Hi Mick

: if the strips cut are 1/4 in or less wide, I would think the push stick width
: should be the same or less. Otherwise does one assume the push stick
: touches the saw each time it comes close to the blade?? Or is this push
: stick only used on the outside of the blade and whatever happens just
: happens between the blade and the long fence.

You are correct in that the pushstick makes contact with the saw on the first pass. I think I stated that in my post. I raise my saw-blade only about 3/16" above the material, so with 1/4" strips and a 5/8" wide push-stick you will certainly cut into the bottom of it. The particle board cuts easy, and leaves the groove for each successive pass. You should always hold your pushstick up against the fence and in so doing, in this case, you will push both the strip and waste side of the stock. That way when you pass the blade, you clear the blade with both. Not leave one there to be handled by hand.

: like how does a 5/8in wide push stick not becom hacked up or dangerous when
: cutting the thin 1/4 strips? is the blade real low? do you assume it'll be
: getting sawn up by the blade?

Hacked up and dangerous are a bit strong, but, you may feel that way of course. Unless you place the push stick in different places with each pass, it will ride over the blade in the same spot. When pushing through the cutting area, I rest the other 3 fingers over the fence. That keeps the stick up against the fence automatically.

: or does the blade always(like ideally) get covered by the feather boards and
: no push stick comes close. then does one then assume pulling from the
: other side.

Yes, the blade is always covered as you go over it. You are using a 3" high stick and with the blade only 3/16" above the work it will be covered by 2 13/16" of material, you are in no danger of being harmed.

: I'm talking ideal here. how do you use a wide push stick in this situation.
: or maybe what is a push stick for in other typical situations(aside from
: safety)?

I don't do anything " Aside from Safety ". I use whatever gives me the most control over everything in each situation to the best of my ability.

Ideally, In My Opinion, means having as much material between you and the cutting edge as possible at all times and being able to follow through all the way with all material and not having to come back over the blade area to finish pulling a piece through. With my "Wide" 5/8" stick, both pieces are pushed all the way past the blade and out of harms way. With a narrower piece you can only push one or the other through and that means you either come back and pick up or push the other, OR you have your other hand in there already to push the second piece. ?????? Also, with MY push-stick you have 10" to apply pressure with, and if a piece chips out, you have plenty of stick still in contact with the material so that your hand doesn't go down on the saw. With the long thin sticks, if you are pushing and it hits the blade and shatters, there's nothing between you and the table but the protruding blade. I realize that not many folks put their weight on the push stick that way, but, some do or if the blade is dull, many do, just to get it through. So, there ia always potential for disaster. With mine, you are always in contact with the material and can't fall forward.

As for other situations.... I adapt. We're talking about cutting 1/4" strips here and that is what I would recommend. Everyone will do what looks safer to them I suppose, but too much safety equipment can cause just as much trouble as not having any at all. That's just MY personal Opinion. Not up for discussion.

: -mick

: (aside- the push stick i use looks like a short handsaw from the side, 1/4in
: ply, notched at front(fine work) and back(typical wk))

Yes, I've used something like that also, when working in a shop a few years ago. Also affective.

Rehd