If there’s a prime directive in carpentry, it’s: Safety first. You want to come home with the same number of fingers you had in the morning.

The table saw is one of the most useful tools in your arsenal, but it’s also one of the more dangerous tools. One simple device to make the table saw safer is a push stick. New table saws come with a plastic push stick that is literally a stick–it’s awkward to use and it puts your hand in the wrong position relative to the blade.

Grr-ripper

You can buy aftermarket push sticks. I’ve got a Micro Jig Grr-Ripper which is a great device for small parts and narrow rips. But it’s not ideal for larger boards and it’s $75.

Here’s how to turn an off-cut of 3/4 in. plywood from the scrap pile into a more comfortable and safer push stick. [Video coming]