First Look-
Micro Jig GRR-Ripper Review
Table Saws, Router Tables, Band Saws, and the like are all exceptional shop tools. They are also exceptionally dangerous too. Brands like SawStop have made huge progress in enhancing shop safety, but they aren’t an option for everyone due to their cost. Micro-Jig aims to take tool safety to the next level without the need for big purchases. Today we take a look at their take on a push block that brings a slew of utility as well as unique functions you didn’t even know could enhance your shop. Let’s see what their GRR-Ripper is all about in the MicroJig GRR-Ripper Review.
Background Information-
Micro Jig GRR-Ripper Review
Power Tool safety is no joke. Table Saws alone account for something like five thousand injuries per year. Often, they are the result of a user not using correct safety procedures, but more than likely it was a pure accident. A quick distraction, bad binding or a dozen other scenarios can cause an injury in even the most vigilant user. I know from experience that kickback alone can cause pretty painful injuries, even if you use all the right precautions, it can still happen.
I actually know someone who had a significant table saw injury to their hand. Several surgeries later, a lot of pain and significant cost later, that hand will never quite be the same. One of the most effective ways I have found to prevent table saw and other power tool injuries is by using a push block or push stick. The MicroJig GRR-Ripper takes a push block and puts the gripping power on steroids. Without a doubt, this is a solid investment in your shop safety.
A Little about the Brand-
Micro Jig GRR-Ripper Review
Micro Jig was founded by a man named Henry Wang. Henry was a woodworker who was always looking to improve the everyday processes that take exceptional time and energy. At one point, Henry was cutting thin strips of wood and realized there was some room to improve the current methods. The GRR-Ripper was born shortly after. After numerous design changes, Henry formed Micro Jig in 2001 and began marketing the GRR-Ripper to be sold in specialty woodworking stores like Rockler and Woodcraft.
Today Micro Jig is a company that manufactures their tools in the USA. They offer numerous jigs and tools that focus heavily on maintaining safety and efficiency in any shop. Without a doubt, the GRR-Ripper is the backbone of their product line, and with good reason. While the GRR-Ripper wasn’t really designed as a safety feature, it has surely become known as a premier way to protect yourself from injuries in a woodshop.
Detailed Look-
Micro Jig GRR-Ripper Review
First, we will take a look at the GRR-Ripper Advanced 3D Push block, and then take a look at the accessories that are offered to get the most out of this tool.
The GRR-Ripper Advanced comes with three legs, as well as two additional accessories, the Stabilizing Plate and Adjustable Spacer. The GRR-Ripper shields your hands from bits and blades, providing a layer of protection where you need it most.
The signature non-slip material on the bottom for ultimate control on your workpiece.
The GRR-Ripper Advance is fully adjustable using its three legs based on your needs and can be adapted to suit any woodworking use.
An Adjustable handle allows for increased user comfort and control.
The Stabilizing plate provides more contact with your fence, allowing increased stability, something important for keeping your work flush. This feature provides increased accuracy when cutting by keeping your work square against the fence.
The Adjustable Spacer gives you additional gripping surface and an additional inch of cut capacity allowing wider cuts.
The 1/8-inch Gripper Ripper Leg adds yet another excellent option to an already valuable tool. This accessory attaches right to your GRR-Ripper and allows you to cut strips 1/8-inch thick. Cutting thin strips can be quite dangerous, but this accessory allows it to be done easily and safely.
GRR-Ripper Gravity Heel Kit is a consumable product that comes in a set of 5 heels, two spacers, and the needed hardware. The Gravity Heel Kit fits all GRR-Rippers.
Essentially the Gravity Heel works using a spring. The heel rides on top of the workpiece initially, but as you adjust, the heel drops down on the back of the workpiece giving ample grip and reducing blowout.
This accessory gives incredible leverage for improved results during routing applications where a blowout is especially common.
The GRR-Ripper Handle Bridge Kit offers an alternate handle to increase workpiece contact and performance.
Additional contact points allow even pressure on the workpiece for more control. Additionally, allowing the handle to be installed on an angle increases the accuracy and balance against the fence and a more natural movement for the user increasing comfort.
The GRR-Ripper Handle Bridge Kit includes a Trailing hook for holding the back end of the workpiece.
Last but not least in the accessory line for the GRR-Ripper, is the Deflector/ Connector. This accessory serves two main purposes as the name implies.
When installed as a deflector you have an additional layer of protection against sawdust and debris created while in use. Additionally, an extra layer is placed between you and your power tool.
As a Connector, the Deflector/Connector Accessory allows you to attach two GRR-Rippers for working with longer workpieces.
Who Can Use This-
Micro Jig GRR-Ripper Review
The GRR-Ripper is legitimately a tool for every user. If you’re a professional woodworker, you will love the ability to make more complex cuts right on a table saw without wasting wood or putting your fingers at risk. Additionally, the use on a router table or a band saw will undoubtedly be handy for keeping an incredible grip on your workpiece without risking your fingers.
For a homeowner or hobbyist, there is no doubt what this tool can offer you. If you are just beginning, tools like a table saw are intimidating, and with good reason. For these users, the GRR-Ripper offers ideal gripping power and lends more confidence as they hone their skills.
Value-
Micro Jig GRR-Ripper Review
For me, you can’t possibly put a price on safety. I can’t imagine there really is a time where the value isn’t easy to see in the GRR-Ripper. The Advanced comes with the additional stabilizing plate and spacer, which I think are well worth the increase from the original GRR-Ripper. The accessory options are priced well too and allowing them to be purchased separately allows users to customize their experience.
To Find Any of these Tools, head to the MicroJig Website!
The MicroJig GRR-Ripper Advanced comes in at 79.99 (GR-200)
The 1/8-inch GRR-Ripper Leg Accessory is 15.95 (GRP-11G)
GRR-Ripper Gravity Heel Kit Accessory is 15.95 (GRGH-040)
GRR-Ripper Handle Bridge Kit Accessory – 14.95 (GRHB-010)
Deflector/Connector- 12.95 (GRDC-020)
Wrap Up-
Micro Jig GRR-Ripper Review
MicroJig is a company I would recommend to keep watching! What I love about their design is how well thought out each feature is. There isn’t anything that isn’t high quality or doesn’t function as it should. I think the GRR-Ripper is nothing short of exceptional, and I am eager to try some of the other tools MicroJig offers.
I loved the optional accessories too, my favorite being the GRR-Ripper Handle Bridge Kit Accessory. I really felt like it enhanced the balance and weight distribution and since I spend a lot of time at the router table, I think it really enhances the end finish of a piece. If you cut a lot of thin strips for detailed work, the 1/8inch leg is a must-have item to cut ultra-thin pieces with ease.
Safety is the name of the game when it comes to power tools. I noticed the overall cut quality on both my table saw and router table was improved with the stability MicroJig offers. This type of tool can be a hit or a miss, and for me, this was definitely a hit.
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[…] saw, it’s a must to do all we can to stay as safe as possible. I reviewed the GRRRipper here on Tool Girl’s Garage over a year ago, and I still love it as much now as I did then! While mine has seen some serious […]