Get Access To The World's Largest Collection of 16,000 Woodworking Plans

Finding high-quality woodworking plans online can be frustrating. Most are either incomplete, expensive, or impossible to follow. After thoroughly testing the member's area, we've identified 8 standout benefits that make this collection a must-have for any woodworker.

3 Costly Mistakes Beginners Make (And How Ted's Plans Fix Them)

1. Buying the Wrong Materials: Beginners often buy lower quality pine or the wrong thickness of plywood, ruining a project before it starts. Ted’s plans come with specific material lists that tell you exactly what species and dimensions to buy.

2. Measuring Once, Cutting Twice: Without a clear cutting guide, it's easy to make mistakes. The optimized cutting diagrams in this package show you how to lay out your cuts on a sheet of plywood to minimize waste and ensure you have enough wood.

3. Underestimating Assembly Difficulty: Many free plans show the finished product but skip the "how-to" of joining the pieces. Ted's exploded views reveal the internal joinery, whether it's pocket holes, dowels, or biscuits, so you aren't left guessing.

Who Is Ted McGrath?

Before we analyze the product, it is crucial to understand the creator. Ted McGrath is a certified master woodworker, trainer, and author. He is a member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) and has spent decades not just building furniture, but teaching others how to do it. The problem he faced—and the problem he set out to solve—was the lack of accessible, high-quality plans for the average person. Most plans found in magazines are overly technical, while free plans online are often incomplete. Ted's Woodworking is his attempt to bridge that gap.

What Exactly Do You Get Inside?

Upon purchasing the package (currently discounted to $67), you gain immediate access to the members' area. The sheer volume of content is overwhelming at first—in a good way. The plans are categorized logically, from small crafts like cutting boards, clock cases, and toys to massive outdoor projects like gazebos, sheds, barns, and greenhouses.

The "Earth's Largest Database" claim is bold, but navigating the members' area reveals an exhaustive list of categories. Whether you need a simple plan for a spice rack or a complex blueprint for a 3-bedroom cabin, it is likely in there.

The Quality of the Blueprints

The standout feature is the detail. Unlike generic plans that show a single 2D drawing, Ted's plans typically include:

• 3D Modeling: Visualizations of the finished product from multiple angles, allowing you to visualize the end result before you make the first cut.
• Exploded Views: Detailed diagrams showing how joints connect and the order of assembly. This is critical for complex furniture like dressers or desks.
• Material Optimization: The cutting lists are designed to minimize waste. Given the current inflation in lumber prices in the US and Canada, saving even 10% on materials can pay for the cost of the course in a single project.
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Written in plain English, avoiding overly technical jargon where possible.

Is It Beginner Friendly?

Yes. While there are advanced plans for veteran carpenters, a vast portion of the database is dedicated to "weekend warriors." The instructions don't assume you have a $10,000 workshop filled with Festool gear. Many projects can be completed with standard hand tools, a circular saw, and a drill. The "hold-your-hand" approach makes daunting projects feel manageable.

Metric vs. Imperial Units

A common question we get is about units of measurement. The majority of plans in Ted's Woodworking are in Imperial units (inches and feet), which is standard for the US market. However, a significant number of plans are available in Metric, and the downloadable guides include conversion charts. If you are in the UK, Australia, or Canada, you will find plenty of relevant content, and the visual nature of the diagrams often transcends measurements.

Who Is This NOT For?

While we highly recommend this package, it is not for everyone. If you are looking for a physical book to be mailed to your house, this is primarily a digital product (though a DVD option exists). Also, if you are a master craftsman looking for extremely obscure 18th-century period furniture plans, you might find the collection too broad. This package is designed for the 99% of woodworkers who want to build practical, beautiful projects for their home and garden.

Comparison: Ted's Woodworking vs. Others

Pros and Cons

Project Spotlight: The Adirondack Chair

One of the most popular plans in the collection is the classic Adirondack chair. We analyzed this plan specifically. It breaks down the compound angles of the backrest—usually a nightmare for beginners—into simple template tracing. The material list tells you exactly how many 2x4s and 1x6s you need, down to the screw count. This level of detail transforms a frustrating weekend into a satisfying afternoon. Other notable projects include the "12x10 Garden Shed" and the "Queen Size Farmhouse Bed."

Final Verdict

For the price of a few magazines or a single "premium" plan from other sites, you get a lifetime library. The value proposition is undeniable. The inclusion of the DWG/CAD viewer and the woodworking business guide adds layers of value that go beyond just cutting wood. It's a robust, all-in-one ecosystem for woodworkers. If you are serious about DIY, Ted's Woodworking is a tool you should have in your arsenal.