I religiously use rubber pushblocks (2 with the back on with the tabs down) on my jointer and never wear gloves. I agree that the European guards get in the way on a wide piece on a jointer. I guess you could take your front hand/push block off the wood and transfer it over the guard to the distal part while jointing, but doesn't that mean that you really mean the wood could lift up slightly while changing your hand position and not getting a true flat cut on the wood?
And, more importantly, glad you're okay.
- After I ask a stranger if I can pet their dog and they say yes, I like to respond, "I'll keep that in mind" and walk off
- It's above my pay grade. Mongo only pawn in game of life.