Advanced Cam Push Block // Push Against the Fence, Not Just With It!

[Make Things]

[DIYer]

Thanks Make Things! We've added your Cam Type Push Block to our Table Saws category,
as well as to your builder page: Make Things's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Cam Type Push Block by Make Things

tags: table saw

[Scotsman Hosie]

I have to admit, I watched it — twice — and am still unclear about what your 'cam' is actually doing. Maybe a little theory of operation — besides watching the build — could be helpful, eh?

[Masterjuggler]

So it looks like you're using that swivel to keep good contact with the work at the back of the push stick when you point it toward the fence? In any case, I like the push stick a lot! I tend to made them out of scrap wood so I don't feel bad about intentionally running them right through the blade to get good purchase on thin work.

On another note about the riving knife thing, you could always just stick a splitter on the back. I get that stupid nick at the end of a cut too. Even forgetting about kickback, the splitter helps keep the work against the fence to prevent that nick. A pin the width of the blade stuck in the insert would do. I personally prefer cutting a maple sheet the width of the blade, gluing it into an elongated insert slot, and bringing the running blade up to cut it to the blade's profile. Basically makes it look like a riving knife, but stuck to the insert. Then just keep a second insert without the splitter for making box joints or using a sled.

[Make Things]

That works...thanks for the tip!