Push Stick Design

[shoottx]

I finally sawed my last push stick into a very thin stick, and I lost the other one some where in the shop. So I went to look for a good design, because it is time to make new ones, so the old one will turn up. In looking at the web for ideas the push sticks seamed to break into two categories; the straight notched stick or some modification of that model ( that is what I have always used) and what I will call the saw handle shoe type stick. Now for all of my looking I am confused about which to make.

Anybody have a personal preference or a better design?"

[footprintsinconc]

here is an excellent thread that shows a lot of ideas

[Slik Geek]

I use both types, but find myself using the "saw handle shoe type" more often because it offers better control. You can make one out of very thin plywood.

[just started]

If you have a wide fence, like a Beis style, you can make a saddle that rides over the fence with an adjustable block on the blade side that can rest on or behind your stock. The handle on top of the saddle can be any type or shape that is comfortable for your hand. So far I haven't been able to get anything that looks even somewhat like what I'm trying to draw out of SchetchUp but I will keep trying.

[jackellis]

I use the shoe type exclusively because I like the control I get with it.

I also always use the blade guard unless for through cuts. Last night I had to use a dado blade with no guard and it was not a comfortable experience.

[Hoakie]

I'm with jackellis, shoe type or the Gripper and use my shark guard unless it is unavoidable.