WWA Info Exchange

For Woodworkers By Woodworkers
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 8:11 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 8 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 5:03 pm 
Offline
Veteran

Joined: Thu Jul 09, 2015 10:00 pm
Posts: 1
Anyone have any experience with this heavily advertised device for use on your table saw? Is it worth $80?
Bob


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 5:18 pm 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Fri May 21, 2004 12:01 am
Posts: 36
Location: Murrieta,CA
Some people swear by them - I have one and rarely use it. Seems awkward to me to use.
I prefer a good old push stick, or some variant.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2015 6:26 pm 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 5:35 pm
Posts: 3620
Location: Hutchinson Ks
Well, I have TWO of the original "Grippers" and use them all the time BUT, they sure didn't cost $80.00 when I bought them.
If I remember right, they were around $30.00 each which I thought was expensive enough. I've had them about six years now and have held up fairly well. I have cut into one of them with the table saw and had to buy some replacement parts however.
They now have a few other styles available now and I have considered adding one or two to the tool collection but, haven't done it yet.
They work well on the router table as well as the table saw also. What sold me on them was the ability to cut thin strips between the saw blade and fence and keep control of both pieces of wood at the same time.
Everyone has their own methods and tools and when you get used to one way of doing things it is hard to change and justify adding something new to you.

Rog

_________________
Dont badmouth no strangers, they just friends you aint met yet.

An ounce of responsibility is worth a pound of State and Federal laws.

I spent most of my money on woodworking
tools and beer, the rest I just wasted.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 8:21 am 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Thu May 29, 2003 12:01 am
Posts: 3483
Location: Sacramento, CA
Welcome to the WWA!

I don't have any first hand experience with the Grrriper, I've always made do with finger boards and push sticks/blocks.

The one (and only) interest I have with it is the ability to control very thin stock between the blade/fence and the offcut at the same time (as mentioned by Rog above).
However, the expense to me outweighed that curiosity, even though I could have bought in at the ~$30 mark.

I think it would be a good investment for use at the router table.
That is were I would likely see the most use.

_________________
~Dan.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sat Jul 11, 2015 9:58 am 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:01 am
Posts: 4950
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Hey Bob,

Welcome aboard!
I have two Grippers™ and use them on nearly every rip cut I make. I've had them long enough to replace several parts on them, and I think that they are well worth the price.

My 2¢
Tom

_________________
"There is no path to peace, peace is the path."
Mohandas K. Ghandi
Image


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Jul 12, 2015 11:29 pm 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jun 16, 2004 12:01 am
Posts: 9296
Location: Aurora CO
Welcome to the group!

I've used some store bought push sticks before but never the Gripper. It has been my experience that plastics, rubber and metal don't react well with spinning steel. I make my own push blocks that work quite well. A bit cheaper too.

Bottom line is, what is it worth to you. If you work in your shop on a regular basis, or you like having all the bells and whistles, go for it. If you are working on a tight budget and you are a weekend woodshop warrior, you might just stick with wood and homemade.

_________________
Frank
WWACOAUX#1
"I love the smell of Sawdust in the morning, it smells like, victory." Image
WWA'ers I've met: Popeye, Ed Avery, Stephen Wolf, Rockfish, Rodedon


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 9:46 am 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 1:01 am
Posts: 11360
Location: Hamilton, MS
If you're making dozens or hundreds of the same cut, production line style, it would possibly be useful. My problem with stuff like this is the set up time (and cost). A wood push block with a easily replaceable sacrificial base and heel, doesn't require any set up, and scrap 2x4 is pretty cheap. :)

Here's several DIY designs, plans are downloadable PDF files: http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2009/07/14 ... table-saws

_________________
I bring to life, I bring to death:
The spirit does but mean the breath:
I know no more. (Tennyson, In Memoriam)


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 12:27 pm 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2006 11:33 am
Posts: 110
Location: Southern Ont. Canada
I have 2 and bought them a few years ago when they were cheaper. I make quite a few pen blanks when I can find wood with nice figure in it. I find they are great for that. ie. ripping 6" long pieces of wood to 3/4" square. I find I use them on the jointer as much as the table saw.

_________________
supporter of
http://www.pensforcanadianpeacekeepers.com/


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 8 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 30 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group