n the world of DIY woodworking, finding high-quality, easy-to-follow plans can be a challenge. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned carpenter, having access to clear blueprints and detailed instructions is essential for building your next project with confidence. One of the most well-known and widely advertised woodworking resources on the internet is Ted’s Woodworking, a massive collection of plans that promises to offer everything a woodworker could need.
In this article, we’ll explore what Ted’s Woodworking is, what’s included in the package, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether it’s worth the investment for hobbyists and professional woodworkers alike.
What is Ted’s Woodworking?
Ted’s Woodworking is an extensive digital collection of over 16,000 woodworking plans created by Ted McGrath, a certified master woodworker, educator, and woodworking enthusiast. Ted claims to have compiled the plans over several years, curating a vast array of projects for woodworkers of all skill levels. The collection is marketed as one of the most comprehensive woodworking plan databases available, covering everything from small household projects to large, complex structures like sheds and furniture.
The primary goal of Ted’s Woodworking is to provide clear, easy-to-understand instructions that allow even beginners to successfully complete woodworking projects without confusion or guesswork.
What’s Included in Ted’s Woodworking?
The package offers a wide variety of woodworking plans and other resources designed to help woodworkers complete their projects efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:
1. 16,000+ Woodworking Plans
The core of Ted’s Woodworking is the extensive collection of woodworking plans. These plans cover a wide range of projects, including:
- Furniture: Chairs, tables, cabinets, and beds
- Outdoor Projects: Sheds, pergolas, benches, and birdhouses
- Small Crafts: Picture frames, toys, and decorative items
- Household Projects: Shelves, organizers, and storage solutions
- Carpentry and DIY: Workbenches, tool racks, and workshop setups
Each plan includes step-by-step instructions, detailed blueprints, material lists, and clear diagrams to guide you through the building process.
2. Step-by-Step Instructions
One of the key selling points of Ted’s Woodworking is the emphasis on clarity and simplicity. Each project plan comes with step-by-step instructions that outline every stage of the build. This is especially useful for beginners who may not be familiar with certain woodworking techniques or terms.
The instructions are written in a way that’s easy to follow, with each step accompanied by detailed diagrams and illustrations. This visual aid ensures that you can see exactly what each part of the project should look like as you move through the building process.
3. Material and Cutting Lists
For every project, Ted’s Woodworking provides a complete list of materials and tools required. The cutting lists specify the size and type of wood or materials needed for each part of the project. This helps you avoid unnecessary trips to the hardware store and ensures you have everything you need before you start building.
4. 3D Diagrams and Blueprints
The collection includes detailed blueprints and 3D diagrams that help visualize the final product. These diagrams are especially helpful for more complex projects that require precise measurements and cuts. The blueprints allow you to see how all the components fit together, reducing the chances of making mistakes during assembly.
5. Bonus Guides and Tutorials
In addition to the woodworking plans, Ted’s Woodworking includes several bonus resources, such as:
- Woodworking Videos: A library of video tutorials that demonstrate various woodworking techniques and project builds.
- How-to Guides: Written guides on different aspects of woodworking, such as wood selection, tool use, and finishing techniques.
- DWG and CAD Plan Viewer: A software tool that allows you to view and edit digital plans using CAD software.
6. Lifetime Access and Updates
When you purchase Ted’s Woodworking, you receive lifetime access to the entire collection. This means you’ll receive any updates or new plans added to the package in the future without additional cost. For those looking to continually expand their woodworking skills, this is a significant advantage.
Benefits of Ted’s Woodworking
There are several reasons why Ted’s Woodworking has become so popular among woodworkers. Here are some of the main benefits:
1. Wide Variety of Projects
With over 16,000 plans, Ted’s Woodworking offers something for everyone, regardless of skill level. Whether you’re looking to build a simple birdhouse or a full-sized outdoor shed, you’ll find a plan in the collection that suits your needs. The diversity of projects ensures that you’ll never run out of things to build, and you can progress from simple to more complex builds as your skills improve.
2. Easy for Beginners
Ted’s Woodworking is designed to be accessible to beginners. The detailed instructions, diagrams, and material lists make it easy to follow along, even if you’ve never completed a woodworking project before. The plans are written in plain language, and the visual aids make it simple to understand each step.
3. Comprehensive Material Lists
The inclusion of precise material and cutting lists is a huge time-saver for woodworkers. By providing exact measurements and a complete list of tools and materials, you can ensure that you have everything you need before starting the project, reducing waste and saving money on unnecessary purchases.
4. High-Quality Diagrams and Blueprints
The detailed 3D diagrams and blueprints are one of the standout features of Ted’s Woodworking. These illustrations provide a clear visual reference for each project, which is particularly helpful for more complex builds. Having these visual aids helps to minimize mistakes and ensures that each part of the project is constructed correctly.
5. Bonus Resources
The bonus resources, such as the video tutorials and how-to guides, add additional value to the package. For those looking to expand their woodworking knowledge or learn new techniques, these bonuses provide a wealth of information that complements the plans.
6. Lifetime Access
Lifetime access to the collection ensures that you’ll continue to receive new plans and updates as they’re added. This long-term value makes Ted’s Woodworking a solid investment for anyone serious about woodworking.
Drawbacks of Ted’s Woodworking
While Ted’s Woodworking has many strengths, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
1. Overwhelming Volume of Plans
With over 16,000 plans, the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming for some users. It can be difficult to navigate the collection and find the specific projects you’re looking for. While the variety is great, some users may prefer a more curated collection of plans that focuses on quality rather than quantity.
2. Variable Quality
Although many of the plans are detailed and easy to follow, the quality of the plans can vary. Some users have reported that certain projects lack the level of detail found in others, particularly when it comes to more complex builds. It’s important to review each plan carefully before starting to ensure you have a complete understanding of the project.
3. Basic Video Tutorials
The video tutorials included in the package are helpful, but they are relatively basic compared to other woodworking instructional videos available online. If you’re looking for in-depth, advanced video tutorials, you may need to supplement the package with additional resources from other platforms.
4. No Physical Copy
Ted’s Woodworking is a digital product, meaning you’ll need a computer or device to access the plans. For those who prefer having physical blueprints or books to work from, this may be a limitation. However, you can always print the plans yourself if needed.
Is Ted’s Woodworking Worth It?
For woodworking enthusiasts looking for a vast collection of project plans, Ted’s Woodworking offers a comprehensive and affordable solution. The package is particularly well-suited for beginners due to its easy-to-follow instructions, detailed diagrams, and extensive variety of projects.
That said, the value of Ted’s Woodworking will depend on your specific needs and expectations. If you’re looking for a single, highly specialized plan or project, you might find more targeted resources elsewhere. However, if you’re interested in exploring a wide range of woodworking projects and building your skills over time, Ted’s Woodworking provides excellent value for the price.
Conclusion
Ted’s Woodworking is an excellent resource for DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professional woodworkers who want access to a large library of plans. With over 16,000 projects to choose from, easy-to-follow instructions, and lifetime updates, it’s a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their woodworking skills.
While the volume of plans can be overwhelming and the quality may vary, the package offers significant value for the price. For beginners and intermediate woodworkers looking for guidance and inspiration, Ted’s Woodworking is a solid investment that can fuel your creativity and help you bring your woodworking ideas to life.