Woodpeckers has introduced a new push block called the PushGuard, and its unique design warrants a closer look.
A push block allows you to more safely handle cutting and routing tasks by keeping your fingers away from the blade or cutter head. Push blocks generally feature a flat surface that grips on to the material and a handle to hold on to.
Woodpeckers’ PushGuard has a vertical hand guard integrated into the design. The added guard, shown in the photos as the gray plastic piece, adds another level of safety for your fingers.
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When using it with a router, you can install a chip deflector into the guard, and what this does is deflect debris away from your hands and face.
Price: $20 (introductory, $25 after)
Buy Now (via Woodpeckers)
Incra PushGuard
If it looks familiar, that’s because the Woodpeckers PushGuard appears to be identical to the Incra PushGuard with deflector shield, which was introduced a few years ago.
Both are made in the USA.
Price: $20
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Buy Now (via Incra)
First Impressions
I like my hands and eyes, so I’ll do whatever I can to keep them safe in my workshop.
I have a couple of different push blocks and push sticks, but I like the look of the chip guard that the Woodpeckers and Incra PushGuard features.
In particular, I’ve always felt a bit (no pun intended) exposed when working on a router table without a fence. The hand guard and chip guard will add a welcome level of protection.
Woodpeckers or Incra? Seeing as how the two PushGuard products look identical, with exactly the same functionality, you can probably shop according to price. If some of Woodpeckers’ dealers start carrying it, you could potentially get the Woodpeckers PushGuard for a little less money than the Incra. That depends on what the “shipped” price will be.
See Also: Here’s why you need a Push Block
Other Push Block Options
Stuart reviewed the Bench Dog push block.
Nathan
It’s interesting and I like it. I think I’ll buy the Incra though.
Mostly because as you said they had it out over a year and the peckers model is a clone of that.
In fact it’s I’d go so far as to say the woodpeckers is the incra with a different sticker. So who really makes it.
Otherwise – yes great idea for the chip deflector
fred
I got the Incra (UPC 751922313524) in 2015 as a gift. Can’t say that I’ve used it much – preferring the various Grr-rippers that I have or using a coping sled when it seems appropriate. I probably still have something like 10 to 15 shop-made push sticks and blocks that I’ve made and accumulated over the years. 50 years ago – there were not the plethora of commercial choices we have today.
Mopar
I come from generations of professional woodworkers.
My grandfather lost a finger to a table saw.
My father learned from that, and like Fred mentioned above, had sticks and blocks that he used for decades…. until a probably 30+yr old push stick broke while in use, and cost my father a fingertip.
I don’t make a living at it anymore like they did (“Go get a government job, get a steady paycheck, benefits, and weekends with your family” my father told me; and eventually I listened.), but I there are very few projects around the house I won’t tackle.
I love the thought and engineering that’s gone into making things safer for me than it was for previous generations.
Bobby
Push block is a must. I’ve been eyeing the grr-ripper. My dad nearly lost a finger using a table saw without a push stick. Big eye opener for me.
Kickback is another danger to watch out for. He definitely learned after this one, glad he wasn’t hurt too seriously ?. https://www.instagram.com/p/Br5ynVQASzc/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=8uh8xz0djeu1
fred
My Unisaw was about 6 months old – my high school woodshop training something like 10 years behind me – and a piece I was ripping suddenly hit me a glancing blow on the top of my shoulder and continued on to the wall. It could have taken my head off. I re-learned to stand well off to the side when ripping.
Years later I bought an interest in a business that had a cabinet shop. There, the guys used an Oliver rip saw and power feeder – much safer.
Nathan
I need to invest in a gripper but I don’t know I’d use that on the router table.
I really think I would use the incra device instead. and I’m OK buying a unitasker for something like this.