Using the GripTite as a safety anchor
One of the advantages to using the Grip-Tite magnetic featherboard on a table saw is that, when fastened to the fence, it can serve as a guard to keep your hand away from the blade. But I’ve found yet another use for it, and that is to serve as an “anchor” — today, on the router table.
Was doing some template routing with a small piece, and I wanted to be sure my left hand was anchored to something not near the bit. When working on the table saw, I’ll sometimes anchor my hand on the fence, or hook a finger into the miter slot — just a muscle-reminder as to where it belongs. On a flat steel router top, though, it’s kinda hard to find anything to anchor to! I set up the Grip Tite as a block to both anchor the hand and to provide a barrier should the wood take off for some reason — to prevent the hand from following. [No, it wasn’t exactly climb-cutting, but it was a tricky approach.]
OK, so color me bored — just felt like posting this in case anyone was interested.
forestgirl — you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can’t take the forest out of the girl 😉
Another proud member of the “I Rocked With ToolDoc Club” …. :>)
Replies
OK, Jamie, I'll bite -
"On a flat steel router top..."
Trying to picture this setup. Do you have a router table with a steel top?
As you well know (since you're the one who brought it to our attention in the first place) sawdust on the surface between the Grip-Tite and the table top it's on reduces fix of the GripTite considerably. Just a reminder to those who follow.
Did you buy and install the metal fence attachment for using these things as hold downs? I did but got nervous about having that piece of 14ga sheet metal where it could accidentally get next to the blade.
Hiya, Dennis. That's the Veritas steel router table top. Can't believe you didn't know! :-) I brag about it every chance I get.
I have the steel fence plate for the table saw but have yet to install it. I might do it soon, if I get this Gizmo contract I'm working on -- would have to rip 3/4" pieces of oak. Not as narrow as 1/4" of course, but the GTs would still help I bet.
You and your apprehension about that metal plate. :-| I think I've given you a hard time about that before, no? If you are so tired, preoccupied or....well, we won't go there....that you get the fence that close without a sacrificial face, you shouldn't be in the shop! And, I know you wouldn't work under those conditions, so why are you so worried?! Sorry, I guess I just don't get it.
Maybe you should talk with Mike at the GripTite booth. After all, he demo's it, 1/4" from the blade, several hours every show he does. He and his brother use them in their shops. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Hey FG,
That is a great idea. Sort of gives you unused hands or digits somewhare safe to go.
Mike
Thanks, Mike -- I'll try and get a picture of it this morning. Typed that post at work.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Ooop, didn't get the picture done, gone to Seattle all day and most of the night tomorrow. Sunday then.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
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