I had been cutting 5/16" thick bodies. This is because my saw plate (where the blade protrudes through) was too wide and narrow stock wanted to fall down into the saw. This opening also caused the stock to tip slightly so I ended up with bodies that were about 0.015" thicker on one side than the other. However the gripper held the narrow pieces just fine.
I recently built a custom oak plate that I then slowly raised the blade up though to cut the opening for the blade. There is no longer a gap around my blade and the surface is FLUSH with the table top. At the same time I added a malimie fence guide and square it up with the table top. I can finally truly square my stock without it being slightly off. I have only cut a couple 1/4" bodies since I did this work and the Gripper works great! Wish I had done both of these things years ago along with buying a gripper!
Again, I am still very cautious when using the saw, but I am no longer apprehensive.
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