Woodworking has always intrigued me. The idea of turning simple wood into something practical—or even beautiful—feels deeply satisfying. Over time, I stumbled upon Ted’s Woodworking Plans more than once. With promises like “16,000 woodworking projects in one place,” it was hard to ignore.
But instead of buying it right away, I decided to dig deeper.
I watched reviews, read user feedback, and explored what’s actually inside the program. While I didn’t enroll or buy it myself, I gathered detailed insight from those who did—and in this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you consider it.
Ted’s Woodworking Plans Overview
Who Created It?
Ted McGrath—a certified master woodworker and coach—is the creator behind this massive library. His aim was to help people avoid frustrating trial-and-error by offering clear, comprehensive plans.
What’s Included in the Package?
Here’s what the Ted’s Woodworking bundle offers, according to real users and previews:
- 16,000+ woodworking plans for furniture, sheds, crafts, toys, garden items, and more
- Step-by-step project instructions for beginners and intermediate woodworkers
- Detailed diagrams and schematics with measurements
- Material and cutting lists for easy prep
- CAD/DWG software viewer for advanced blueprints
- 150+ woodworking video lessons
- Woodworking guide eBook
- Commercial license to sell your creations
- Instant digital access, with an optional DVD upgrade
Some buyers also received bonus content like woodworking tips and project ideas.
Pros and Cons of Ted’s Woodworking
What People Like About It
1. Massive Variety of Projects
The biggest appeal is the huge volume of plans. From simple birdhouses to full outdoor gazebos, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a weekend hobbyist or looking to turn woodworking into a side hustle.
2. Good for Beginners
Many reviewers noted that the plans are easy to follow. Even first-timers can understand the instructions and build decent projects without a steep learning curve.
3. Saves You Time
Instead of spending hours browsing the internet for free plans that are often incomplete, you get everything in one place—with diagrams, materials, and cut lists included.
4. Build-and-Sell License Included
The commercial license allows you to legally sell what you build—ideal for Etsy sellers, market vendors, or people starting a woodworking business.
5. Helpful Bonus Videos
While not a full-blown woodworking course, the 150+ videos offer valuable tips on joinery, tool usage, and build techniques.
6. Great Value for Money
Compared to paying for individual plans (which can cost $10–$30 each), this bundle is very affordable. Most buyers felt the low one-time price was well justified.
What People Don’t Like
1. Inconsistent Plan Quality
Not all plans are created equal. Some lack detail or feel outdated. A few users said they had to tweak designs or look elsewhere for clarity.
2. Poor Organization
With 16,000 files, navigation is a major issue. There’s no advanced search or tagging system, so finding specific plans can be a time-consuming task.
3. Some Non-Original Content
According to online discussions, a portion of the material might be sourced from public-domain plans. This doesn’t make them unusable—but they may not feel as premium or exclusive.
4. Large Download Files
The full package is big—so those with slower internet or limited hard drive space may struggle. The DVD option helps, but costs extra.
5. No Community or Support Forum
Unlike platforms like Skillshare or woodworking forums, Ted’s doesn’t offer a community space where you can ask questions or interact with fellow woodworkers.
Is Ted’s Woodworking Worth It?
Based on my deep research and analysis of user feedback, Ted’s Woodworking is a useful resource for people who love DIY projects and want a large collection of plans.
Just be aware that you’re paying for quantity, not necessarily perfection. Some files are incredible and super detailed. Others feel basic or incomplete. If you’re the kind of person who likes digging around and discovering cool ideas, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Who Should Consider It?
- Hobbyists and DIYers looking for variety
- Beginners needing step-by-step instructions
- People starting a woodworking side hustle
- Anyone who wants long-term access to a huge plan library
Who Might Want to Skip It?
- Professionals who need high-precision, custom blueprints
- Those who only want to build one or two things
- People who value sleek user experience and easy navigation
- Users with very limited internet or storage space
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Plan Variety | 5/5 |
| Beginner Friendly | 4.5/5 |
| Instructions & Visuals | 4/5 |
| File Organization | 3/5 |
| Bonus Content | 4/5 |
| Value for Money | 5/5 |
Final Verdict
Even though I didn’t enroll in Ted’s Woodworking myself, I can see why many people recommend it. The value lies in the variety, simplicity, and one-time price. It’s not a flawless system—but it’s far better than hunting for free, inconsistent plans online.
If you enjoy exploring different projects and want inspiration, this package gives you thousands of options. Just go in with realistic expectations: not every plan will be a masterpiece, but the gems are definitely there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ted’s Woodworking legit?
Yes, it’s a real product with thousands of customers. While there’s mixed feedback about content quality, it’s not a scam.
Can I use the plans to make items for sale?
Yes. The commercial license allows you to build and sell anything you make from the plans.
Can I access it offline?
Yes, you can download the plans to your computer. There’s also an optional DVD version for offline access.
Do I need advanced tools?
Most beginner projects can be done with basic tools. Advanced projects may require saws, joiners, or sanders.
Final Thoughts
Ted’s Woodworking isn’t perfect, but it’s a treasure trove for people who enjoy building things themselves. Whether you’re just starting out or want a constant stream of project ideas, this plan library has plenty to explore.
Would I personally recommend it based on what I found? Yes—but only if you enjoy the process and don’t mind digging through to find the good stuff.
For woodworking techniques, check here. And if you want woodworking tools list, check here.