This tip was shared by Jeff and Jon from Today’s Craftsmen.
In this video, they explain why the standard plastic push stick that comes with most table saws isn’t just ineffective—it can actually be dangerous.
Drawing from real shop experience and emphasizing smart tool upgrades, Jeff walks through a firsthand story and offers a better alternative: the wooden push stick. It’s a small shop change that can make a big impact on safety and comfort.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jeff and Jon’s channel:
The Hidden Risk in Your Table Saw Kit
Most table saws include a plastic push stick as part of their basic accessories. It’s often tucked into the packaging or clipped to the side of the fence—convenient, but not ideal.
Jeff recounts a personal incident where he ran one of these plastic push sticks into the blade late at night while finishing a project. The stick exploded on contact, causing injury. It was a serious reminder of how fragile plastic can be under the stress of a high-speed saw blade.
While not every plastic push stick is guaranteed to fail, the material itself leaves little room for error. It doesn’t take much force or the wrong angle for one to shatter, and the consequences can be severe.
A Better Option for Safety and Comfort
Wooden push sticks don’t just avoid the shatter risk—they also improve how the tool feels in your hand. Jeff emphasizes how awkward plastic versions can be, especially the rigid, narrow ones that force your arm into uncomfortable positions.
A good wooden push stick is shaped to match how your hand naturally grips, reducing wrist strain and improving control. That comfort translates directly into better material handling, especially on longer cuts where precision matters.
It’s not just about safety—it’s about making shop work smoother, faster, and more comfortable.
A Design That Lasts
Jeff still uses a wooden push stick design that dates back to his early woodworking years. It’s one he made under the guidance of a former boss, and it’s become a permanent part of his workshop routine.
That same design can be made from durable, affordable materials like Baltic birch plywood. It holds up to regular use, doesn’t splinter under pressure, and can even be reshaped or replaced as needed.
Over time, a wooden push stick becomes a personalized tool—something you rely on without thinking, because it just works.
How to Make One Yourself
While this video isn’t a step-by-step tutorial, Jeff encourages woodworkers to consider making their own wooden push stick. There are plenty of free templates online, and it’s a quick project with a lasting payoff.
Start by choosing a solid piece of wood—something like plywood or hardwood scrap works well.
Trace the shape, cut it out with a bandsaw or jigsaw, and smooth the edges with sandpaper. Focus on shaping a comfortable handle and ensuring the notch at the end provides a secure hold on the material.
This simple tool upgrade can be done in under an hour and will likely outlast every plastic push stick you’ve ever owned.
Sharing the Knowledge
To help spread the message and encourage safer woodworking, Jeff and Jon are giving away several custom wooden push sticks. These aren’t mass-produced—they’re shop-made and designed for real use, with a few extra woodworking goodies thrown in.
Anyone interested can enter the giveaway by leaving a comment on their video. It’s a way to connect with the woodworking community while sharing better, safer habits in the shop.
By offering something practical and handmade, they hope more woodworkers will think twice before using those plastic push sticks again.
An Easy Win for Shop Safety
A plastic push stick might seem harmless, but the risks—combined with poor ergonomics—make it one of the first things worth replacing in your workshop. Wooden alternatives are safer, more comfortable, and easy to make or modify.
Jeff’s story highlights how one small mistake can lead to a serious injury. With a wooden push stick, that risk drops significantly. And with so many design options out there, you can find—or build—one that fits your style of work perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about spending money or upgrading to high-end gear. It’s about making small, smart changes that make your shop safer and more enjoyable to work in.
If you’re still using the plastic push stick that came with your saw, now’s a great time to retire it. Consider making your own or trying one from a trusted maker. You’ll feel the difference right away.
Please support Jeff and Jon by visiting their website: https://todayscraftsmen.com/.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
I couldn’t agree more with Jeff’s assessment here. Those plastic push sticks that come with table saws feel cheap for a reason — they are. The ergonomics are terrible, forcing your wrist into awkward positions that create fatigue and reduce control. When you’re tired or uncomfortable, that’s when accidents happen. A well-designed wooden push stick puts your hand and wrist in a natural position, which translates to better control over your workpiece.
The safety aspect goes beyond just the risk of shattering. Plastic push sticks often have that shallow, angled notch that barely grabs the wood. I’ve seen too many situations where that poor grip causes the stick to slip, sending hands toward the blade. A properly shaped wooden push stick with a deeper, more secure notch keeps your hands where they belong — safely away from the spinning blade.
If you’re making your own, pay attention to the grain direction. Run the grain lengthwise through the handle for maximum strength. Baltic birch plywood is an excellent choice because it won’t split along a single grain line. Sand all the edges smooth — rough spots will create hot spots in your hand during longer sessions. And here’s a practical tip: make two at once. Having a backup means you’ll never be tempted to reach for that plastic one again.
This is one of those simple upgrades that makes an immediate difference in how your shop feels. Your hands will thank you, and you’ll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.