If you use a table saw or router table, you already know that keeping stock tight against the fence and flat on the table is critical. A featherboard does exactly that: it applies consistent pressure to the workpiece so your hands stay farther away from the blade or bit. The result is safer cutting and cleaner, more accurate results.
In this guide you will find top featherboard options, plus tips on setup, features that matter, and how to use them effectively with your table saw or router table. Whether you’re a hobby woodworker or a seasoned pro, the right featherboard can make a noticeable difference in both safety and cut quality.
Why Use a Featherboard?
- Improves safety: Keeps your hands away from the blade while maintaining pressure on your workpiece.
- Boosts accuracy: Prevents stock from drifting away from the fence during a cut.
- Reduces tear‑out: Helps hold thin or flexible pieces flat against the table surface.
- Supports consistent cuts: Provides repeatable feed pressure on long or awkward pieces.
Featherboards are simple tools, but they make a big difference when paired with a good fence system and disciplined technique.
How to Choose a Featherboard
1. Material and Build Quality
Featherboards come in different materials: hardwood, plastic, and aluminum. Plastic is light, smooth, and won’t damage your workpiece. Aluminum is strong, stable, and often designed to fit T‑slots easily. Hardwood is inexpensive but may be less durable over time.
2. Mounting Compatibility
Check whether the featherboard fits your table saw’s miter slot or T‑track. Some boards come with T‑slot hardware, while others need a separate adapter.
3. Adjustability
Good featherboards let you fine‑tune the pressure and positioning. Look for micro‑adjustment knobs or cam clamps for quick changes.
4. Number of Fingers
More fingers spread out pressure over a larger area, helping feed long boards or thin material more smoothly. A single‑finger featherboard works well for small stock or edge control near the blade.
Top Table Saw Featherboards Compared
| Featherboard | Material | Best For | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microjig GRR‑Ripper 3D System | Plastic / Composite | All‑around safety & control | Integrated hold‑down with push assist |
| Powermatic Featherboard Kit | Plastic | General table saw use | Two featherboards + hardware |
| Kreg KMS7102 Face‑Level Featherboard | Plastic | Fine adjustments | Cam‑lever adjuster |
| JessEm Mast‑R‑Fence Featherboard | Aluminum / Plastic | Heavy‑duty fence control | Robust locking hardware |
| WoodRiver Featherboard Set | Plastic | Budget‑friendly kit | Includes mounting hardware |
1. Microjig GRR‑Ripper 3D System – Most Versatile Featherboard System
The Microjig GRR‑Ripper is well known in woodworking circles. It’s more than just a featherboard: it combines hold‑down pressure with edge control, so stock stays against the fence and down on the table. The design also helps prevent kickback by holding the workpiece firmly. Adjustments are easy and secure, and the system works with table saws, router tables, and bandsaws.
- Pros: Dual pressure (hold‑down + side pressure), smooth plastic fingers, excellent safety.
- Cons: Pricier than basic featherboards.
This is a great all‑around pick when you want more control without swapping multiple devices around your saw.
2. Powermatic Featherboard Kit – Solid Standard Choice
Powermatic’s kit includes two featherboards and the hardware needed to mount them in miter slots or T‑tracks. The boards are made of dense plastic with flexible fingers that grip stock without marring it. The kit gives you one featherboard for use along the fence, and another that can be set for outfeed support or other holding needs.
- Pros: Good quality plastic, versatile pair, straightforward setup.
- Cons: Lacks micro‑adjustment controls.
An excellent choice if you want a pair of boards for everyday cuts at a reasonable price.
3. Kreg KMS7102 Face‑Level Featherboard – Easy Adjustment at the Fence
The Kreg featherboard has a cam‑lever adjuster that makes it quick and easy to set the pressure and position. Its face‑level mounting keeps the board close to the stock edge, which is ideal for ripping and small adjustments. The plastic fingers are stiff yet forgiving, gripping stock without gouging.
- Pros: Quick clamp action, smooth setup, good for frequent position changes.
- Cons: Works best with T‑track or compatible fences.
This board shines when you’re changing setups often or need quick pressure adjustments.
4. JessEm Mast‑R‑Fence Featherboard – Heavy‑Duty Fence Control
JessEm’s featherboard works with their Mast‑R‑Fence series but also fits many other fences with T‑slots. The aluminum base and robust hardware give it a solid, premium feel. The board’s fingers are plastic to protect stock edges, and the locking system holds settings tight even under heavy feed forces.
- Pros: Strong hardware, reliable lock, great for heavy‑duty work.
- Cons: Higher cost and not as compact.
If you run long feeds or heavier stock often, this featherboard gives confidence with strong clamping and consistent pressure.
5. WoodRiver Featherboard Set – Budget‑Friendly Kit
For woodworkers who want solid holding power without spending a lot, the WoodRiver set delivers two featherboards and mounting hardware at a low price. They’re made of flexible plastic that grips without damaging wood, and the included hardware fits most table saw miter slots.
- Pros: Low cost, decent performance, includes hardware.
- Cons: Fingers can flex too easily with heavy stock.
A good starter option if you don’t need premium adjustability or heavy‑duty holding power.
Featherboard Setup Tips
1. Place at the Fence
Install featherboards on the fence so they press stock firmly against it. This keeps your board from drifting away and improves cut precision.
2. Use Both Side and Hold‑Down Boards
One board holding the stock to the fence and one holding it down on the table provides the best control. This prevents lift and sideways drift that can cause poor cuts or kickback.
3. Adjust Before Powering Up
Stop the blade and adjust featherboards with the saw off. You want consistent contact, but not so much pressure that feeding the wood becomes difficult.
4. Align Fingers with Feed Direction
Featherboard fingers should lean in the feed direction. They flex as the stock moves, then resist backward motion — helping hold stock in place without fighting the feed motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make My Own Featherboard?
Yes — many woodworkers cut featherboards from hardwood scraps with angled kerfs that create flexible fingers. While homemade boards work well, commercial featherboards often have smoother fingers and better mounting hardware for repeat use.
Do Featherboards Work on Router Tables?
Absolutely. Featherboards are helpful on router tables to hold stock flat against the surface and steady against fences during edge work or shaping passes.
Will Featherboards Work with Any Fence?
Most featherboards are designed for miter slots or T‑track fences. If your table or fence lacks these, you may need an adapter or a different mounting method to secure the featherboard safely.
Final Thoughts
A featherboard is one of the simplest safety accessories you can add to a table saw or router table — yet it often delivers one of the most noticeable improvements in both safety and cut quality. From the versatile pressure control of the Microjig GRR‑Ripper to the budget‑friendly WoodRiver Featherboard Set, there are great options for every skill level and budget.
Choose boards that match your table’s mounting system, and take a few minutes to set them up before each cut. The extra control makes feeding stock smoother, keeps material tracking true, and gives you peace of mind working close to rotating blades.