Featherboards, Push Sticks & Workholding for Table Saws & Routers

Featherboards, Push Sticks & Workholding for the Table Saw & Router Table

Safe, consistent cuts at the table saw and router table require the workpiece to stay firmly against the fence and flat on the table throughout the pass. Featherboards apply constant side pressure to eliminate chatter, reduce tearout, and prevent dangerous kickback. Push sticks and push shoes keep your hands safely away from the blade or bit while maintaining full control over the workpiece.

Our collection of 20 workholding and safety products includes featherboards, double-stack featherboards, resaw featherboards for bandsaws, push sticks, push shoes, stock guides, and small workpiece holders from Bow Products, JessEm, Milescraft, and our own lineup. The Bow Products FeatherDuo Double-Stack Featherboard is a high-control option that applies pressure at two heights simultaneously — especially useful for tall or warped stock.

Matching the Right Tool to the Operation

Featherboards mount to the fence or table via T-slots and are ideal for long ripping or routing passes. Stock guides like the JessEm Clear-Cut Router Table Stock Guides provide a transparent hold-down system that lets you see the bit and workpiece clearly during the cut. For small parts, the Router Table & Saw Small Workpiece Holder safely moves material past the blade without risking fingers. The 11th Finger Magnetic Safety Push Stick stores directly on the table saw with a built-in magnet so it is always at hand.

Featherboards with T-slot mounting for table saws & router tables
Double-stack & resaw featherboards for tall workpieces & bandsaws
Push sticks, push shoes & expandable push systems
Clear stock guides for visibility during router table operations
Small-part workpiece holders for safe handling near blades & bits

Explore our Hardware & T-Tracks collection to add T-track to your shop jigs and fixtures, making it easy to mount featherboards wherever you need them. Browse all workholding and shop safety accessories in our Shop Essentials collection or visit Woodshop Basics for more foundational shop tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a featherboard do at the table saw?

A featherboard applies spring tension against the side of a workpiece as it is fed past the blade, keeping the stock pressed firmly against the fence throughout the cut. This prevents the board from drifting away from the fence, reduces tearout, and helps prevent kickback by holding the workpiece in contact with the fence at all times.

Where do you mount a featherboard — before or after the blade?

Featherboards should always be positioned before (infeed side of) the blade or bit, never behind it. Placing a featherboard behind the blade would trap the workpiece against the blade on the exit side, which is a serious kickback hazard.

What is the difference between a push stick and a push shoe?

A push stick is a narrow stick that contacts the trailing end of the workpiece to push it past the blade with one hand. A push shoe, like the Bow Products Expandable Push Shoe, has a heel and flat base that rides on top of the workpiece, giving better downward control and a firmer grip on narrower stock.

Can I use featherboards on a router table?

Yes. Featherboards designed for T-slot mounting work equally well on router tables that have T-slots in the fence or table surface. The Bow Products FeatherPro Featherboard is a versatile option that mounts in standard T-slots on both table saws and router tables.

What are the JessEm Clear-Cut stock guides used for?

The JessEm Clear-Cut Router Table Stock Guides are transparent hold-down devices that keep stock flat on the router table and pressed against the fence during profiling passes. Their clear material lets you see the bit and workpiece clearly, which improves safety and cut quality.

How do I use a featherboard on a bandsaw for resawing?

The Bow Products GuidePro Resaw Featherboard for Bandsaws is tall enough to span the height of a bandsaw fence and applies pressure across the full height of the workpiece during resawing, keeping the board from wandering away from the fence mid-cut.

What is the 11th Finger push stick and why is the magnet useful?

The 11th Finger Magnetic Safety Push Stick features a built-in magnet in the handle so it adheres to the cast iron table surface or the saw body when not in use — keeping it within reach at all times instead of getting lost in the shop. This encourages consistent safe-use habits.

Do featherboards need T-tracks to mount, or can they clamp to the fence?

Most featherboards in our collection use T-slot bolts to mount in the table surface or fence T-slots. Some fence-clamp styles are also available. If your saw or router table does not have T-slots, explore our Hardware & T-Tracks collection for adding T-track to your fixtures.

Is there a workholding package that includes multiple safety tools?

Yes. The Bow Products 3-Piece Woodworkers Safety Package combines a featherboard, push stick, and resaw guide into one set — a convenient starting point for outfitting a new table saw or router table with proper workholding and safety devices.

Where can I learn more about safe table saw and router table technique?

Our learning blog covers woodworking techniques including safe machine operation, featherboard placement, and push stick use. It is a helpful reference for both new and experienced woodworkers looking to sharpen their safety practices.

Featherboards, Workholding & Push Sticks