Micro Jig Grr-Ripper Table Saw Push Block Review
Personal Experience
I have been using the MicroJig Grr-Ripper adjustable push block for the last 3 years on my table saw and it has completely replaced my standard push stick. The MicroJig Grr-Ripper is by far the best push block on the market, due to its commanding hold of a workpiece, providing multiple directions of force, and nearly eliminating kickbacks. At first, I was hesitant to buy the 3d push block due to the cost until I had an accident with a kickback, luckily without injury. Now, the Grr-Ripper has become to be an essential safety tool in my woodworking shop that I regret not buying sooner. In my personal review below I outline my personal experience using the Grr-Ripper system and will help you decide if the push block is the right tool for your workshop.
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Pros
Powerful Grip
Adjustable Spacer
Multiple Directions of Pressure
Cons
Expensive
Large Size
Requires Blade Guard Removal
Specifications
Weight: 1.8lbs
Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
Cutting Range: 1/4 to 5 inches
Compatible Tools:
Table Saws
Router Tables
Jointers
Band Saws
What's Included
When you buy the GRR-Ripper GR-100 it comes with everything you need to be safe. It comes with the main body of the push block, a 1/2-inch leg, a 1/4-inch leg, as well as the center adjustable leg. It also comes with an adjustable handle, a balance support bracket, and all the necessary hardware. One downside is that you do have to assemble the push block which is fairly easy and quick. If you choose to get the GR-200 it is essentially the same except for an extra stabilizing plate and adjustable space.
Features
The Grr-Ripper GR-100 is a completely unique take on a push block making numerous safety improvements. The push block comes with an adjustable handle that can be angled to allow for inward pressure toward the rip fence. The push block also has a proprietary green grr-rip material on the base of the grr-ripper that easily provides enough grip even for rough-cut lumber. Another feature of the Grr-Ripper is the adjustable spacer that can be positioned to avoid the saw blade when making rip cuts. I personally found the push block to be much safer than a push stick when cutting narrow pieces since it allows you to push the wood past the blade with even pressure on both pieces. The adjustable pushblock is also able to cut thin strips down to 1/4 of an inch thick and even thinner with the 1/8 inch add-on leg. Also, the Grr-Ripper provides standard a built-in balance support attachment that can be used if making thin cuts and you need extra support to keep the push block flat.
Performance
Control
In my experience with the Grr-Ripper 3D push block, I notice I had greater control over the workpiece and never felt a lack of grip when making cuts on a table saw. Throughout the entire cut, I am able to apply downward force as well as forward pressure all while keeping my fingers away from the saw blade. Also, the slanted handle naturally provides inward pressure towards the fence ensuring you always have precise cuts. I have noticed that sometimes I find myself putting too much downward pressure but it's something to get used to. One downside is that for wider stock or long boards, you may need two Grr-Rippers to have an adequate grip on your workpiece without using your hands.
Cut Quality
The Grr-Ripper in my option has improved the level of precision of my cuts on the table saw due to the additional gripping surface and control it provides. One aspect that I love is the Grr-Ripper is able to keep both sides of the cut parallel and push the workpiece and off-cut through the entire cut. I also noticed the push block eliminates the chatter or vertical movement when long boards pass over the blade due to a lack of downward pressure which results in much smoother cuts.
Thin Rip Cuts
One of the main benefits is the Grr-Ripper can make ripping thin strips of wood very easy. The adjustable center leg allows the saw blade to pass through the push block while still being able to grip narrow stock down to 1/4 of an inch between the blade and the fence. Also, the adjustable balance support is helpful when you're cutting narrow boards as it offers a stable base to slide on your table saw top while still allowing for downward force on the workpiece. Nearly all other push sticks or push blocks would come in contact with the table saw blade for similar cuts. The Grr-Ripper push block in my opinion is the best and easiest way to cut thin strips of wood.
Safety
The main reason I purchase the Grr-Ripper is due to a close call with a kickback, leaving a dent in my garage door, and a desire for shop safety. The Grr-Ripper push block is unique in that it can apply downward pressure to a workpiece on both sides of the blade. Also, it provides an easy way to apply three directions of control, pushing forward through the blade, downward on the table saw, and inward towards the rip fence giving you total control of your board. The only downside is that you won't be able to use the standard moving blade guard as it will impact your push block however, you can still use the riving knife which is the most important safety device on your saw. I personally find the Grr-Ripper to be the safest way to make cuts on my table saw and it easily keeps my fingers away from the blade at all times.
In comparison to a conventional push block, the Grr-Ripper is a much safer and more versatile option. The push block is equipped with MicroJig's powerful Green Grr-Rip to give you the best grip possible and in my experience, I have not had it slip once. Also, the Grr-Ripper has more surface area to easily manage pattern routing while keeping your hands elevated and away from the dangerous spinning bits. I have also used the push block on my jointer keeping my hands far away from the cutter head. Regardless of which power tools your using safety needs to always be on your mind and the Grr-Ripper is such a versatile push block you can use it for practically any application.
Warranty & Support
The MicroJig Grr-Ripper GR-100 comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and you can easily return the push block for a full refund and with free shipping. The push block also comes with a 3-year extended warranty so you know MicroJig is going to stand their product. I personally have not had any issues with my Grr-Ripper and haven't noticed any weak points on the push block. MicroJig also offers replacement parts on their website for every part on the push block which is nice to know you can always repair it for cheap.
Value & Quality
The Grr-Ripper is by far the most expensive push block on the market however, it is the best selling push block for a reason. The push block is made from high-quality materials and from my experience, MicroJig seems to have good quality control on their products. Even though the Grr-Ripper push block is expensive in comparison to other push sticks and push blocks, it's a highly versatile tool that will help keep you safe and prevent accidents more than the alternatives. The main body of the push block is adjustable and is my go-to tool for any unique uses on the table saw or router. In my opinion, the value greatly outweighs the cost and would look at the Grr-Ripper if you're considering upgrading your standard push stick.
Add-Ons
If you're a professional woodworker and need more functionality from your push block MicroJig offers additional accessories that work with every Grr-Ripper push block. The upgrade kit essentially turns your GR-100 into the Grr-Ripper GR-200 advanced push block that includes an additional stabilizing plate, an adjustable spacer, and all the mounting hardware. MicroJig also has a 1/8 inch lig that attaches to the side of the push block legs and allows you to rip thinner boards. Also available is a gravity heel kit that helps push your workpiece through the table saw or router table while increasing grip and reducing blowout. If you want incredible command over your workpiece MicroJig offers their handle bridge kit that allows equal pressure across the entire push block rather than on just that handle mounting point.
Should You Buy It
Yes if……
From my experience, the Grr-Ripper is the best table saw push block available and is worth the money. It offers multiple directions of force, adjustable center leg, and provides superior precision over traditional push sticks. If you plan to be a woodworker long-term and want to take tool safety to the next level the Grr-Ripper is what you need.
No if……
If you're not big into woodworking and only plan to use a table saw a few times a year, then you will be fine using the factory push stick and a feather board. However, if you want to be safe the Grr-Ripper is worth the extra cost.
Alternatives
There are a few alternatives to the MicroJig Grr-Ripper however they come with limited features or adjustability. If you want to compare push sticks I have a detailed comparison of the best push sticks available in this article. The best alternative would be the Milescraft GrabberPRO which is a cheaper alternative but is much larger and the quality control seems questionable. If you're not sure you need all the functionality of the Grr-Ripper then I would highly recommend the POWERTEC L-Push Stick which will give you more control and downward pressure than a traditional push stick. If you're just getting started in woodworking and not sure about spending the money on a single push block just yet, buying a complete set like the POWERTEC 5-Pack Set would be a good idea. If you want the best of the best MicroJig offers a Complete 3D Pushblock System that includes a standard push block and all accessories available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Grr-Ripper GR-100 is nearly identical to the more capable GR-200, with one key difference. The GR-200 is the same push block except it comes with MicroJig's Upgrade Kit at a discounted price. The Upgrade Kit includes an extra adjustable spacer, stabilizing plate, and mounting hardware. The kit is designed for additional inward pressure for tall rip cuts and the extra spacer is for extra grip on larger boards or as a blade guard for router cuts.
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Typically push blocks are used to push material through a jointer, band saw, or holding a workpiece on a router table. Push sticks are designed to work with tools like a table saw to push wood through the saw blade. However, in the case of the Grr-Ripper push block it's actually better suited to be used on a table saw with its adjustable center leg and multiple directions of force while still being capable for use on a jointer, band saw, or router table.
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My personal rule of thumb is that anytime I feel uncomfortable with my hands being close to a blade is when I should be using a push stick or push block. Typically that is if my hand is within 6 inches of the blade, I will use my Grr-Ripper to control the wood on the table saw. For the most part, I aim to take tool safety seriously because the consequences of an accident could be serious and I regularly always use a push block or push stick.
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