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A jointer’s rotating cutterhead can cause severe injury, so safe work starts before the board reaches the knives: inspect the machine and stock, keep the guard working, use push blocks when appropriate, and take conservative cuts. These six pointers are a practical refresher, not a substitute for your jointer’s manual, training, or applicable workplace rules.
1. Inspect the jointer and stock before starting
Read your machine’s owner’s manual before setup or operation. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) advises checking the machine before use, including that the fence is secured, guards are in place, and knives are sharp and secure. Clear setup tools and other objects from the table and work area.
Inspect each board for loose knots, splits, defects, or foreign objects that could affect control or become projectiles. CCOHS also recommends eye and hearing protection appropriate to the shop and enough clearance beyond the longest stock you will work. CCOHS jointer and planer guidance (confirmed current March 10, 2025; last revised July 2, 2019).
2. Keep the cutterhead guard working
Do not disable, remove, or bypass the guard. OSHA describes an automatic, self-enclosing guard for horizontal hand-fed jointers that covers the unused cutterhead and stays in contact with the material. Its eTool cites 29 CFR 1910.213(j)(3) for this requirement in the U.S. federal workplace context. The guard should move and return as designed; if it does not, stop and have the problem corrected before use.
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- INCLUDES: (1) Long Hold Down Push Block (1) Safe V Stick and (1) Straight Push Stick (2) Short Hold Down Push Blocks.
- BLOCK FUNCTION: Provides added hand safety while guiding wood for sawing and cutting - safety blocks allowing you to maintain a firm and steady downward pressure of the workpiece, without the bounce or chatter as it crosses the cutters blades.
- STICK FUNCTION: Offers enhanced hand safety while guiding wood for sawing and cutting – the l-shaped stick (also called a v push stick) allows you to push the entire work piece through the blades, and the standard straight push stick is great when you have limited space - both are narrow and are useful when working with smaller stock.
- APPLICATIONS: Push blocks are commonly used for face jointing, ripping plywood, routing and other woodworking applications and push sticks are commonly used in combination with jointers, tablesaws, router tables and shapers.
- DELUXE GRIP: Features an easy grip ergonomic handle that’s safe, easy to work with and feels natural in the hand; This premium safety push block and stick package was designed for durability, maximum control and engineered with a safety first approach to woodworking.
OSHA also cites federal requirements limiting knife projection beyond the cylindrical cutterhead body and the clearance between the knife path and rear table to 1/8 inch. These are regulatory machine measurements, not recommended cutting depths. Consult the applicable rules for your workplace and the specifications for your machine. OSHA jointer safety guidance.
3. Keep your hands clear; use push blocks when appropriate
Use suitable hold-down push blocks to control the workpiece while keeping your hands away from the cutterhead. OSHA recommends them when jointing wood narrower than 3 inches. CCOHS also recommends double-handed hold-down blocks for specified work. Follow the manual for the right method and equipment for your operation; a block does not replace the guard, sound technique, or training.
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- INCLUDES: (1) Push Stick (Magnetic type) 11-21/32" long w/ notch width 9/16" and (1) L-Shaped Push Stick 8-21/32" x 5-15/16" w/ pad width 35/64"
- FUNCTION: Provides preventative hand protection and optimal stock movement control of your workpiece while it is being pushed through the saw blade or cutting head
- APPLICATIONS: Woodworking push sticks are commonly used in combination with tablesaws, radial arm saws, bandsaws, shapers, router tables, and jointers
- CRAFTSMANSHIP: Since occasional contact with the blade is inevitable, these well crafted woodworking hand safety tools were constructed for long-term durability, and designed to work securely with cleats, notches and other nonslip surfaces
- DELUXE GRIP: This premium version features a contoured ergonomic handle that’s easy to work with and feels natural in the hand
When choosing a block, consider whether it gives you a secure grip and control, maintains useful hand clearance, and suits the stock and operation. No particular product or design is established here as superior. A search for jointer push blocks may help locate accessories, but verify that any block is suitable for your machine and task.
4. Take conservative cuts
Deep cuts increase kickback risk. OSHA specifically cautions against deep cuts because they increase the likelihood of kickbacks and require a larger table opening. CCOHS gives a maximum depth of 0.3 cm (1/16 inch) per pass in its jointer and planer guidance. Treat that figure as CCOHS guidance, not a universal setting: the appropriate limit depends on the machine, material, and applicable requirements. Use your manual’s limits and take lighter passes when needed to maintain control.
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- The 5 piece safety kit includes:
- 2 ea. small push blocks
- (1 angled handle and 1 offset handle small push block)
- 1 ea. Long or large push block
- 1 ea. Standard width push stick
5. Maintain control of the board, fence, and work area
A jointer cuts as stock passes over a multiple-knife cutterhead while held flush against a guide. Keep the work supported and controlled against the table and fence in the manner your manual specifies. Before feeding, make sure the fence is secure, the guard is in place, and there is clear space for the full length of the board. Do not try to compensate for unstable, defective, or obstructed stock by forcing it through.
6. Follow the operating sequence for your model
Jointer controls and setup details vary. The JET 1285/1285T manual, for example, says to use the guard whenever possible, keep hands away from the cutterhead, and position the fence to expose only the cutterhead area needed. That is an example for those models, not a universal adjustment instruction. Consult your own manual or a trained supervisor for setup, settings, and operating sequence. JET 1285/1285T operating instructions and parts manual.
Rank #4
- INCLUDES: (1) Deluxe L-Shaped Push Sticks
- FUNCTION: Provides hand safety while guiding wood for sawing and cutting – allowing you to push the entire workpiece down with a single push stick
- APPLICATIONS: The L Push Sticks (sometimes referred to as V Push Sticks) are commonly used in combination with jointers, tablesaws, router tables and shapers
- CRAFTSMANSHIP: These well crafted woodworking hand safety tools were constructed for long-term durability, and designed with extended heels, additional padding and extra ribs for added structure(Patent pending)
- DELUXE GRIP: This premium pusher tool features a safe, ergonomic handle that’s easy to work with and feels natural in the hand
How the guidance applies
OSHA’s cited requirements and work practices concern U.S. workplace safety; CCOHS provides Canadian occupational guidance. Their scopes and recommendations are not interchangeable. In particular, use the 1/16-inch CCOHS cut-depth figure in its stated context, and do not confuse OSHA’s 1/8-inch machine measurements with a cut-depth setting. Follow your machine manual, workplace training, and the rules that apply where you work.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- INCLUDES: (2) Deluxe L-Shaped Push Sticks
- FUNCTION: Provides hand safety while guiding wood for sawing and cutting – allowing you to push the entire workpiece down with a single push stick
- APPLICATIONS: The L Push Sticks (sometimes referred to as V Push Sticks) are commonly used in combination with jointers, tablesaws, router tables and shapers
- CRAFTSMANSHIP: These well crafted woodworking hand safety tools were constructed for long-term durability, and designed with extended heels, additional padding and extra ribs for added structure(Patented)
- DELUXE GRIP: This premium pusher tool features a safe, ergonomic handle that’s easy to work with and feels natural in the hand
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