This project was built and designed by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s an innovative push stick design created to improve both safety and control when working with a table saw.
A good push stick is essential for safe woodworking, especially when handling narrow or awkward pieces. Jodee’s design offers better grip, improved leverage, and smarter construction compared to traditional models.
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Why a Better Push Stick Matters
A push stick is a must-have tool for anyone using a table saw, helping to guide material through cuts while keeping hands safely away from the blade. Traditional push sticks often have basic shapes that don’t maximize comfort or control.
Jodee’s updated design introduces thoughtful improvements that make using a table saw safer and more intuitive. From dual handles to a grippy surface, each feature addresses a real need in the shop.
Key Features of Jodee’s Push Stick
One of the standout features of this push stick is its two-handle setup. Having two points of contact allows for better leverage, especially when managing longer or heavier boards through the blade.
The bottom of the stick includes a sandpaper strip for increased grip on the material. This helps keep the workpiece tight against the fence and reduces the chance of kickback.
The design also works well in multiple orientations. Whether pushing wide panels or narrow strips, the shape and grip points adjust easily to different cutting scenarios.
Built from plywood, the push stick is lightweight but sturdy, making it easy to maneuver while standing up to regular use. Every detail is tuned for both durability and practical workshop use.
General Overview of the Build Process
The push stick starts with a careful layout on a piece of 3/4-inch plywood. Angles and circles are marked out first to define the ergonomic shape, with a 65-degree handle angle for comfortable positioning.
Cutting out the shape is done using a bandsaw, jigsaw, or similar saw. Following the layout lines closely ensures that the finished stick maintains clean lines and correct proportions.
Once the shape is cut, sanding smooths all the edges and curves. Using a spindle sander and belt sander helps speed up the process and avoids sharp or splintered edges.
Holes for the dual handles are drilled next. This step needs precise measurements to make sure the grips are comfortable and placed correctly for effective use.
After drilling, a strip of sandpaper is glued to the bottom face of the push stick. This extra layer of grip is one of the defining features of Jodee’s design and significantly improves control during cuts.
Final details include sanding or chamfering the outer edges. This gives the push stick a more finished appearance and removes any remaining rough spots that could catch on clothing or skin.
Why This Push Stick Stands Out
Compared to standard designs, Jodee’s push stick provides a much higher level of control and safety. The dual handles distribute pressure more evenly and allow for finer adjustments while cutting.
The grippy base helps keep the material from shifting during a cut, which improves accuracy and lowers the risk of dangerous kickbacks. It also makes feeding stock easier when handling larger panels or slippery surfaces.
Because it’s built from strong plywood, it’s tough enough to last through years of heavy shop use without becoming too heavy or unwieldy.
A Smart Addition to Any Workshop
Investing time into a better push stick is a small effort with a big payoff. Jodee’s design shows that small improvements in shop safety can lead to better results and more confidence when working on a table saw.
Whether you’re a beginner learning proper techniques or an experienced woodworker looking for better shop habits, this push stick is a practical upgrade. It’s easy to build, effective to use, and thoughtfully designed from start to finish.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.
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.
The dual-handle approach really makes sense from a safety standpoint. Having two points of control gives you much better command over your workpiece, especially when you’re dealing with longer boards that want to twist or bind. Traditional single-handle push sticks can feel awkward when you need to apply downward pressure while also pushing forward — this design solves that problem nicely.
That sandpaper strip on the bottom is a clever touch. Smooth plywood against smooth lumber can be surprisingly slippery, and anything that improves grip between your push stick and the workpiece is worth doing. Just remember to replace that sandpaper when it gets worn or clogged with dust — fresh grit makes all the difference.
For anyone thinking about making one of these, take your time with the handle positioning. What feels comfortable during a quick test might not work as well during longer cutting sessions. Also consider making the handle holes slightly larger than you think you need — when you’re wearing gloves or your hands are dusty, that extra room becomes really valuable.
This is the kind of shop-made tool that actually gets used instead of hanging on the wall. Sometimes the simplest upgrades to basic safety gear make the biggest difference in how confident you feel at the saw.