Build Two Table Saw Push Blocks for Better Control
One of the most important rules in woodworking is to keep your fingers away from spinning blades and bits. At the table saw, a good push block helps you do just that while maintaining control of the workpiece.
A push block provides a way to apply forward and downward pressure as you feed stock through the blade. This helps keep the workpiece stable and reduces the chance of chatter or unwanted movement during the cut.
But not every push block works equally well for every operation.
These two shop-made table saw push blocks offer practical solutions for different cutting tasks. The first is a general-purpose design with replaceable parts. The second is a saddle-style push block that rides over the rip fence when cutting narrow strips.
Both are straightforward accessories that can earn a permanent place near your table saw.
RELATED ARTICLE: 5 DIY Push Blocks for Safer Woodworking
1. General-Purpose Table Saw Push Block
A traditional push block is one of the most useful accessories for ripping boards on the table saw.
The design shown here takes that basic idea a step further with a comfortable handle and replaceable components.
A Handle Designed for Better Control
The most important feature of this push block is the handle.
Its shape allows you to apply both forward and downward pressure while feeding the workpiece through the blade.
Forward pressure keeps the stock moving smoothly through the cut, while downward pressure helps maintain contact with the saw table.
This combination provides better control and can help reduce chatter.
The handle also keeps your hand elevated above the workpiece and away from the cutting area.
A Thick, Replaceable Body
The body of the push block is made from ordinary two-by lumber.
It's positioned on edge, creating a thick wooden barrier between your hand and the blade.
Because the body is a sacrificial component, it can be replaced when it becomes worn or damaged.
The handle is attached with screws rather than glue, making replacement easier.
Another advantage is that you can turn the body over and use the opposite edge when the first edge becomes worn, provided the push block remains secure and stable.
A Replaceable Hardboard Heel
At the back of the push block, a hardboard heel catches the trailing edge of the workpiece.
As you push forward, the heel helps move the stock through the cut.
Like the wooden body, the heel is replaceable.
When it becomes worn, simply remove the screws and install a new piece.
Shop Tip: When making the push block, cut several extra bodies and heels. Keeping replacements on hand makes it easy to maintain the accessory without having to build a completely new push block.
2. Saddle-Style Push Block for Ripping Thin Strips
Ripping thin strips presents a different challenge.
As the workpiece gets narrower, there's less room to guide it safely between the rip fence and saw blade.
A saddle-style push block offers another way to control the stock.
Instead of riding directly on the workpiece, this design straddles the rip fence.
That allows the push block to guide narrow stock while keeping your hand above the fence.
A Simple Hardboard Construction
The saddle-style push block is made from two pieces of hardboard separated by a hardwood spacer.
The spacer is sized to match the width of your table saw's rip fence.
This creates a channel that allows the push block to fit over the fence.
The fit should allow the jig to slide smoothly without excessive side-to-side movement.
Because rip fences vary in size and shape, you'll need to adjust the spacer dimensions to suit your saw.
Notches Engage the Workpiece
One side of the saddle-style push block features a series of notches.
These notches catch the trailing end of the workpiece and provide a positive pushing surface.
The multiple notches allow the push block to engage stock in different positions.
As you feed the workpiece forward, the push block slides along the fence while the appropriate notch pushes the stock through the cut.
Making Repeatable Thin Strips
One advantage of this design is that it can help you produce multiple strips of consistent width.
Set the rip fence for the desired strip thickness, then use the saddle-style push block to guide the workpiece through the cut.
Because the fence setting remains unchanged, you can repeat the operation for additional strips.
The jig is especially useful when you need several matching pieces for edging, decorative details, or other woodworking projects.
Using Table Saw Push Blocks Safely
Both push blocks are designed to improve workpiece control, but they need to be used appropriately.
Before making a cut, check that the push block provides secure contact with the workpiece and that your hand will remain clear of the blade throughout the operation.
For the general-purpose push block, inspect the wooden body and hardboard heel. Replace any worn or damaged components that could affect control.
For the saddle-style push block, make sure it fits the fence securely and slides smoothly without binding.
Important: The saddle-style design is not suitable for every rip fence or cutting setup. Verify that the jig provides positive control of the stock and adequate clearance from the blade. Never use a configuration that could trap the workpiece or cause the push block to contact the blade unexpectedly.
Always use the table saw's blade guard, riving knife, and other appropriate safety equipment whenever the operation permits.
And remember that a push block doesn't eliminate the possibility of kickback.
Two Handy Additions to Your Table Saw
A good push block doesn't need to be complicated, but it should provide dependable control while keeping your hands away from the blade.
The general-purpose design offers a comfortable handle, a thick wooden body, and replaceable wear parts.
The saddle-style version provides a different approach for guiding narrow stock along the rip fence.
Together, these two shop-made accessories give you useful options for common table saw ripping operations.
How to Cut Thin Strips on a Table Saw with a Simple Jig
Cutting narrow strips on the table saw can be tricky, especially when you need several pieces of identical thickness. This simple shop-made jig features a wide base, replaceable hardboard stop, and interchangeable spacers to help you make repeatable cuts with better workpiece control.
BUILD THE THIN-STRIP JIG → A Better Way to Rip Consistent Thin Strips
