Make Professional Push Sticks for Workshop Safety

DO NOT USE REMAINING FINGERS AS PUSHSTICKS!!
Learn why I prefer 'handle style' pushsticks at Next Level Carpentry and how you can make a batch of them using a simple pattern routing method. Then remember the most important piece of advice for using pushsticks: "KEEP BETWEEN FINGERS AND BLADE!!" whenever you're working with power tools.
Even if you don't need to make pushsticks, learning how to make patterns for routing complex curves is useful for a wide variety of other woodworking projects. The video is on the long side because I packed it full of useful methods and tips for making routing patterns from MDF scrap along with a few bonus tips and techniques I tossed in. Learn 'how to coil a bandsaw blade' and what I use to keep dust from sticking to lenses on my glasses. There's a couple product recommendations slipped in to the video as well.

In a truly win-win arrangement, purchasing any tools (like the 'Big Mistakes Eraser' and 'Papermate Sharpwriter' pencils) on the Next Level Carpentry Influencer's page through this link:
helps support this channel at no additional cost to viewers because of advertising fees Amzon pays to NLC so I always appreciate it.

FREE PLAN:
Be sure to print it out full size for accuracy.

The grid lines are spaced at 1" so adjust print settings to that measurement or transfer the contour by hand over a 1" grid layout.

[theoremus]

In 11:33 you did not use a push stick, even though you had a push stick in your shop. Hmmm, this sends the wrong message!

[andymarshall]

I love your sense of humour. Great video. Thanks

[mrdg]

Thank you, Matt. Thanks to Dave Smith too.

dave

[pierrekolisch]

Sorry, but when you said "Proctor and Gamble in the workshop" I laughed harder than when I saw Groundhog Day!

[CaseAgainstFaith]

How many push sticks of one design do you need? Isn't like one good enough? For the additional sizes and shapes, okay. But I'm not seeing why you make like 10 identical sticks.

[jamesberroth]

JIM AGAIN IM TALKING ABOUT THE HEAL MAKE LONGER ON THE BOTOM IT KEEPS YOUR HAND AWAY FROM THE SPINNING BLADE AFTER THE JIM PGH>

[Jknudsen]

One criticism. Your cut scenes and zooms are too frequent. Almost gives motion sickness.

[terry]

I like your main one but the longer ones don't look practical to me and possibly even dangerous. I would stick with the standard size one. And I guess Matthias Wandel would differ with you on the other style of push stick! He uses them two at a time and has a good rational on why he does it that way. The main idea is to keep your hand and forearm away from the blade at all costs, right? Peace

[Mixwell]

Push sticks are a waste of time. I've been using a table saw for years and I have all 7 of my fingers. 😂😂

[ashokmoghe]

If it is Matt showing you how to do something even if it is simply push sticks, you bet it is still worth watching every millisecond of the 45 minutes of videos. There is so much to learn from you. Even at the very end the trick to trim the sticks - simply awesome.
I watch your videos not speeded up but instead at a slower speed. I don't want to miss a nugget. And clearly, you not only have attention to details in your work but you have the generosity and passion to put that Wisdom into meticulously created videos. I am ever indebted. My only grief is wish I stayed closer to you and had a chance to work as an apprentice in your shop. Take care and please keep teaching us.

[michaelrunnacles]

I flipping love this guy. The dad jokes just bring me back, doing time for good and innocent

[TheSmartWoodshop]

Sir, you are a master woodworker and teacher. Keep up the great work.😎🤙

[fibsniper]

Absolutely amazing - if this guy could ''sharpen'' his sandpaper, he would show you exactly how it's done - ''another quick bonus tip for ya''

[DonsWoodies]

Matt, you crack me up. Absolutely love your humor! "don't use your remaining fingers as pushsticks' Genius! You must be a hoot to work with.

I'm realizing more and more how concise but still comprehensive your videos are. And then funny also. I hope I can give you a tip one day, but so far still learning from yours.

Later,
Don

[cesaralvarez]

Just the safety tips you have educated your viewers on is enough to make this video a compulsory viewing on any woodworking school or class. Thank you. I still have all my fingers after more than 40 years of woodworking.

[SearchTruthReality]

Thank you for the band-saw-blade coiling tip. The technique is somewhat similar to collapsing fabric car sun shades and photography reflectors.

[cnicus]

I initially thought that 40 minutes for making a simple push stick video would be overkill and long winded but actually it was all very interesting and entertaining. Glad I watched it all. Thank you.

[jeffdeluca]

Seriously though, great info! I love that you're not just another you-tubber touting all your expensive products, but practical pencils and erasers! You have a genuine heart I'm sensing for the people!

[jerrystark]

While waiting for a benchtop glue-up to dry, I used your template to make a half dozen of these push sticks in different thicknesses, from 1/4" to 3/4'. It took very little time and I have been using them routinely for several months. They work very well and I am glad I made them. Thank you!

[alexlongfield]

Love the pvc sanding "blocks"...and the floor test!