Uploaded January 2018 | Updated September 2026, 17 hours ago
DO NOT USE REMAINING FINGERS AS PUSHSTICKS!!
Learn why I prefer 'handle style' pushsticks at Next Level Carpentry and how you can make a batch of them using a simple pattern routing method. Then remember the most important piece of advice for using pushsticks: "KEEP BETWEEN FINGERS AND BLADE!!" whenever you're working with power tools.
Even if you don't need to make pushsticks, learning how to make patterns for routing complex curves is useful for a wide variety of other woodworking projects. The video is on the long side because I packed it full of useful methods and tips for making routing patterns from MDF scrap along with a few bonus tips and techniques I tossed in. Learn 'how to coil a bandsaw blade' and what I use to keep dust from sticking to lenses on my glasses. There's a couple product recommendations slipped in to the video as well.
In a truly win-win arrangement, purchasing any tools (like the 'Big Mistakes Eraser' and 'Papermate Sharpwriter' pencils) on the Next Level Carpentry Influencer's page through this link:
amazon.com/shop/nextlevelcarpentry
helps support this channel at no additional cost to viewers because of advertising fees Amzon pays to NLC so I always appreciate it.
Here's a link to the pushstick 'pattern' image on Pinterest: pinterest.com/pin/551479916864599479
FREE PLAN:
Viewer Dave Smith made a PDF using Autocad (Thanks Dave!) and dimensioned it for use in making pushsticks like these. You can download it here: dropbox.com/s/iqz1g9gyan26mik/NLC%20Push%20Stick%20Pattern%20full%20size%20by%20Dave%20Smith.pdf?dl=0
Be sure to print it out full size for accuracy.
The grid lines are spaced at 1" so adjust print settings to that measurement or transfer the contour by hand over a 1" grid layout.
DO NOT USE REMAINING FINGERS AS PUSHSTICKS!!
Learn why I prefer 'handle style' pushsticks at Next Level Carpentry and how you can make a batch of them using a simple pattern routing method. Then remember the most important piece of advice for using pushsticks: "KEEP BETWEEN FINGERS AND BLADE!!" whenever you're working with power tools.
Even if you don't need to make pushsticks, learning how to make patterns for routing complex curves is useful for a wide variety of other woodworking projects. The video is on the long side because I packed it full of useful methods and tips for making routing patterns from MDF scrap along with a few bonus tips and techniques I tossed in. Learn 'how to coil a bandsaw blade' and what I use to keep dust from sticking to lenses on my glasses. There's a couple product recommendations slipped in to the video as well.
In a truly win-win arrangement, purchasing any tools (like the 'Big Mistakes Eraser' and 'Papermate Sharpwriter' pencils) on the Next Level Carpentry Influencer's page through this link:
amazon.com/shop/nextlevelcarpentry
helps support this channel at no additional cost to viewers because of advertising fees Amzon pays to NLC so I always appreciate it.
Here's a link to the pushstick 'pattern' image on Pinterest: pinterest.com/pin/551479916864599479
FREE PLAN:
Viewer Dave Smith made a PDF using Autocad (Thanks Dave!) and dimensioned it for use in making pushsticks like these. You can download it here: dropbox.com/s/iqz1g9gyan26mik/NLC%20Push%20Stick%20Pattern%20full%20size%20by%20Dave%20Smith.pdf?dl=0
Be sure to print it out full size for accuracy.
The grid lines are spaced at 1" so adjust print settings to that measurement or transfer the contour by hand over a 1" grid layout.
