Teds Woodworking – Buy Now Or Later?
Promising over 16,000 woodworking plans for a one-time fee, it seemed almost too good to be true. I decided to take the plunge and give it a try to see if it lived up to the hype.
The first thing that struck me upon accessing the member’s area was the sheer volume of content. True to it’s claim, there are thousands upon thousands of woodworking plans covering everything from simple crafts to large outdoor structures.
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The plans are organized into categories like furniture, outdoor projects, kids’ furniture, and more, making it fairly easy to browse and find what you’re looking for.
One of the main selling points of Ted’s Woodworking is that the plans are supposedly more detailed and beginner-friendly than what you typically find online or in magazines. After examining quite a few of the plans, I found this to be generally true.
Most plans include:
- Detailed cut lists and materials lists
- Step-by-step instructions
- Multiple views and perspectives of the project
- Measurements and dimensions
The level of detail does vary somewhat between plans, but overall I found them to be more comprehensive than many free plans available online. For a beginner or intermediate woodworker, having this level of instruction is definitely helpful.
That said, the quality and style of the plans is not entirely consistent. It’s clear that the plans come from a variety of sources – some are hand-drawn, others are CAD designs, and the instructional style varies.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it provides variety, but it’s worth noting that not every plan will be to the same standard.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the inclusion of plans for different skill levels. There are plenty of simple weekend projects for beginners, as well as more complex furniture builds for experienced woodworkers.
This makes the package accessible regardless of your current skill level.
The member’s area also includes some bonus content beyond just the plans:
- Woodworking guides and tutorials
- Access to woodworking videos
- A CAD viewer software
- Monthly new plan releases
These extras add some extra value, though I found the quality to be a bit hit or miss. The CAD viewer is handy if you don’t already have software to view the plans.
The videos and guides provide some useful tips, but don’t expect professional production quality.
Now, let’s address some of the criticisms and controversies surrounding Ted’s Woodworking. There have been accusations that some of the plans may be copied from other sources without permission.
While I can’t verify the origin of every single plan, I did recognize a few that seemed very similar to plans I’ve seen elsewhere.
The vast majority appeared to be unique, but it’s something to be aware of.
There’s also the question of whether you really need 16,000 plans. For most hobbyist woodworkers, this is likely far more than you’ll ever use.
I found myself gravitating towards a core selection of plans that interested me, as opposed to trying to wade through the entire library.
The huge volume can actually be a bit overwhelming at times.
That said, I do like having such a wide variety of plans at my fingertips. Whenever I’m looking for inspiration for a new project, I can usually find many options in Ted’s collection.
The monthly new plan releases also help keep things fresh.
Let’s break down some of the key pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge variety of plans | Overwhelming number of options |
| Detailed instructions on most plans | Inconsistent quality across plans |
| Suitable for various skill levels | Some plans may be from questionable sources |
| Helpful extras like CAD viewer | You likely won’t use most of the plans |
| Lifetime access and updates | Aggressive marketing tactics |
So, is Ted’s Woodworking worth the investment? In my opinion, it depends on your needs and expectations.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate woodworker looking for a wide variety of detailed plans all in one place, it can be a valuable resource.
The current discounted price of $67 for lifetime access is quite reasonable when you consider the volume of content.
However, if you’re an experienced woodworker who prefers to create your own designs, or if you’re only interested in a few specific types of projects, you may find that you don’t get enough value out of the package to justify the cost. It’s also worth considering whether you’re comfortable with the ethical concerns some have raised about the sourcing of some plans.
Personally, I’ve found Ted’s Woodworking to be a useful addition to my woodworking resources. While I don’t use all 16,000 plans, having such a large library to draw from has been helpful for finding inspiration and tackling new types of projects.
The detailed instructions have also come in handy when working on unfamiliar styles of furniture or joinery.
That said, I don’t rely on it exclusively. I still enjoy creating my own designs, and I use other resources as well.
I see Ted’s Woodworking as one tool in my woodworking arsenal, not a be-all and end-all solution.
If you do decide to purchase Ted’s Woodworking, my advice would be to take advantage of the 60-day money-back guarantee. Spend some time exploring the plans and extras to see if they meet your needs. If you find yourself regularly referring to the plans and finding value in the package, great!
If not, you can always request a refund.
Ted’s Woodworking offers a vast collection of woodworking plans at a reasonable price point.
My Personal Experience with Ted’s Woodworking
After spending several months exploring Ted’s Woodworking, I’ve found it to be a valuable resource for my woodworking projects. The sheer volume of plans is impressive, and I’ve uncovered designs for projects I never would have thought to tackle on my own.
From simple birdhouses to complex furniture pieces, there’s truly something for everyone.
One aspect that stands out is the level of detail in many of the plans. As someone who’s struggled with vague instructions in the past, I appreciate the clear, step-by-step guidance provided. The cut lists and materials lists have saved me time and frustration on numerous occasions, allowing me to focus on the actual woodworking as opposed to getting bogged down in planning.
Variety and Skill Levels
What I find particularly useful is the range of skill levels catered to within the collection. As my woodworking abilities have improved, I’ve been able to progress from simpler projects to more challenging ones, all within the same platform.
This sense of progression has been motivating and has helped me expand my skills over time.
The variety of project types is also a strong point. I’ve built outdoor furniture for my patio, toys for my nieces and nephews, and even tackled some home improvement projects using plans from Ted’s Woodworking.
This versatility has made the investment worthwhile for me, as I’ve been able to apply the resources to many areas of my life.
Quality and Consistency
While the overall quality of the plans is good, I have noticed some inconsistencies. Some plans are incredibly detailed and professional, while others are more basic.
This variation can be a bit jarring at times, but I’ve learned to appreciate the different styles as they often bring unique perspectives to projects.
The CAD viewer software included with the package has been a nice bonus. It’s allowed me to examine plans from different angles and really understand the construction before I start cutting wood.
For visual learners like myself, this feature has been invaluable.
People Also Asked
Is Ted’s Woodworking suitable for finish beginners?
Yes, Ted’s Woodworking includes many plans suitable for beginners, with detailed instructions and simple projects to start with.
How often are new plans added to Ted’s Woodworking?
New plans are added monthly, keeping the content fresh and providing ongoing value for members.
Can I access Ted’s Woodworking plans on my mobile device?
Yes, the plans are accessible on mobile devices, making it convenient to reference them in the workshop.
Are the materials lists in Ted’s Woodworking accurate?
In my experience, the materials lists are generally accurate, though it’s always wise to double-check measurements for your specific project.
Practical Applications
One of the most significant benefits I’ve found is how Ted’s Woodworking has expanded my project horizons. Before accessing this resource, I tended to stick to a few familiar project types.
Now, I find myself exploring new techniques and styles I wouldn’t have attempted otherwise.
For instance, I recently completed a Morris chair, a project I would have considered beyond my abilities before. The detailed plans and clear instructions gave me the confidence to take it on, and the result was a beautiful piece of furniture that’s now a focal point in my living room.
Time and Cost Savings
While the upfront cost of Ted’s Woodworking might seem significant, I’ve found it to be a money-saver in the long run. By having access to such a wide range of plans, I’ve avoided purchasing person plans or magazines for specific projects.
Additionally, the detailed materials lists have helped me avoid overbuying or underbuying supplies, reducing waste and saving money.
The time savings have been equally valuable. Instead of spending hours searching for the right plan or trying to figure out measurements and cuts on my own, I can quickly find a suitable plan and get straight to work.
This efficiency has allowed me to finish more projects and spend more time actually woodworking, which is the part I enjoy most.
Community and Support
One aspect of Ted’s Woodworking that I didn’t initially expect to value is the sense of community it provides. The members’ area includes forums where woodworkers can share their experiences, ask questions, and showcase their completed projects.
This interaction has been inspiring and has helped me troubleshoot issues when I’ve encountered them.
The customer support has also been responsive when I’ve had questions about specific plans or accessing certain features. This level of backing gives me confidence in the longevity and reliability of the product.
My Recommendation
After using Ted’s Woodworking extensively, I can say it’s been a worthwhile investment for me as a hobbyist woodworker. The large library of plans, detailed instructions, and extra resources have significantly enhanced my woodworking journey.
While it’s not perfect – with some inconsistencies in plan quality and the occasional overwhelming feeling from the sheer volume of content – the benefits have far outweighed these minor drawbacks in my experience.
I would recommend Ted’s Woodworking to fellow hobbyists, especially those who enjoy trying a variety of projects and are looking to expand their skills. It’s particularly valuable for beginners and intermediate woodworkers who appreciate detailed guidance.
However, very experienced woodworkers who prefer creating their own designs might find less value in the package.
Ultimately, Ted’s Woodworking has become an integral part of my woodworking toolkit.
