The days are getting longer, the sun is a little warmer, and I can already smell fresh-cut cedar in the backyard air. With spring sliding into summer, this is the perfect window to set up a small bench, roll up your sleeves, and turn a stack of lumber into something you’ll enjoy all season—whether it’s a patio planter, a grill-side serving cart, or the Adirondack chair you’ve promised yourself for years. That change-of-weather energy is exactly what pushed me to hunt for better, clearer woodworking plans—and that search led me straight to TedsWoodworking.
Why I Needed Better Woodworking Plans
When I first set up a small woodworking workshop in my garage, I thought free videos and scattered magazine cut-outs would be enough. I was wrong. Missing cut lists, fuzzy photos, and half-explained steps left me wasting lumber and time. That’s when I landed on TedsWoodworking’s step-by-step woodworking plans, a paid collection of more than 16,000 projects created by master woodworker Ted McGrath. I decided to try it—and here’s what I found.
Just a heads-up: Some of the links I share are affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep things running around here, so thanks for the support!
What Is TedsWoodworking?
TedsWoodworking is a digital (or DVD) library of woodworking plans that cover everything from easy birdhouses to heirloom dining tables. Each plan includes:
- Detailed blueprints with multiple angle views
- Color schematics and close-up photos
- Exact materials and cutting lists
- Step numbers that walk you from first cut to final finish
Because the files are downloadable, I can open them on a tablet right at my workbench. No more flipping dog-eared pages with glue-covered fingers.
How the Plans Are Organized
Ted groups the projects by category—furniture, outdoor, kids’ toys, shop jigs, and dozens more. A quick keyword search inside the dashboard gets me to the right file in seconds.
It feels like having a seasoned shop teacher standing by, minus the eye-rolling.
Comparing TedsWoodworking to Other Plan Sources
To see whether TedsWoodworking really saves me effort, I compared it with two places I used to rely on: woodworking magazines and free YouTube tutorials.
| Feature | TedsWoodworking | Magazine Plan | YouTube Tutorial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of projects | 16,000+ | ~12 per issue | 1 per video |
| Printable cut list | Yes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| 3-D angle views | Yes | No | No |
| Skill levels covered | Beginner → Advanced | Mixed | Mixed |
| Up-front cost | $67 one-time | $9–12 per issue | Free (but ad heavy) |
Even though YouTube is free, the hidden time cost of pausing, rewinding, and guessing measurements made it the most expensive in the long run.
My Favorite Features
1. Hold-You-By-the-Hand Instructions
Each plan starts with a clear overview, then breaks down every cut and joint. I never wonder “Which face is up?”
2. Materials & Cutting Lists
Knowing the exact board feet before I shop saves money and avoids mid-project runs to the store.
3. Monthly Plan Updates
Ted emails fresh projects every month at no extra charge—a nice perk that keeps me building.
A Few Downsides to Know
- Large download size – The full pack is gigabytes. On a slow connection, grab the DVD.
- Sheer volume – Sixteen thousand files can feel like a fire hose. Using the search bar and folders is a must.
Still, these quirks are small next to the time I save on every build.
Personal Build Story: My Rustic Coffee Table
I put the library to the test with a rustic coffee-table plan. In one weekend I:
- Printed the cut list and layout diagram.
- Ripped and cross-cut reclaimed pine.
- Followed the step numbers for pocket-hole joinery.
- Finished with a walnut stain.
The result? A sturdy, good-looking table that made my wife nod “That looks store-bought.” Not bad for a Saturday and $45 in lumber.
Key Takeaways
- TedsWoodworking offers the most complete woodworking plans library I’ve used.
- Clear instructions, photos, and cutting lists slash project time and mistakes.
- One payment beats chasing separate plans or shaky videos.
- It suits woodworking for beginners yet scales up for advanced builds.
FAQ
Do I need fancy tools for these plans?
No. Most projects rely on common shop tools—circular saw, drill, and basic clamps. Specialty tools are noted ahead of time.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. Ted offers a 60-day, no-questions-asked refund window.
Can I print the plans?
Absolutely. PDF files let you print full-size or shop-friendly pages.
Are updates really free?
Yes. New plans arrive monthly, adding to the original 16,000 at no extra cost.
What if I prefer physical media?
Order the optional DVD set; shipping takes a few days, but you avoid a large download.
Ready to Build Something Great? Grab Ted’s 440-page Art of Woodworking e-Book—FREE
Click the button below, drop your best email, and you’ll get an instant download link.
If you’re tired of vague diagrams and want DIY woodworking projects that just work, check out TedsWoodworking’s 16,000 Plan Collection. Grab a plan tonight, fire up the saw tomorrow, and turn that stack of lumber into something you’ll be proud to show off.
Happy building—see you in the shop!