Shop-Made Table Saw Standoff Stop Block
Cutting several small pieces to the same length at the table saw is easier when you have a stop block to position the workpiece. But using the rip fence directly as a stop during crosscutting can create a dangerous situation.
If the cutoff becomes trapped between the blade and rip fence, it can bind and kick back.
To avoid that problem, I found a second use for my shop-made jointer push block. With its angled front corner and rear heel, it also makes a handy table saw standoff stop block.
The setup provides a reference point for positioning short pieces while allowing them to clear the stop before reaching the saw blade.
Set Up the Table Saw Standoff Stop
The first step is to position the push block against the rip fence.
I set the fence with the push block aligned with the saw blade, as shown in the first photo.
This establishes the reference position for the cut.
When I'm ready to cut, I hook the heel of the push block over the front edge of the table saw.
The heel keeps the block from moving forward, while the rip fence provides a reference for its position.
Keep the Workpiece Clear of the Stop Block
The key to this setup is the chamfered corner on the front of the push block.
As the workpiece moves toward the blade, it clears the angled corner of the stop block before reaching the cutting area.
This creates space between the workpiece and the rip fence during the cut.
With the cutoff no longer trapped against the fence, the setup avoids one of the common hazards of using a rip fence as a crosscut stop.
A Second Use for a Jointer Push Block
I originally built this push block to provide better control at the jointer. But its shape makes it useful for another common shop task.
The rear heel holds the block against the front edge of the saw table, while the chamfered corner provides clearance for the workpiece.
It's a simple way to get more use from a shop-made accessory without building another dedicated jig.
Safety Note: Use a miter gauge or crosscut sled to guide the workpiece. Before cutting, verify that the workpiece clears the stop block completely before reaching the blade and that the block cannot shift into the cutting path. Never crosscut a loose workpiece using the rip fence alone as a guide.
Build a Better Jointer Push Block from Scrap Wood
This clever table saw stop is actually a shop-made jointer push block. Its offset handle, sturdy plywood body, and replaceable hardboard cleat make it a useful accessory for controlling workpieces at the jointer.
See how to build your own jointer push block from a few scraps of plywood, a dowel, and hardboard.
BUILD THE JOINTER PUSH BLOCK → One Push Block, More Than One Use
