Woodworking is an art and a science. Whether you're a professional craftsman or just a Saturday afternoon do-it-yourselfer

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having a good set of plans in hand can make the difference between a satisfying project and a frustrating exercise in lost time and wasted materials.   Of the many options that are available to woodworkers, Teds Woodworking Plans leads the pack with its sheer quantity of information and customer-centric presentation. But is it all it's cracked up to be? In this article, we dive deep into what Teds Woodworking Plans is, who it's for, and whether it's worth investing in.

What Are Teds Woodworking Plans?

Teds Woodworking Plans is an online product developed by Ted McGrath, a seasoned woodworker, teacher, and member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute. The product contains more than 16,000 woodworking plans, which is one of the largest packages found online. These plans range from basic birdhouses and coffee tables to complex furniture, sheds, and even woodworking workshop scale. McGrath explains that the intention was to develop a collection that would work for everyone with any level of skill, from complete novices to experienced master craftsmen.

What's Included in Teds Woodworking Plans?

The bundle features:

1. 16,000+ Woodworking Projects

The selling point is, naturally, the enormous collection of plans. These comprise:

Furniture (beds, chairs, tables, cabinets)

Garden projects (benches, pergolas, greenhouses)

Home improvement items (bookcases, dog houses, children's toys)

Outdoor structures (sheds, gazebos, barns)

DIY crafts and small knick-knacks

Each plan usually consists of:

Detailed step-by-step directions

Material lists

Cut sheets and diagrams

3D drawings and pictures

2. CAD Design Software Bonus

A free CAD software is also included for those who would like to make their own or edit their own plans. It is a nice bonus for more advanced users who like to plan or conceptualize their projects in the digital format.

3. Woodworking Guides and Tutorials

As a bonus, the package includes different woodworking guides such as:

How to begin a woodworking business

Wood types and their uses

Choosing the right tools and safety

Finishing methods

4. DWG & CAD Plan Viewer

This software enables you to see and work with DWG/CAD files, making it easier for you to grasp more intricate plans.

5. Lifetime Updates and Customer Support

By buying the package, you receive lifetime support for updates, i.e., new plans accumulated over time are covered at no additional cost.

Advantages of Using Teds Woodworking Plans

1. Humongous Number of Projects

The primary selling factor is the sheer number of projects. Whether you have a basic shelf or a two-story shed to construct, there is something in the library of plans for you.

2. Beginner-Friendly

Even with the complexity of some of the projects, the majority of the plans are divided in such a manner that they are accessible to beginners. The guidelines are step by step and accompanied by diagrams, which keep the learning process remarkably low.

3. High-Quality Visuals

Plans usually include 3D diagrams and easy-to-understand visuals that simplify the construction process even for the novice woodworker.

4. Time-Saving

Being in possession of ready-to-use plans can be the difference between spending hours researching, planning, and experimenting versus skipping all that hassle and getting straight into a project knowing precisely what you require and how to approach it.

5. Cost-Effective

When contrasted against the expense of purchasing individual plans or employing experts to craft blueprints, Teds Woodworking Plans is a bargain. It's a single purchase that might last forever.

6. Offline Availability

After being downloaded, plans can be made available offline, which is perfect for users operating within garages or workshops where there's no internet connectivity.

Potential Disadvantages

1. Overwhelming Quantity

Though the sheer number of plans is impressive, it can also be daunting. The plans are not necessarily laid out logically, and discovering the ideal project can be time-consuming unless you have a clear idea of what you're searching for.

2. Quality Variance

With so many plans, not all are equal. There are some that are very detailed and professional, and others that seem to be from the last century or completely devoid of pictures. But the good plans easily outnumber the poor ones.

3. Digital Format Only (Unless You Order Physical DVDs)

The basic package is entirely digital. For those who prefer physical books or DVDs, there is an extra cost to have them shipped.

4. Marketing Hype

The sales page can be somewhat over-the-top, with grandiose claims that may come off as “too good to be true.” This can make skeptical buyers question the legitimacy, though many user reviews confirm the product’s actual value.

Who Is Teds Woodworking Plans For?

Teds Woodworking Plans is best suited for:

Beginners:

The easy-to-follow guides and complete material lists make it an excellent choice for newcomers to woodworking. If you’ve never picked up a saw or hammer before, you’ll still find value.

Intermediate Hobbyists:

For those with some experience, the plans offer new challenges and inspiration, along with professional touches like CAD diagrams.

Advanced Woodworkers:

While not all plans will push experts, the enormous library and customization option (through CAD software) still make it relevant to professional or near-pro woodworkers.

DIY Enthusiasts:

If you like home renovation, crafting, or creating gifts for friends and relatives, this collection can be a constant source of ideas.

Entrepreneurs:

Would-be woodworking entrepreneurs can turn these plans into quick money makers to sell at craft fairs, online stores, or furniture outlets.

Real User Reviews

Teds Woodworking Plans has existed for well over a decade, and reviews tend to be positive. Most users point out:

How the plans assisted them in successfully finishing their initial project

The simplicity of exploring the more novice-oriented designs

The worth of having lifetime access and updates

But a couple of users mention the sometimes-off inconsistency in the plan quality and the initial challenge in exploring the enormous content library.

Tips for Maximizing Teds Woodworking

Begin with a Small Project

Use a beginner project as a test run to see how the plans are organized and how long a project will take.

Stay Organized

Download and organize plans by category or folder on your device. This makes it easier to recall them later.

Utilize the CAD Tools

If you're going to be altering any plans or creating your own, make the most of the bundled CAD software and viewer.

Participate in Online Communities

It may be beneficial for you to join online woodworking forums where other Teds Plans users post modifications, finished projects, and useful tips.

Print Plans for Workshop Use

If you're working in a location where there is no access to digital, print out only what plans are necessary for a particular project.

Pricing

Teds Woodworking Plans typically costs $67, but limited-time discounts and special offers are not uncommon. For the cost of purchasing several individual plans that may cost between $10 and $20 each, the price is very competitive.

There is also a 60-day money-back guarantee, providing a risk-free mechanism for you to test the product and determine whether or not it suits you.

Alternatives to Teds Woodworking Plans

While Teds is perhaps the most well-known, it's not the lone wolf in the pack. Here are a few alternatives:

1. Woodworkers Guild of America (WWGOA)

Provides high-end video content and plans but is subscription-based.

2. Ana White

Popular blog that provides free project plans—particularly great for furniture projects with a rustic farmhouse look.

3. Instructables

Perfect for hobbyist DIYers, but plan quality and instructions vary greatly.

4. Sawdust Girl

Emphasizes interior cabinetry and furniture, with in-depth blog tutorials.

All of these share some similarities, but none of them provide the amount of content that Teds does in one package.

Final Verdict: Is Teds Woodworking Worth It?

If you're serious about woodworking, Teds Woodworking Plans offers immense value. It's far from perfect—there's a little fluff, and not all plans are gold—but for the price and amount of content, it's difficult to beat. For beginners, it's a solid book that eliminates much of the guesswork. For experienced woodworkers, it's a huge library of ideas and inspiration. And for people who want to make money with woodworking, the business guide and high-volume plan access can be an actual asset.