Shop Tips
Workshop Tip: Add a door handle to your router-table push block
The handle makes it easier to control the push block and leaves the other hand free to control the workpiece.
Whether you are routing the end of a long workpiece or just routing any workpiece cross-grain, it’s important to have a push block to control the work and stop any chipout at the back of the cut. I usually just grab a square piece of wood for the pusher, and use it as is. But it struck me that the block would be much easier to control with a handle on it. I had a cheap door handle stowed away, and it works perfectly.
—DAN MARTIN, Galena, Ohio
Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #283
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Fein Turbo II HEPA Wet/Dry Dust Extractor
Among the most powerful HEPA-rated shop vacs on the market, Fein’s Turbo II is quieter, more compact, and nimbler than the rest.
Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM
You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.
Shop Fox W1826
The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.
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Comments
I agree that this approach is infinitely better than just grabbing a block of wood. The change I make is that the handle is turned around 180 degrees. This makes sure that I'm putting pressure toward the fence.
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