jointer push stick

[Sully]

This simple push stick solve three major problems with edge jointing a piece on the jointer:

1)Apply consistent downward pressure on the piece.

2)Apply consistent lateral pressure on the piece to keep it registered on the fence.

3)Apply pressure to the end of the piece to feed it through the jointer.

It is very easy to make. It consists of three pieces glued together to form a recess (or large rebate) in which the workpiece registers. A handle is attached at a 45 degree angle to the top. You can make several of different sizes to accommodate different scales of workpieces.

Just thought I would share. I don't think I've seen anything like this, but I could be wrong. It could also be adapted for working on the router table.
Jay

[Jeff Mills]

Nice looking Cedar and a great RO stick for the jointer - thanks for sharing with us.

[woodArtz]

Great idea Jay!

[ScottM]

Jay, handy looking gizmo. I think I need to make me one. How about naming it the J-PUSH?

[froglips]

Very clever! That angled handle is a great idea.

Jim

[Canuck]

Nice work, Jay!!!

Looks like it will keep the fingers well clear of the those jointer blades. (I find that commercial ones are way over priced.)

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Wayne

[Bas]

I like it! I made something similar like that for the router table, but it never worked quite right. I think the angled handle is key, that's should really help with control. Also like the trailing edge to control the end of the board.

How about a piece of 220 grit sandpaper on the inside faces, for added grip?

[Travis Porter]

That is a pretty good idea. I think I will be making one myself. Thanks for sharing!

[DaveO]

My only concern with using a end registering push stick like that is apply too much pressure at the end of the board. I might be wrong but my jointer technique involves apply pressure to the board as it starts on the infeed table. By pressure I mean keeping it in contact with the table. Then as the board has passed over the cutter head I transfer my pressure to the part of the board that is on the outfeed table. It is my thinking that by doing this you are registering the flattened surface against the outfeed table which is inline with and coplaner to the cutter head knives and the rest of the board will follow across the cutter head at the same plane.
I noticed in your picture that you are also using your left hand to guide the board and you might lessen the force applied with the push stick as the majority of the board passes over the cutter head and that would work well. But in my mind if you are guiding the board across the cutter head with the majority of pressure applied to the rear end you might have a hard time getting a straight edge.

Dave

[Sully]

Dave,

I completely agree with your technique and that is exactly how I do it.

The predominant pressure is on my leading hand after it passes the cutter head. The push stick helps push the workpiece from the end as well as applying lateral pressure to keep the piece registered against the fence. You do have to maintain some minimal downward pressure on the trailing end of the workpiece to minimize chattering.

Its all in the placement of your forearm and elbow relative to the handle. When used at the jointer I keep my elbow low so that I am mainly pushing forward rather than down. On the router table I keep my elbow higher since I am pushing down and forward.

Thanks for the comments.
J

[RickC]

Don't forget to send your idea to the various woodworking magazines - they might like it as well.

[Sully]

Originally Posted by RickC

Don't forget to send your idea to the various woodworking magazines - they might like it as well.

Don't worry. I did that b4 posting here.
J