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A basic router-table pushblock can be made from a 3/4 × 4 × 4-inch piece of MDF and a 4-inch length of 1/2-inch dowel. The block guides stock against the fence and backs up the cut to help reduce chip-out. It is a control aid—not a guarantee of safe routing—so choose a push aid suited to the work and keep your hands away from the bit.
Materials and dimensions
WOOD Magazine’s July 13, 2016 design specifies:
- One 3/4 × 4 × 4-inch piece of MDF
- One 4-inch length of 1/2-inch dowel
- Glue for securing the dowel in a centered hole sized to fit it
These are the dimensions of that particular design, not universal sizing. The workpiece, bit, fence, and routing operation determine what block size and shape will give useful control.
Make the MDF-and-dowel pushblock
- Mark the center of the MDF square.
- Drill a centered hole sized to fit the 1/2-inch dowel.
- Glue the 4-inch dowel into the hole and let the glue set before use, following the glue maker’s directions.
During a cut, the block helps press the workpiece against the fence and provides backing at the trailing edge. That backing can help limit chip-out as the bit exits the stock.
Choose a push aid for the stock and cut
A simple block is not the only option. WOOD Magazine describes several alternatives for different stock shapes and support needs:
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#1 Best Overall
POWERTEC Push Block and Push Stick Set Fits Table Saws, Router Tables, Band Saws & Jointers, Dual Ergonomic Handles w/Max Grip, Wood Pusher Reduces Kickback & Increases Safety. 5PK (71009V)
- 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.
| Push aid | Source-described use | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| MDF-and-dowel block | Guides stock against the fence and backs up the cut. WOOD Magazine, July 13, 2016 | Simple construction and a compact contact area. |
| Rotatable sacrificial block | Offers multiple edges that can be turned to provide fresh backing. WOOD Magazine, May 16, 2016 | Useful when the working edge wears; rotate to an unused edge. |
| Narrow-stock pushstick with a featherboard | The pushstick controls small stock, while the featherboard adds pressure to help control and guide it. WOOD Magazine, September 19, 2016 and WOOD Magazine, updated March 22, 2024 | Consider whether the setup needs to control stock in more than one direction; set the featherboard to apply suitable pressure. |
| Router-table push pad | Helps keep narrow stock square to the fence and supports its trailing edge during end routing. WOOD Magazine, updated March 22, 2024 | Its larger contact area can suit work that needs more support. The source recommends screwing the support to the base so it can be replaced. |
| Two-position pushblock | Provides upright support for panel raising and flips down for horizontal routing. WOOD Store plan, updated January 9, 2024 | Matches different stock orientations, with a more involved build than the basic block. |
These descriptions explain intended uses, not a ranking: no one design is established as universally safer or more accurate.
Renew the sacrificial edge
The block’s working edge may be cut or worn as it backs up the work. With a design that has usable edges on more than one side, rotate the block to expose a fresh surface. For the push pad, WOOD Magazine advises making extra supports so a routed-away end can be replaced.
Rank #2
POWERTEC Table Saw Push Block 2PK - Ergonomic Handle Push Block with Non-Slip Pad for Table Saw, Router Table, Bandsaw & Jointer - Woodworking Tools and Safety Accessories (71032)
- INCLUDES: (2) Premium Push Blocks for Woodworking, each block measures 3 inches x 6 inches with 3/16” thick foam pad
- FUNCTION: These woodworking safety tools are designed to help you grip and navigate your workpiece more efficiently, providing you with more accurate, safer cuts; Ideal for use with radial saws, table saws, jointers and shapers
- FEATURES: Ergonomic handles for hand placement and maneuverability, 3/16” thick foam pads for gripping, color coded for high visibility while in use and storage
- QUALITY: Injected and molded with thick, highly durable ABS plastic material and made to withstand the wear and tear commonly associated with daily workshop use
- APPLICATIONS: Push blocks work for a wide range of projects, and can be used one by one to feed stock through your router table with a fence, or you could use two at a time for additional downward pressure, such as feeding stock through a jointer
On that push-pad design, countersink handle screws far enough that they cannot scratch or catch on the router-table top. Its support is screwed to the base so it can be replaced. These details apply to that push pad, not necessarily to the MDF-and-dowel block.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Safety Table Saw Push Blocks for Woodworking 2PK
- WORK WITH CONFIDENCE: Protect your most valuable tools—your hands. These essential push blocks for table saw are designed to keep your fingers safely away from blades and cutters.
- UNWAVERING STOCK CONTROL: Achieve cleaner, more precise results. The 3" x 6" non-slip rubber sole provides superior grip, making this a reliable gripper table saw push block.
- PUSHBLOCK FOR TABLE SAW AND MORE: Perfect for multiple machines. Use it for table saws or as a router table push block. You can also use a pair for added pressure on jointers and shapers.
- BUILT FOR THE BUSY SHOP: Made from thick, injection-molded plastic to withstand heavy wear and tear. A durable addition to your essential woodshop tools and equipment.
- HIGH-VISIBILITY DESIGN: The bright safety orange color ensures you can always see your hand placement relative to the blade, making this an easy-to-find table saw push tool.
Rank #4
Zebekk Push Block for Table Saws, Router Tables, Band Saws & Jointers
- 【Enhanced Safety Control for Table Saw Work】: Designed to keep your hands at a safer distance from the blade, this table saw push block improves control when cutting narrow or small workpieces. Ideal for reducing kickback and maintaining stable feed during woodworking tasks.
- 【Versatile for Multiple Woodworking Tools】: Suitable for table saws, router tables, jointers, and band saws. This woodworking push block adapts to various cutting applications including ripping, trimming, and precision cuts. Cutting accuracy reaches 1/4 inch.
- 【Non-Slip Grip for Better Stability】: Equipped with a high-friction rubber base, the push block firmly holds the wood surface, helping you achieve smoother and more accurate cuts without slipping.
- 【Ergonomic Handle for Comfortable Use】:The handle design provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing better downward and forward pressure for improved cutting precision and reduced fatigue.
- 【Perfect for DIY & Professional Woodworkers】:Whether you're cutting thin strips, small boards, or working on detailed woodworking projects, this push block helps improve control and consistency in every cut.
Rank #3
GRR-RIPPER+ by Microjig. Includes SafeRip Kit. Fully Adjustable 3D Push Block for Table Saws, Router Tables, Band Saws, and Jointers. (SKU: GR-100+) Yellow/Green
- Table Saw Pushblock: Protect hands and prevent kickback like never before
- Enhanced SafeRip Kit: With the New SafeRip Kit, GRR-RIPPER+ guarantees precise material handling, preventing accidental blade contact for faster and cleaner cuts on the table saw.
- Virtually Eliminate Kickback: Powerful downward, inward, and forward pressure delivers cleaner cuts and prevents material burn and kickback. It also keeps and controls the complete material throughout the entire cut.
- Superior Material Grip: The proven proprietary Green GRR-RIP ensures a confident hold on countless materials, from hardwoods to plywoods to plastics, enhancing safety and productivity even under challenging conditions. GRR-RIPPER+ comes with an exclusive limited lifetime warranty guaranteeing the grip will be protected against manufacturer defects for the life of the product.
- Proven Protection: Designed for use on table saws, router tables, jointers, and band saws, the GRR-RIPPER+ keeps hands and fingers well away from blades or bits without sacrificing Control of the material. It's a moving-blade guard for your health and safety!
Use the block with safe routing practices
- Keep hands away from the bit and use a push aid that lets you control the work without reaching toward the cutter.
- Do not climb-cut on a router table. Woodworking instructor Carol Reed told WOOD Magazine, “But I don’t advocate any climb-cutting at a router table.” She warns that feeding wood into the backside of the cutter can pull the stock—and potentially the operator’s fingers—toward it. See WOOD Magazine’s pushsticks and router-safety guidance.
- Wear eye and hearing protection. In its router-table video, updated February 17, 2025, WOOD Magazine describes right-to-left feed for the setup shown and recommends multiple passes with a large bit for the demonstrated operation. Follow the feed and setup instructions for your own router, bit, and table; the video’s directions are not a substitute for their manuals. WOOD Magazine’s router-table video.
- For construction details, follow the instructions for the specific push aid. WOOD Magazine’s separate shop-made pushstick article describes glue-and-clamp assembly and says not to use metal fasteners for that design; it is not a general rule for other jigs, including the screw-secured push pad. See the pushstick article.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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