I was asked to make another manger for a friend. Today I went to rip some Poplar down to 1 1/8 inch wide pieces, for making the frame. I have a Shopsmith. I set up the tablesaw and with the fence 1 1/8 inches away from the blade, and the blade guard on, there was not enough room between the guard and the fence for a push stick (at least the one that came with the Shopsmith.) These were 6 foot long pieces of Poplar. So, with my limited ww’ing experience I was wondering how to do this safely. Then I remembered that I had bought the Grr-ripper push blocks when there was a 2 for 1 sale going on (at least I think I remember it as a 2 for 1 sale, maybe just a good sale on a 2 pack). So I took off the blade guard, used a plain riving knife, and set up the Grr-rippers. These things are NICE! Held the Poplar down, against the fence, and pushed the entire piece across the blade without contacting the blade. I think I bought these last year at Christmas time, and had assembled them, but not used them till today. Kinda one of those things that when you do need them, you’re really glad to have them. If this needs to be removed because it sounds like a product endorsement or I posted it in the wrong forum, I will not be offended if it is relocated or removed.

I've seen them and wondered how well they work. Thanks for the information.

I got some used a couple of years ago.   I, too, like them for ripping narrow pieces and small pieces.

Nice you remembered buying them Artie!  I have used one and they work good.  Had a issue with holding it so made push sticks that accommodated my wrist.

 

 

Bought one years ago and though it worked OK. I found for ripping longer pieces it was necessary to lift the gripper to continue. A second gripper to maintain downward pressure would have made the tool a lot more efficient but never did invest in a second one.The one unit did work well for shorter rip cuts.

Yeah Al, that’s how I used them. Hand over hand, one set of Grr-rippers in contact with the board at all times.