woodworker or don’t have heavy-duty needs, then opting for a quality push block will do the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, removing the blade guard is necessary before you can use the push blocks. This is done to create sufficient space to hold down the stock and guide it properly towards the saw.
Most brands provide an instruction manual in the package, but I’d strongly recommend watching instructional videos easily available on the internet if you haven’t used push blocks before.
Generally, push blocks come with ¼-inch, ½-inch, or ⅛-inch side legs. That said, some models out there come with all three sizes for more versatility.
The rubber or foam padding on the push block will wear out depending on the frequency of use, and you may replace it provided the design allows you to do so. On a side note, cleaning the padding after every use will help extend its service life.
My Final Recommendation
That’s all that I have for today’s guide.
I hope my efforts will eventually lead you to the best table saw push block according to your needs and budget. But if you’re still in two minds about the right pick, let me help you by naming my top 2 favorites from the list.
In my opinion, the Fulton Safety Woodworking Push Block Package is a great choice if you’re searching for a complete toolkit on a budget. And if it’s only quality push blocks that are on the top of your must-have list, then I’d suggest going for the GRR-RIPPER GR-100 Push Block.
I’ll soon be back with more such guides. Meanwhile, you can reach out to me in the comments section below.
Till the next time, adios!