Is the MicroJig Grr-Ripper worth your time and money? My thoughts on this popular woodworking tool.
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- Опубліковано 25 гру 2018
- If you enjoy watching woodworking videos on UA-cam, I'm sure you're familiar with the Grr-Ripper by MicroJig. After my table saw accident a few years ago, I received one for Christmas and, after a few years of owning and using it, I have thoughts I'd like to share. This video covers those thoughts and highlights some alternative push stick / push block options I use in my shop.
Interested in picking up a MicroJig Grr-Ripper for yourself? You can purchase one on Amazon using the link below and support the channel at the same time!
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What safety tools do you keep around your shop? Do you have a Grr-ripper or another preferred push block/stick system? Let me know here!
I have several of the simple plastic push blocks (yours are white) and the push sticks. I'm going to make some of your orange handled pushers tho. I put my finger thru a table router so I'm skittish as well
Push sticks increase chances of kick backs over pushblocks in my opinion. Pushblocks provide more stability through the cuts.
I have all manor of push sticks and push blocks, push sticks are the only ones I ever got kickback or bad cuts using I'm not green I have used table saws for 30 years even when they had no safety devices and can count ten digits.
The best thing I found is 2x8 with sandpaper to grip the wood like the grabber or gripper works well only issue do not let sandpaper hit blade with narrow cuts.
I love the Grr-ripper. I am using it all the time. Anything that slows me down and forces me to think about a setup is a good thing.
yep! i got in a hurry yesturday on a job and shortend my pointer finger about 3/4 ". looking at push blocks today
@@nicknash331 I too was in a hurry yesterday, started my saw up while not paying attention to where my stock was, and a chunk of wood whistled past my face and made a very loud thaaawack on the cupboards above my bench.....Little bit of a wake up call..not as bad as what you endured, and hope to never shake hands with the blade, we all need to be more aware. Sorry that happened to you :(
@@djjinerson its all good!! my wife is a veterinarian. we raced down to her animal clinic and she stitched me up after an hour or so of pulling out bone fragments lol. I am long healed up now though:)
Oh no!
I want to to try their tapering jig they have. Helps make straight cuts on boards with no straight edges.
Hello and thank you for your honest opinion of this Micro-jig Gripper. I have recently bought a RIDGID Contractors table saw, and before I even set it up I am making sure to buy not one but two grippers. Here is why: Even though they do seem to be overpriced, they are cheap in comparison to what it would cost me in time, energy and time spent in the ER if I am lucky. If I am unlucky and the damage is worse, then I could spend weeks if not months recovering from one if not several finger amputations. Kickback is scary enough just seeing it here on UA-cam. It happens in the blink of an eye, and I want to do everything I can do to avoid it.
In the 70s there was this very effective commercial for wearing seat belts, before they became mandatory. It would show a person in a very comfortable position on let's say a couch or chair, and they would make a comment like: "I just feel like wearing a seat belt is too confining." or "It makes creases in my just pressed suit." They would then cut to a scene of that same person in the same position in the Hospital in some cases head to toe in bandages. Like I said, very effective.
When I am working on a project, I am pretty much a perfectionist, and like to take my time. Sure I want to see my projects complete, but safety should always come first.
You nailed it with "taking your time" and "safety first". I think those are critical and, regardless of how you move your material through the saw, those should be priority. A Grr-Ripper in the hands of an impatient and reckless operator won't help anything.
After cutting off the end of my left thumb on my Craftsman jobsite saw I now own a Sawstop jobsite table saw. Even that expense beats another trip to the ER for me and, being a Vietnam veteran the ER is free for me...
I’m literally sitting in ER after chopping off the top of my thumb. It’s not as bad as I first thought.
Like you did, now I’m looking at options to stay safer ( to mention I’ve been using my table saw for over 10 years commercially with zero injuries (not even a nick).
Glad I watched this as I was going to fry a micro jig but the adjusting and it getting eaten up is putting me off.
I’m just going to make a bunch of push sticks and a few blocks for the cuts I make a lot.
Cheers
Dan
Crud! Sorry to hear that man. I’ve been there. Stay safe and I’m glad things weren’t worse! I did use my Grrr-ripper for several hundred French cleats a while back. It was great for that batch work. Definitely go for the dual push stick method most of the time, though.
surely your safety is more important than the extra time to setup the griper for each cut. You only get one set of fingers afterall.
Yes of course it is. I just prefer to use the two push sticks and stand offset from the blade. The Grr-Ripper is still the safest option in my shop for really narrow cuts but I don’t use it for everything. Everything is done carefully and slowly. The Grr-Ripper isn’t the only safe way to do it and you’ve got to use caution with whatever you do. Thanks for the comment and stay safe!
Well done! Thanks for sharing and the best of luck!
I have a. Pair of grippers and I use them religiously, I am super cautious around spinning blades and still have had incidents, I have replaced one gripper that took all the damage from a freak accident but saved my hand, so while I understand your point about set up time I will continue to use mine for the saftey
Yikes! So glad it protected your hand. I do use my gripper for making French cleats and for really small delicate stuff. Mostly on repetitive cuts. Glad your hand is 👌
I've been using a table saw accident free (luckily) for the last 40 years. However my son recently had a kickback happen so fast, he cut his finger about 2 inches to the bone using my saw, so it woke me up to improve my equipment - hence my search led to this video.
In my experience, the worst part of dealing with narrow cuts is the potential for the piece lifting near the blade, the very area that is hard to get to. Two push sticks can work, but I always worried that even then the piece can get away from you and the hand holding the furthest stick makes a dive towards the blade. Anthony, even though you like this technique, I don’t think it’s a great solution. I use a magswitch feather board, it is extremely easy to set up with the magnets but you still need two push sticks. I also invested in a Sawstop Cabinet Saw, and it gives me tremendous piece of mind. But it still doesn’t solve a narrow cut very well. So even without your endorsement of the Grr Ripper, it looks to be worth the cost in money and setup time for those complicated cut occasions
I appreciate the comment. A SawStop is definitely on my short list of tools to purchase. I have used the Grr-ripper several times since I made this video. I've found it to be invaluable when ripping at a 45deg angle for things like french cleats. I've also used it a good bit when cutting thinner materials like plexiglass, etc. The table saw I have has an aluminum top so I have to use a featherboard that fits into the miter slot. Maybe I should post an update to this video!
I purchased 2 after cutting the tip of my left index finger off on the table saw using push sticks. I use it all the time, especially on thin rip projects. I use two on long rip jobs. The cost is cheaper than the $650 emergency room bill. The locals couldn't handle the finger. I had to drive 90 miles to a hospital that could. The finger is next to useless. It is stiff and I get a jolt every time I touch something with it. (Nerve Damage) I do use a sliding jig when doing cross cuts.
Yikes! I've started using mine more often but mostly on small or specialized cuts. I make french cleats for a guy in batches of 100 or more and the Grr-Ripper is great for controlling the wood on both sides of the blade.
How did you cut your finger using push sticks? 🤔
Helpful, and makes good sense. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the kind comment :)
You NEED to be using the gripper. You said it yourself, it slows you down. Most woodworking accidents can be avoided by slowing down. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
I appreciate your perspective and have certainly found applications for it. I’ve been using it with narrow rip cuts and when I make French cleats in large batches. Super handy for that kind of stuff. I still default to the other push sticks when I do wider cuts but, regardless of the jig/stick, going slow and carefully is the way to go.
Its not like the grrrippoffer is the only device that keeps his hands far from the blade.....Using two push sticks keeps his hands much farther than the grrrrippofer, so I don't think he will be repeating that part of his history. He may get some kick back if he's not exact with his pressure, but im sure he is standing out of the line of fire. Too many people are vilifying this guy for choosing one safety method over another. I don't think he, or we need to worry about him being unsafe again. I think he learned a lesson the hard way the day his hand said "Hi how are you blade, nice to meet you". I am wondering if some of the commenters are owners, or employees of the overpriced GRRRRRRR rippofer
Excuses. With the grr-ripper your hand is closer to the blade but can’t slip into the blade.
I have a Grr-Ripper and use it some, but use the push sticks as you do more. It bothers me when I use the Grr-Ripper and it starts losing its grip and slides. Keeping it clean is a must but when you think it is clean and it starts losing it's grip, it leaves you in a bad situation. The push sticks never fail. I use two, one to push the board through and like you a second to hold it to the fence or hold it down as it goes through the blade. Have never had any issues doing it that way.
I normally use push sticks when I'm making a cut where there is not a lot of room between the fence and the saw blade.
Thank you for your video. I agree with you 100% in all you have said about the Gripper.
No problem! Thanks for the kind words :)
Thank you. Your video inspired me. I watched you describe how you suffered an injury, ordered a a safety device that could have prevented it, and and then decided not to routinely use it. I play keyboard. The kind of keyboard that requires the use of 10 fully functioning fingers. After listening to your "too much time rationalization" I ordered 2 Grr-Rippers. I don't want the regret of swapping time for safety & protection while sitting in ER. (Eye protection? Hearing protection? Safety check of the work area? Seat belts? Fire extinguisher? If any of these examples of insuring personal safety took more more than 1, 2, or 3 minutes; is the benefit reduced to unnecessary? I do my best to avoid saying, "You know what I should have done?" This video is example of why I do. Good luck.
I appreciate the passionate comment and, for what it’s worth, I used the GRR-RIPPER just two days ago so maybe I should post a follow up to this video. It wouldn't have prevented the injury I got a few years ago, though. I was making a cut that shouldn't have been done on the table saw at all. Enjoy the GRR-RIPPER and stay safe.
@@AnthonyTackett can you replicate the cut you made using sticks and then using the jig. And in the way you shouldn’t have been making the cut?
I have about all the same variety of push sticks, blocks as in the video. My go to is the gripper. I bought the gripper complete and it has an extension which puts the handle up another 1”. Those 2 plywood push sticks position your arm so it runs parallel to the blade actually quite close. I use a very similar plywood push stick that is taller and has a handle facing up so it keeps my arm in a more vertical position.
All great ideas. I’ll have to look into the extension for the Grr-ripper. I’ve been using it when I cut really thin material and for ripping French cleats.
I bought one Grr-rpper and do use it. But, like you I find myself grabbing my self-made push sticks/handles all the time. I don't mind cutting them up.
I've always used the two stick method because I don't like my hands going over the blade. I was thinking of getting the GRR-RIP for the table saw but it seems it's more suited for router operations. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the kind comment. I haven't tried using the GRR-RIPPER on the router table but I think it would be a solid option there.
Just like you I used it a lot at first , but not anymore. I now use the push stick that came with my saw.
My only issues with the small push sticks is does not hold down thin plywood that well. I fed a piece of 1/4" plywood through my saw and not knowing had a chipped tooth and it grabbed the board and it went directly into my gut. Replaced my blade, got a Gripper and watched a lot of the videos and found many benefits for cutting very narrow stock. So far so good. The gripper also makes me slow down. Thanks for posting.
Thats a great use case for it! I find it works really well for thin stock, narrow rips and mitered rip cuts. I tend to grab the push sticks for almost everything else though. Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you’re ok!
I just got a grr ripper. I am new to woodworking and am getting setup to make cutting boards. So far I like it when I was running piece after piece. Then I went in the before to cut something wider, and it was useless so I used push sticks. So I’m thinking if will be good to run two it to three inch stock over and over but not god bigger wood. I was just coming onto UA-cam and typed grr ripper to find out if maybe I just didn’t know how to use it for wider stock and it brought me to your channel.
In the past I had two instances with kick back. One sent the work peice thru the wall board behind me. The second hit me in the stomach. I was wearing a heavy coat at the time and only got the wind knocked out of me. I used push sticks since then and still got the tip of my finger cut off.
Yikes! Glad things weren't worse. Proper technique, focus and going slowly will always be more important than what type of push stick/block you prefer. Thanks for the comment!
@@AnthonyTackett Real story teller that one.
I love my Grr-ripper i have two of them .....use mine for every cut
I have two Grr-rippers and Grr-ripper push block. The heels are worth it. I am not sold on the handle adapter yet. The investment was worth it. I’ve had two instances in my lifetime where I’ve taken part of my finger off on a tablesaw (everything grew back). Those last time I said “enough.” It really does help with kickback and getting a better cut…of wood.
I love the grr-ripper. Use it all the time. Use their other products, too
Nice! What other products do you have? The match fit clamps and their miter bars look pretty useful.
@@AnthonyTackett I've been drooling over the matchfit clamps. I plan on converting one of my workbenches to that system. Just purchased the dado stop and the taper jig. I can speak mostly for the grr-ripper at the moment, though. I think it's a great product.
Hello, Just starting out as a diyer, what are your thoughts on the milescraft grabberpro 3406? I do like the MicroJig but it's kinda pricy. Thanks David
Just got my Grr-ripper today. Putting it together was a nuisance, but it really familiarized me with how it works. I watched 40 min of their videos and learned a lot about its potential uses. Prior to the Grr-ripper, I used home made or commercial (plastic) feather boards and home made push rods. Time will tell if I use the Grr-ripper more or less. I'll let you know.
After 3 months, what is your opinion on the Grr-ripper?
@@markmulich4421 oof i think hes no longer with us anymore... 😔
Anthony Tackett 3 days ago I was doing thin material and using some scraps of wood to rip down some thin stock. I nearly lost the tip of my index finger on my left hand, I did lose a good portion of my finger nail clear through the nail bed. I am most definitely getting a MicroJig. Appreciate your video and input.
I appreciate the comment and I'm glad that things weren't worse for you! To be fair, I do have to say that, after making this video, I have been using the Grr-ripper for thin material and when ripping out french cleats. It does a great job stabilizing both sides of that 45° cut.
I do a lot of thin rips to make knife scales, and I often use my Grr-ripper.
That sounds like a great use for one!
I came across your UA-cam channel doing research for a video for my channel. I am now subscribed. I also followed you on instagram. Thanks again for the video. I look forward to seeing more content from your channel.
Hey thanks for the kind words and for the follow!
Great Video, thnx.
the Grr-ripper system is the best thats came along for wood-working i never use anything else
Very good review, thanks
Thanks for the kind words. You’re welcome!
Thanks for your thoughts on the Micro-Jig Grr-Ripper Anthony. I presently use that orange plastic push stick that you have on the table and the basic Grr-ripper (no attachments). I cut a lot of thinner strips so I was thinking of up grading to the Micro-Jig that you reviewed. your review helped m decide to purchase one for the style of cutting I do. Thanks.
Thanks for the kind words! Since making this video, I've found it to be very useful for making beveled cuts and for cutting really thin material. I occasionally make wall mount kits for a cabinet maker and he orders them a couple hundred at a time so the GRR-RIPPER works great for that. It's really convenient for cutting small pieces of plexiglass, as well. Glad the video helped!
I've had a grr-ripper for a few years, and haven't used it. I'm looking now thinking maybe I should. I use sticks like you do also. I recently remade a few of them as I'd cut them up enough so that the trailing hook was getting a bit torn up. I see your points. I do also use Board buddies for some cuts, and like them, but of course they can't really be used on those thin rips. I also love feather boards, and am trying to make a new one that will be able to use in my 1 1 /2" slot on my Oliver. (I like certain magnetic ones, but they don't work that well on my Oliver as the throat plate is so large that there is less space to place the magnets.... All in all, I'll keep looking. I LIKE the hook on the home made blocks, and the lack of that on the gripper bothers me a bit. I use the same pusher that you do for some jointer work, but I also make wide wooden ones with a simple 1/4 hook at the back that works very well. (I also have a stock feeder on one of my jointers that pulls from the out-feed table, I REALLY like that) I am going to keep experimenting. I've been cutting wood by myself with power machinery for over 60 years. Old habits are hard to change, but as I get older, I also need to make new habits.
I bought a gripper and a GluBot two things I really never use.
I think it's a case of so many UA-cam channels were advertising them and using them that I thought it was also a decent product.
The one thing that bothers me is that I can not see the blade passing under the gripper. I never know if I'm going to cut into it and that makes me hesitate and I don't want to be doing that over the table saw.
I use a chunk of wood with a notch. Something that my fingers are not holding onto on the inside since I have also watched a number of videos where your hand gets flung into the blade.
I also think it's worth getting a feather board.
That's a good point about not being able to see the blade. I'd prefer to see it, as well. I do have a featherboard but only use it when I'm making narrow cuts. Should probably use it more.
@@AnthonyTackett I think the biggest thing is staying in your comfort zone and if the gripper is that then stick with it.
@@heyimamaker Well said.
I do have a magnetic feather board and use it on every rip cut📐📏✏😊⚓🇺🇸
Great review. Seems like its one of those tools that if you can use it for the cut you should, but not for them all 👍
My main objection to the Gripper has been the price. Not one of the other videos that I have seen go in to setting it up for each cut. I have assumed that there was some form of set-up but I had never seen it demonstrated. It doesn’t seem to be a time consuming set-up but it’s not one that I want.
I have 2 thirty year old magnetic featherboards that I sometimes use but one push -hold down device that I use is a piece of 2x4 scrap attached to a nice comfortable shop made handle. It’s easy to attach a new piece of 2x4 when the old one gets too chewed up.
I appreciate the perspective of another guy who's spilt blood on cast iron. My hand injuries could have been avoided by the use of a pair of those MicroJig gizmos. Having had few truly original thoughts, I try to appropriate other people's good ideas where ever I recognize one so am envisioning a largely polycarbonate and baltic birch rip-off of the GrrRipper with foam neoprene soles and a push stick handle like (I think) Willian Ng uses, sort of a hand saw pattern that positions the hand 6 or 7" above and behind the cut. I'm sure you're right about not liking to set up the jig for a single pass but I'll bet a pair of them would be great for dozens or hundreds of the same cut.
Thanks for the kind words. I'm sure there will be a use for it at some point in my shop. The green rubber does grip REALLY well so maybe on the router table?
Admittedly, I'm a newbie woodworker, and safety is top-of-mind since I have little personal experience to rely on. Anthony, I came to the same conclusion about the gripper regarding hand-proximity to the blade. The gripper push block requires me to move my hand closer to the blade than the porter-cable-style push stick you demonstrated in your video. My Delta table saw came packaged with a push stick similar to your Porter Cable example. The Delta manual that came with my saw says when making push sticks, follow the included design, which ensures your hand will remain a safe distance from the blade. I see people run workpieces over the blade with the gripper, and their hand is mere inches from the blade. If the blade catches on the gripper, it seems likely the push block could twist sideways, and the blade could pull one's hand into it. Bottom line is the further my hand is from the blade, the better; and the long-handled push sticks keep my hand further away by design. When cutting a narrow workpiece, why not turn the board around, and run the narrow piece on the off-cut side of the blade? Narrow through-cuts between the blade and the fence will always carry extra risk of pinching and kickback.
I love my finger and want to keep them for many years. Micro jig, just use it
I don't yet own a Grr-Ripper, but I'm thinking about it. The safety considerations are all valid. What's not discussed here (I have yet to peruse all the videos) is the Grr-Ripper's ability to keep cuts square to 90-degrees - something that's really challenging when ripping narrow boards (say, under 1" width). My guess is the Gripper does a better job of this than the two-stick approach. thanks for the video; curious to get your thoughts.
That's a great point. I will say that I recently had to make some rip cuts that were about 3/4" wide from already-narrow material and I opted to use the Grr-Ripper for those. If I was going to do that with the two push sticks (or even one), I would probably use a featherboard so that the work piece stays square and against the fence.
back in the 80's in my HS wood shop class we had something similar made from plywood scraps. Do you know if there is anyone that has a video showing hot make a homemade one? or maybe you could make one. I agree I don't want to spend 60.00 on something that may get destroyed or cut up. but out of plywood scrap.. then replace a sacrificial part I would go for that.
I've come across several videos of people making something similar from plywood. If you search for "DIY GRR-RIPPER" or "DIY 3D pushblock", you'll find some videos!
I think the gripper is best for thin small strips for insets etc... times when the saw blade is only about a quarter to half inch high.
I'll second that. I've found it most useful when cutting thin material (plexiglass, most recently) and for ripping miters for things like French cleats. It's great that it stabilizes both sides of the cut for stuff like that!
Thanks for your video. I'm sure the gripper is a good product but I feel like you do that I won't use the microjig because my hand is
too close to the blade so i will cintinue using my long wood homeade push sticks as I feel safer.
Best review yet! Great product, but do you really need it for the type of work you are doing?
I just bought my second gripper because I cut alot of 9/16 x 1/2 inch strips. Also use a zero clearce plate to cover the blade slot. For me this will be the solution I need to stay safe. Once assembled it shouldn't be that hard to set it up. I'm not in a hurry to cut wood. No one should be in a hurry.
Am I the only one that is watching this due to cutting my finger off?
yes, this happened yesturday. 20 years of ripping boards and trim on my table saw and like most, I got in a hurry and it happened so fast I was shocked. I was sure that my fingers were clear of the blade, but it wasnt:)
needless to say, im shopping for a push block! will use it all the time, every time from here on out!
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that!
I purchased a Grr-Ripper combo at the Woodworking show in Atlanta a few months ago. As someone who only has 3/4 of this thumb from a table saw (I was very young at the time) anything that gets my hands away from the blade is a plus. Also, any updates on your XCarve?
I'm all for keeping hands away from blades! YES on the X-Carve! We've been using it for a while now and absolutely love it. I'm going to start filming CNC content soon. It's a really cool machine and is my most-used tool at the moment.
How do you handle an 8’ piece of 1 x 4 with a push stick?
Let me answer this with another question. Do you push down on the end of the 1x4 that’s next to the blade and let the remaining 7 ft hang off of the front of the saw when you make that cut? I start that kind of cut by standing slightly back from the saw and support the bulk of the material that wants to fall. When the material is close enough to the table that it won’t fall, I switch to a push stick or maybe even the gripper (depending on the type of the cut) to finish it.
I have one but usually use push sticks.
For the couple of minutes it will take to set up the Gripper versus loosing fingers and never doing what you love ever again... Buy 2 for different set ups, We as wood workers are setting up equipment constantly for different task, I even know guys that have 2 table saws where 1 is set up for dados. The point is you have the tools to keep you safe why not use em. Cheers and keep safe
Steve Ramsey, I think that is his name made a push block with a 2x4. The back of the 2x4 has a catch on the back to hook the wood and separate handle screwed on top. On small pieces the blade cuts through the 2x4 and the catch in back. When the block is chewed up he removes the handle and puts it on another block with the catch in the back. So it is kind of like the gripper in use. a lot cheaper than the gripper.
Boy i tell ya lookin at your push blocks ( the handled ones ) that blade cut on them is still awful close to your poor hand i bought the saw stop job site pro cuz i too wanted to keep all my parts intact ,i make cutting boards alot so sometimesi have to rip thin stock , now im wondering if i want the gripper it does look like a pain to set up all the time , I might just have to resort to a thin strip jig ?? Thanks for the video!!!!
A Saw Stop is definitely a tool I'm eager to have in my shop. You could make the case for a Grr-Ripper for cutting boards. I imagine you've got a lot of repetitive cuts. A nice thin strip jig is an excellent option, though!
Here it is Feb. 14, and I'm shopping ( on-line ) for one of these Grippers, so I thought I'd have a look see at some reviews here on-line too.
I have already gone over the questions of " yeah but will I really use this Gripper? " I still don't have an answer to that.
I do use pusher sticks like you've shown here, and can use them well enough, but the thoughts of slicing my fingers etc. is always in my mind.
I have more thinking and watching to do I guess.
I'm sure you'll make the decision that's right for you. I will say that I have been using the grr-ripper for thin material and narrow rip cuts and it works pretty well for that as long as the rubber doesn't slip (that happens occasionally if it gets dirty). I had to do several of batches of french cleats (hundreds in each batch) and started using it then.
@@AnthonyTackett I was wary of the slipping probability because I know that rubber gets 'gummed up' with sawdust etc. and you mentioned to use
alcohol to clean it. Then I knew that this was the solution, so I did place the order for the Gripper.
I'll soon see if I made the correct decision, won't I ? :)
Bro, what happened at the 4:30 mark? Audio and video don't line up at all.
Dude I have no idea 😂. It must have happened during the export or something. That or gremlins. Possibly gremlins.
This was well produced comment, I bought one and it sits idle most of the time, I use it once in while just because I have it I ☹ am wondering if these responders are using as much or less, be honest🙊
I think it depends on what you are cutting. I have special feeder wheels, clamp on feather boards, push sticks, push handles and one of those Grr-rippers. And I use them all at different times. I think when you've been using your saw for a long time you just instinctively know which method will work best with the wood size you are cutting.
Push sticks can still allow kick back because the tip of the push stick is the only force holding down the stock - especially if it's a thin cut , therefore letting the momentum of the powerful blade forcing the piece backwards. Set up time for the "Gripper" is worh rhe safety.
YES, anything MicroJig makes is worth the money. I have two grippers and I use them on the table saw and router table. It's safe and they work.
The big fail on these microjigs is that they cannot be used with a crown guard, having cut through the workpiece your wrist is directly above an unguarded blade, you also have to lean much further over the rotating blade than you ever would with a push stick, I think there must be many of these things relegated to a shelf somewhere, never to see the light of day, as a final observation, why do people pay $100 for a piece of complicated to set up plastic jig ? They are using a woodworking machine, just make a push stick and feather boards, I know my micro jig will be sitting on its shelf for ever!
I just got a grr-ripper on amazon (on sale); it will get quite a lot of use in my shop. I cut a lot of 2 1/2" strips for the small boxes I sell.
I use a push shoe; I hate those bird's mouth push sticks. They may keep your hands furthest from the blade, but you end up sacrificing control.
We'll see how the grr-ripper performs for me though.
Cool! That’s great that you caught it on sale, too. I’d be interested to hear how you like it after using it a while. Sounds like your application is perfect for it since you won’t be reconfiguring the tool as often. Good luck!
@@AnthonyTackett Yeah I figured since I do a lot of repetitive cuts it'll get some use form me. The push shoe design does work well though.
One word of caution - being skittish can cause accidents too. I use random pieces of wood to push stuff through and one accidentally got caught in the spinning blade and wrenched it out of my hand, scraped my wrist and hit the garage door. Thankfully I was out of the line of fire. Having a proper tool and being precise about everything the table saw is doing is better. After this incident I am rethinking “sacrificial” push blocks. Plan and execute cuts with precision to avoid sacrificing push blocks. A grrr-ripper or even a saw stop is cheaper than your first ER visit - May be hobby woodworkers need a tax free woodworking savings account as part of their health plan. But I have not bought either - we just need better designed shop blocks and better planned execution. Don’t riff freestyle on the saw.
what the heck is happening with the audio from 4:28 on?
Gremlins
But then i read some of your comments and maybe i do need a gripper ???? My heads gonna pop !!! 😝
Haha. I think I may make a "part 2" of this video. Since recording, I've had orders for wall mounting kits for a cabinet maker that involve a few hundred french cleats. The Grr-Ripper has been great for making those 45° rip cuts since it stabilizes the wood on both sides of the blade. I've also used it to cut really thin material that my other push sticks can't get a good purchase on. If you buy one, I'm sure you'll find it useful like I eventually have. I just don't use it nearly as often as the other push sticks. I think things like a riving knife and other safety attachments are just as or even more important than the accessory you use to guide the wood through the saw.
I cut Lot of quarter inch material and had the cheap plastic push stick explode when it hit the blade now I use the gripper every time be careful
The wooden ones are okay but I found they can slip. Especially the one on the outside of the piece your cutting. The first time it slipped got my undivided attention. I personally don’t use a piece of wood to try and control the outside wood from moving away from the blade and fence. I’ve found that if I glue a piece of rubber drawer matting over the end of the push stick, I get better control and a little ease of mind but not totally. It’s always better to put 100% attention to what you are doing when using cutting tools. That’s why I don’t listen to music, or anything that “might” take my attention away from the saws, drill press or lathe.
Good tip! The rubber door lining is a great idea
I use a diy push stick with a feather board. Still have all my fingers.
Nice. I need to get in the habit of using a feather board more often
that's what I do and haven't had a problem
Better make one. Anyone who has a need for the gripper surely would have the ability to make one out of wood and some rubber pads. There are lots of DIY versions out there. I built a slightly longer version one and I think it is much better than the one they sell, at least for my use.
Nice! I can see how a longer one would be nice. I’ve been tempted to try and draw one up and cut the parts out on my CNC
The only problem I have is that the Grrr ipper promotes the use of a table saw without using the anti kickback pawls and blade guards that most table saws come with. Dont get me wrong I use mine without these in place at times, and I know I shouldn't and this is where it can get dangerous.
Yes! The safety accessories are super important. Especially the riving knife. That never comes off on my saw. I've had too many pieces try to pinch the blade due to internal tension in the wood. This has happed most often with pine. The riving knife is a must-have and the blade guard should be used whenever possible.
@@AnthonyTackett Yes same, riving knife is ALWAYS used
Would the gripper have prevented your accident?
Great question. Possibly but I doubt it. I was trying to cut a slot in a 4x4 and shouldn’t have been using the table saw at all, to be honest. A router would have been much smarter and safer.
Thanks! I am new to woodworking. Just bought a table saw and have used it to rip 1x lumber. I just ordered a gripper because I want to have options if I get nervous about a cut. Built two bookcases so far!
That’s great! So satisfying to make your own furniture!
Personally I do not use push sticks. I find push sticks unsafe. I use the shoe style. I find with push sticks, the angle of your wrist greatly affects the amount of surface you’re pushing against. While yes, your hands are farther away, you are pushing your hands straight towards the blade. I find with the shoe style, I am able to control the whole piece with one hand (tho I use a shoe in the right hand and a stick in the left). With the shoe style, I make them about 8” long, so you can apply pressure down and forward easily, and most of the pressure needed to the fence, then the push stick in the left hand can pick up the rest. I do not feel safe with a wobbly pushing stick, in my opinion. Plus, it’s a lot more comfortable having your hand pointed like this “ / “ than it is having your hand pointed like this “ - “ with a push stick (if that makes sense)
Yep! Totally makes sense. I have the John Heisz push shoe template that I’ve used to make a few in the past. Very comfortable
Thank you for your honest testimonial regarding your use (or rather non-use) of the Grr-ripper. I respect your introspective on whether or not a tool is good....for YOU. I have a Grr-Ripper ( and many other work holders). I use it with many tools and in many ways. It's a wonderful tool. However, I take great exception to much of its marketed and accepted use. I in no way intend my commentary to be condescending nor judgemental, but hopefully informational. Firstly, I consider myself lucky to have grown up at a time in public education when it was nearly standard that ALL kids (around 7th or 8th grade) were required to take an "industrial arts" class, much like a "Home Economics" class. Sadly, that is a by-gone time and I realize we now have generations of people coming in to the craft of woodworking that have not had even the most basic formal training with these machines. You-Tube makes that ever apparent. The table saw is just a tool, a phenomenal tool. However, it has LIMITATIONS, as all things (and people) do. While there is a huge number of techniques that can be learned regarding it, It only has a handful of very basic rules to obey. Break these rules, and with enough time spent with it, ( or perhaps immediately) you'll pay for it with a horrible injury. The premise of passing over the blade or near it with your hand (or any part of you, like your face to "see" something) with ANY form of push stick or hand held device is absolutely breaking Cardinal rule #1. Yes, I see fantastic craft-people use the Grr-ripper (AND other devices) like this all time. It's wrong. Period. If your hand isn't there, it can't get cut. NO person that has ever been cut by a running blade in the entire history of table saw can deny that. There are nearly dozens of different techniques to perform nearly every process on table saw. Some safe, others not. It doesn't mean that the desired process CAN be done. And desire does not mean the process SHOULD be done. If the process cannot be done without breaking these rules, you have either reached the limitations of the machine, or the limitations of the operator. Once we learn to identify and accept these limitations, we remain (relatively) safe. This is not judgement, it is perspective. Perspective I hope some people will consider and adapt. I've taken wicked, heavy kickbacks once, straight to the "seeds" , and once straight to the chest. And once I could see straight again, the only truth I had to face was that I broke a very basic rule. I wasn't happy with myself, and I was also pretty scared. I shouldn't have taken the chance and my 30+ years of grand 'ol experience got (literally) thrown in my face. I'll never do it again, but I've never been willing to take the same chance with the blade. I challenge any Grr-Ripper designer or user to purposely run their Grr-Ripper into the blade. With a fully wrapped hand on a device less than 6 inches from the blade? I promise their re-action will be faster than when the "unexpected accident" happens, but likely, not fast enough. If it is, awesome. Then do it 3 or 4 more times and see how you fare. Please, keep yourselves safe. That starts with operating while you're healthy, alert, and smarter than the machine that you are running. Knowledge is a tool, but knowledge can be both good and bad. Wisdom is knowing the difference.
Wow that was very well said. Thanks for taking the time to share!
this is my opinion of the gripper,,,personally I don't like it and im sure im among the few that don't,,i personally like using a guard and riving knife and you cant with the gripper,,i had much rather have a guard on my saw using a push stick about 12 or more inches long,,rather than not having a guard and my fingers be right on top of the blade,,,,i got caught up in it on you tube and ordered it,,mine is brand new and I would take 30.00 for it,,but everyone is different,,,that is my feelings on the gripper,,,
ILL BUY YOUR GRRIPER I JUST GOT A TABLE SAW AND THEY LOOK PRETTY COOL WHAT STATE ARE YOU IN?
My only table saw accident occurred when I first got my Grr-Ripper and table saw. . I can't blame the Grr-Ripper for. it directly, although it was a contributing factor. I was ripping a thin strip off a 2x4 that was longer than I should have been cutting without an out-feed table. As I got. most of the way through the cut, I noticed the Gripper was not squarely positioned on top of the board and the blade was chewing up the rubber. Its hard to position the GRR-Ripper on a long cut even if you have 2 because you have to keep moving it on and off the board, and I personally cant help worrying about the blade ispinning below my hand and a few inches of yellow plastic while I am doing it
As the board passed to the back of the blade. I turned off the saw and proceeded to look at the back the Grr-Ripper where the damage was being done. Not realizing that the blade was still spinning, i put my finger where the top of the blade had cut through. Fortunately, I only had about 1/8" of blade exposed above the cut. It grabbed my finger and cut 3 big gashes in it. Fortunately the Doc at the emergency clinic said there was no damage to bone or tendons, gave me a tetanus booster and a finger splint for a few days.
Do I blame the GRR-Ripper - No because I was inattentive to whether the blade had stopped and making a cut I should not have been making.. Would it have happened if I was not using the GRR-Ripper and instead was using a push stick with the blade guard on - No. I was lucky it wasn't worse.
The MicroJig Grr-Ripper was design so you won't get kick backs and not getting your fingers cut. You may not get your fingers cut using your push sticks but a flying wood piece may end up slamming onto your face during a kick back.
That's fair. I think that, regardless of your push stick/block preference, there is no substitute for taking your time, paying attention and using a riving knife and any other safety accessories for your saw that are designed to help minimize the risk of kickback.
Yes it’s worth the money. What other device allows you to safely run your hand over the blade
I was definitely dubious about these things. Especially since they effectively cost about four times as much here as they do in the US. But I eventually picked up one to try. My opinion is that for certain cuts it is indispensable. I've also never had any problem with it gripping. To those people who complain about not being able to see the blade I'll say that you should have checked where the blade would be going before you even turned the saw on. You also don't actually have to push the Grr-Ripper over the blade if you don't want to. You can easily push from further back just like you would with a push stick. It also does not require the removal of the riving knife, even if you are going over the blade.
Overall it is very solidly made and all the screws go perfectly into the machined metal inserts. The various configuration options make is quite versatile.
I'm also sure you can make something serviceable as a substitute for this tool, but that means spending time on the trial and error of making a tool instead of on something else.
Great comment! After using it a bit more, I've found it to be perfect for more narrow, repetitive rip cuts and for thin material like some plywoods and acrylic. For a while, I was making wall hanging kits for a guy and had to make hundreds of french cleats. The Grr-Ripper was great for that kind of work.
It’s much cheaper than a Sawstop and even cheaper than the cost of losing a finger
I agree, but a premium push block doesn’t guarantee you won’t lose a finger. Respect for the machine, taking necessary operating precautions, using the equipped safety attachments and taking your time to much farther.
This video should have been titled : "Is the Micro Grr-Ripper worth your time?"
Good call! I tweaked the title :)
Problem with those thin push sticks is the probability of a kick back are greater as you can apply no substantial downward force. Sure your hand is further away but you may be picking your teeth off the floor or nursing some broken ribs some day.
That's fair. At the end of the day, regardless of the push stick/block you use, the most important thing is to take your time, pay attention and don't stand directly behind the piece you're cutting. AND to use a riving knife, pawls, etc that your saw came with. I do use the Grr-Ripper on thinner material and when I make angled rips (french cleats, etc).
Anthony Tackett yeah as with saws and guns the real safety is between your ears ;)
Can you replicate the cut you shouldn’t have been making on the table saw.
Once with sticks and once with the Jig, so we can see the difference.
And label it “When I almost lost my entire hand”
😂 I’m not sure the views are worth the risk. I was making a cut that I shouldn’t have been using the table saw for at all when it happened. Definitely learned that lesson the hard way.
@@AnthonyTackett I get Lesser's request. We just want to learn from your unfortunate mistake. Maybe you can explain what you did with the power cord unplugged. Great review by the way!
With your little wooden sticks you still stand in line with the blade. If kickback happens the fly out will go through your stomach. Think about it. You do ramble quite a bit!
Lord, I was born a ramblin' man
Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can
And when it's time for leavin'
I hope you'll understand
That I was born a ramblin' man
I do stand offset from the blade so I'm not too worried about that. That's mostly why I prefer the two push stick method over the wooden ones. Definitely understand your concern and I appreciate the comment.
@@AnthonyTackett good. Point taken. I have almost Lost most of a finger doing exactly what you are doing with those piddly little sticks. After 45byears of being clever! When kickback happens you will believe me. Kind regards. Stick to the gripper. 5 seconds fiddling is much better than 4 fingers. Ciao!
I am a hobby woodworker and i bought my first ever tablesaw a week ago. Dewalt de7485, the compact one. This thing scares me. So i ordered a microjig gripper to be safer. I can understand your point that if you constantly have to adjust it for smaller cuts all the time, day in and day out, that it might be annoying and not as efficient. But my other hobby is Pc and gaming so i kinda need all my fingers where they currently are, and not on the floor. So for me, who won't work on the saw daily, or even weekly, im gonna take the extra time to adjust the microjig so i still have fingers to adjust the microjig :)
Safety is definitely the most important thing, regardless of how you push the material through, and the Grr-Ripper does a great job at helping to keep those fingers where they belong! Stay safe and thanks for the comment!
Im autistic and prone to rushing to get to the 'end game'. I know this leads to making mistakes and the table saw and router are not something you want to be making stulid errors with. Constantly stopping, thinking about how to set up the GRR-ripper will actually make me pause, think about the mechanics of the cut/profile Im about to make and consider other methods. Definately useful.
I appreciate your perspective on this and there is a lot to be said for pausing before operating power tools. Thanks for sharing!
Not worth the money in my experience/opinion. The design is fantastic. The quality, sadly, is not. I have two of these. The screws seized up and making adjustments is very difficult. The worst part is it loses its grip very fast. I find I have to use a traditional push stick still because the gripper doesn’t grip and I can’t move the wood.
I do not understand how this can be used on a table saw. The blade guard would get in the way- and you must NEVER move that.
Hey I have just bought one, and in the UK they are about £90 approx $117, and your right they are expensive. They certainly are not worth that amount.
Bro, aliexpress around 35$. Customers says that is pritty close to original grripper.
Really? Woodworking video and plugging caffeine pills lmfao
Thanks!
Thanks for trying the mints!
No problem!
I beg to differ. You got lucky with your hand cut. Your logic with the two sticks is flawed. When using that method, sometimes you need to apply moderate force. If you slip, your hand is going right into the blade. I’ve used sticks also and they are always slipping. If you think it takes too much time to setup the grr-ripper, you are most too likely too much in a hurry for safety in general. I have been using the micro gig stuff for years and it’s awesome! Just an example of how much in a hurry I am, after I shut off the saw, my hands are at my side until I see the blade come to a full stop. Then I give it another second before I reach fore the wood. Sometimes I feel my body wanting to grab for the wood early..but I don’t. So far I haven’t had any mishaps. Listen to what I am saying as well as other comments.
Don't agree. Over 50 years experience. Two stick method is asking for a kickback because of possible material lift. I know because it happened to me more than once. The J Heist style of one one the similar designs or the GRR-RIPPER is the way to go.
What I don't do is take mind and coordination altering drugs or chemicals when driving or operating saws. If you need coffee to keep your eyes open while driving or using power equipment then it must be time to hit the sack. The "Gripper" is way the Hell over priced but while you still have your hands you can make one for about $5.00 or less.....
Truth. An alert and cautious operator is the most important safety measure.
To be fair though, caffeine actually enhances alertness...
@@maplobats Unless you have too much.
Before I listen to the video I'll answer the main question now....NOPE.
This is for people who think Starbucks is th best coffee or Yeti is worth the price and think Yeti invented rotomold.
There is advantage.....sure.....but it's a $20 piece of plastic with a marketing scheme that works on people these days. You can make things that give you just as much of an advantage out of free scrapwood from a lumber yard.
Some people need trendy things to feel better though.
I was disappointed it didnt come with a decal for the back of the minivan for the suburban dad.
I ordered it with an open mind and returned it with laughter.
I’m partnering with a cabinet maker now and I make French cleats one hundred at a time. The grrr-ripper has actually been great for making a 45 degree rip on a narrow board. That’s the only application where I’ve benefited from it.
@@AnthonyTackett I did finish your video by the way. Just seems too clumsy to use other than being a really pretty block.
Thanks for watching!
No… it's a $60 piece of plastic. If it were $20, I don't think we'd see so many "Is it worth it?" videos and blogs.
They may not suit everyone, but Im spending the AU$110, because it suits my purpose (see my main comment)
Push sticks a really unsafe. Better than nothing, but nothing is holding the front down. The front can (and has) flipped up. I think most important though, never be leaning forward or off balance. We think we're smart enough not to fall on a saw, but that's not what your brain does. Your brain say "falling, put hands out."
That's a great point. No hold down tool will take the place of staying alert, taking your time, and following proper safety precautions when it comes to how you physically move around the saw. I've heard several stories about people falling chest first into saw blades or reaching out instinctively and losing fingers or worse! Thanks for the comment.
"DIY GRR-RIPPER"
Thanks for saving me $70.
No problem! To be fair, I have found a few uses for it since making this video. It works really well to stabilize both sides of a french cleat when you're ripping that. I also use it when I cut thing material like acrylic. Thanks for the comment!
Throw away those dang plastic push sticks that come with certain tools. They are too long and have to small of a push area that can allow slipping and that will direct the hand right into the saw-THROW THEM AWAY!!!
i just sold my gripper,,,i called it the slipper,,never liked it,,
Yeah. I’ve used mine several times since I made this video and I do wish the rubber base was more effective. It slides pretty often.
Video is hosed at 4:29. Useless as it is right now.