A featherboard is used on a table saw, band saw or router table to hold smaller pieces of stock against the blade or bit to insure a clean cut and help prevent kickback. From a piece of defect-free wood (the sizes vary depending on application) several parallel cuts are made in the direction of the grain create fingers or "feathers" that flex in the direction of workpiece travel, preventing the workpiece from being dragged backwards by blade friction. It is then clamped into place on the table or fence and holds the material as it runs past the blade or cutting head.
Picture from www.photobucket.com
Picture from www.photobucket.com
