Final answer:
A push stick or push block is a safety device used in woodworking to safely feed material into the cutting area of machinery such as table saws and band saws, providing control while keeping hands away from the blades.
Step-by-step explanation:
The object being described is known as a push stick or push block. This tool is commonly used in woodworking and carpentry, especially when working with table saws, band saws, routers, or other woodworking machinery. The push stick allows the user to safely feed material into the cutting area without placing their hands and fingers in danger. The notch or sharp point grips the material, providing better control while pushing the material through the cutting tool. The subject in question serves as an important safety device to prevent accidents and ensure the efficiency of the operation. Woodworkers often become as emotionally attached to their tools as soldiers do to their swords. Moreover, when cutting wood or any other material, having a sharp edge, as discussed in the given reference, is crucial as it exerts higher pressure and makes the cutting process more effective.
The use of simple machines like wedges, as mentioned in the references, can be related to the concept of the push stick which interacts with the material and the machinery to achieve a desired output. Safety and efficiency are paramount, just as how the wedge increases the force applied to crack the wood. Overall, a push stick is a practical application of these principles, ensuring precise, efficient, and safe working conditions when dealing with powerful cutting tools.