From Ted McGrath's secretary
A note on why the right plans make a difference
Over 25 years in the workshop taught me an important lesson: most failed projects do not fail because of the person who builds them. They fail because the plans with which they began do not reflect the actual construction process. I'm Ted "Woody" McGrath. I taught hundreds of students in public and online classes, wrote plans, and built the pieces to know what would actually work in someone's garage or small shop.
You already know the feeling: a great idea in your head, a wooden list, and a sketch you found online. You cut your boards, you start riding, and then you hit an omission — a measure that doesn't explain the thickness of the material, a joint that takes on a tool that you don't have, or a step that says "now attach" without explaining how. These lost details cost time, wood and trust. That's the problem I decided to solve in the hard way: building everything first, then writing plans that correspond to how people actually build.
In my workshop I learned to notice the kinds of problems that stumble people: a slide width from a unclear drawer, a depth of invisible data, or an assumed staple configuration. I also learned to write instructions that answer questions that a beginner will ask and the shortcuts that a professional will enjoy. The plans of this collection are the result of this process: building, testing, documenting and improving. If a project in this library doesn't work for the first time, we fix the plan until it works.
The work that comes into each plan is practical and practical. This approach has produced thousands of work projects that transform ideas into finished projects that you can be proud to sign with your name. If you would like a plan that reflects the actual conditions of the workshop, starts with real tool sets and leads to reliable results, this library was created for you.
The Problem With Plans — And How We Solve It
Too many wood work plans are written on the assumption that the person reading them will "fill the gaps". That's where frustration begins. A missing measurement can mean a project that doesn't fit. An uncertain step may mean that you use the wrong joint or cut an expensive piece of wood to the wrong size. The consequences are visible: wasted material, semi-finished projects, and a feeling that you tried but failed. This experience is totally avoidable when someone has already built the piece and documented the process clearly.
Our approach is deliberately different: we build first and write second. For each plan in the library, the design was mounted in a real workshop using common tools and typical wooden sizes. This physical construction allows us to catch problems that never appear on paper — wood movement, woodwork tolerances, hardware authorizations, and step sequencing so that a novice does not need advanced techniques at a critical time. We document these discoveries and include them to make their construction work.
Common errors that we have corrected include missing edge licenses for solid wood parts, ambiguous diagrams that omit types of fixation or orientation, and steps that take on a particular clamp or jig. We also pay attention to the shopping list: exact board dimensions, hardware details, and estimated amounts to avoid trips back to the store. When a plan is launched, it went through practical checks and reviews, so you can trust it from the first cut to the end.
The benefit for you is simple and immediate: less thinking about "what if" and more construction time. By relying on plans that have been built and refined, you reduce judgment-and-error and gain confidence. If you want to know that your cuts will match, your joints will align, and your hardware will fit — this is the planning method that makes it happen.
Typical problems of the plan we solved
- Missing or wrong-sized cutlists that cause cuts again
- Assumptions about store tools that leave builders trapped
- Diagrams without multiple views or dimensions
- Omissive sequence leading to difficult assemblies
- No clear hardware or materials orientation
Our Practical Solution
Build the project first under normal workshop conditions, observe each step and problem, review the drawings and then publish the plan with explicit instructions, clear dimensions and an exact list of materials. This sequence — building, reviewing, publishing — is the basis of the library and why plans work for so many users.
Technical details and what is included
The TedsWoodworking collection is intentionally exhaustive and organized to help you find the right project quickly. Each plan package in the library includes several components designed to remove guesswork from your construction process. The central elements that you will consistently find in a plan are: detailed step-by-step written instructions, multiple view designs with dimensions, exact cutting lists for each part, materials and hardware lists that specify typical quantities and sizes of suppliers, and supplementary photos or diagrams that show mounting steps or critical templates. When useful, plans include optional variations and finishing notes so you can adapt a design to your tools, space or aesthetic preferences.
The online adhesion area is searchable and filterable by category, skill level, material and project type. If you are looking for small crafts to learn woodworking, closet plans for a kitchen design, or outdoor furniture and structures, the system makes it easy to reduce thousands of plans to a handful that matches your needs. Technical support and a help center explain how to read the plans and how to use the site tools. For members who need something unique, the team provides personalized plan requests, where a designer will draw up a plan to suit their space and restrictions.
From a tool and workshop perspective, most plans were designed to be completed with a basic set of tools: a table saw or circular saw, a router or router table for common woodworking, a drill or drilling press, staples, and sandpaper/finishing materials. Plans indicate alternative approaches if you prefer a manual tool only workflow or have limited equipment. Documentation also calls jigs or devices that can simplify repeated steps and provides guidance on how to make these jigs yourself if necessary.
Library Size
More than 16,000 planes tested between categories and skill levels.
Plan Content
Cutting lists, multi-angle schematics, step-by-step assembly and hardware lists.
Updates
New plans added monthly with lifelong library updates for members.
Each plan is archived and controlled by versions, so updates are saved and recoverable. If you need help translating a dimension, choosing a finish or sorting materials, support features are designed to make the process simple and practical. The combination of detailed documentation and tested constructions aims to give you confidence to start and finish projects with predictable results.
Important: How to avoid scams and buy safely
The timber community supports a wide range of manufacturers and sellers, but it is important to make safe purchase choices. There are websites and vendors that can present unofficial packages, incomplete downloads or outdated plans that have not been verified. To protect your time and investment, always use the official access link for purchases and downloads. The purchase of the official source ensures that you receive the full library, the latest updates and access to customer support. If you find a website claiming to provide the same lifetime access or a version of the collection at odds with the official offer, treat the claim with caution.
Official orders are processed through our secure checkout and payment partner that we use, ensuring transaction protection and direct refund processing. When you purchase through the official link, you receive immediate entry into the searchable member area, download plan files and documented bonuses included with membership. If you are not sure if a page is an authorized checkout, compare the URL you are using with that included in our official features and support pages, and contact support if you have questions before completing a purchase.
Protect yourself by checking that downloads are in standard formats, widely used (PDFs and image files) and that they include cutting lists and diagrams. The official plan packages include full documentation and any declared bonus materials; if the files you receive are missing key parts of the plan, look for support for help. When purchasing digital products, keep a record of your order confirmation and account information so that you can request account help or a refund if necessary. This practice makes it easier to solve any problems quickly and ensures you get the resource you paid for.
If you prefer, use bookmarkable links that you know are official and buy directly through these pages. Avoid unknown third party vendors who do not provide clear contact details or who refuse to provide a secure checkout. Official purchases and membership access protect you with standard guarantees and support paths, which is the safest way to ensure that you receive all the value from the wood library.
Care, Instructions and Best Practices
Complete a wood design is not just about construction; it is about the whole life cycle of the piece. This includes pre-construction planning, safe workshop practices, material storage, finishing and care after work is complete. TedsWood's work plans include guidance on best practices for each step so that your final piece remains and looks great for the coming years.
Pre-construction planning: Review the list of cuts and drawings before starting. Place your wood and confirm the dimensions of the plate, checking for warp or defects. If the plan requires a specific thickness (e.g. plywood of 3/4" or 1x wood), check if the material you buy matches the sizes listed; small differences may affect joint adjustment and final dimensions. Consider the order of operations in the plan and prepare jigs or clamp settings before cutting the first part.
Safety tips and workshop: Most plans take on common workshop tools. If you are not familiar with a tool, please refer to the manufacturer's safety guide or a reliable tutorial before using. Use push sticks, feather plates, and guards when appropriate, and always use eye and hearing protection. Keep your tools properly – sharp blades and router pieces make cleaner cuts and safer operation.
Finishing and care: Plans often include finishing notes with recommended stains, paints and sealers. Test ends in wood scrap first to confirm color and brightness. Allow the finishes to heal completely before subjecting the piece for heavy use. For outdoor projects, choose exterior finishes and fasteners and understand the maintenance schedule to preserve the wood. Simple routines, such as periodic tightening of screws and gentle cleaning, prolong the life of a project.
Post-building support: If you have questions about a step in a plan or want suggestions to adapt a design, member resources and support channels are there to help. The library documentation also points out video demonstrations and templates that simplify common tasks. Following these guidelines of care and instructions helps you to go from plans to a finished product that looks professional and remains the test of time.
Quick Checklist of Workshop
- Read the full plan before cutting
- Confirm the dimensions and quality of the material
- Prepare clamps and templates in advance
- Use adequate security equipment and guards
- First, finish the scrap test
Do you need help?
Support and clarification of plans are available through the member area and support portal. Use your account details to request assistance.
Enter and Get HelpDelivery, support and satisfaction guarantee
TedsWoodworking is digitally delivered for instant access. After purchase, you receive account credentials and immediate entry into the searchable library, where you can download plans, view additional images and access member-only resources. Because the product is digital, there are no shipping costs, and downloads are available worldwide as long as you have an internet connection. The site is designed to be accessible on desktop and most mobile devices; larger plans and multi-page packages are best seen on a tablet or desktop for clarity, although the files can be downloaded for offline use as well.
Account support and help: If you have difficulty accessing the library, download files or locate materials for a project, member support is available through the support portal. Keep your account information and order confirmation handy upon contacting support to speed up the process. For custom plan requests, allow the production time indicated in the custom plan workflow — designers often produce custom projects in sequence with other orders, and the team will provide an estimated deadline when you submit an order.
Amount of refund and satisfaction: The program provides a clear path of satisfaction so you can try the risk-free library. If for any reason the collection does not meet your expectations, follow the documented refund process through the secure checkout partner. Refund policies are administered to protect buyers, ensuring a fair process. As purchases are handled through an established payment partner, refunds are processed promptly once the order is validated. Keep copies of your request confirmation and any correspondence to facilitate a quick resolution.
International considerations: Digital download provides global access, although tax rules and VAT can be applied depending on your location and checkout process. The downloadable member and file area is the same regardless of the country, and the support is provided in English via the support portal. If you need international payment assistance, please contact guidance support.
What the builders are saying
Hundreds of members share their complete projects, tips and success stories. Below are representative statements of builders who used the plans to complete projects they are proud to show. Each brief review highlights the kind of result you can expect: clear instructions, precise cutting lists, and finished pieces that look and work well.
What's that?
I already made my money back.
He built two Adirondack chairs from the plans and sold them at a craft fair for $175 each. The whole package cost me a lot less than the amount I got. Clean photos, exact cuts, and a list of materials that made shopping simple. I recommend starting with beginners outdoor parts to get confidence quickly.
What's that?
♪ I built my first shelf successfully ♪
I'm new to woodwork and these plans held my hand during the process. He bought a basic table saw and followed a beginner plan; the result was a sturdy shelf that my family uses every day. The clipped images and lists removed guesswork and helped me avoid mistakes.
What's that?
Finally, the plans I can really follow
Colorful photos, complete descriptions, and every step taken. Much better than the random plans I tried before. I finished a bedside table on my first attempt and was proud of the fit and finish. The library is well organized, so finding similar projects is easy.
What's that?
Researched “coop chicken”, built one until Sunday
The member area has a search bar. Typed “little henhouse”, it has several options, and built one until Sunday. The plan included a shopping list and step photos. My neighbor saw and asked me to build one for her too — great small business potential.
What's that?
Custom plan made for me
I needed a corner closet for a tight space. He sent a personalized order and the team provided a perfect plan in about two weeks, at no extra cost. The cabinet fit exactly and the assembly steps made the construction direct. Excellent service.
What's that?
Best investment in wood I did it in 20 years.
This is the best collection of wood plants I own. Tons of plants that cover small crafts, furniture and outdoor projects. The quality and variety of plans mean that I always have a new design to try and plenty of models to adapt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to the most common questions about membership, plan formats, custom requests and support. If your question is not listed here, member support is available to help with account access, downloads and plan clarifications.
Start building today — instant access, lifelong library
If you have been waiting for the right time to start projects that matter to you — there is no better time than now. TedsWoodworking was built to remove friction that prevents good ideas from becoming finished pieces. The library gives you a practical path from inspiration to finished work: tested plans, clear diagrams, exact cutting lists and written step-by-step instructions of practical experience. Members tell us that time saved and confidence gained are the greatest benefits. Instead of guessing your next move or reworking parts in the middle of construction, you can follow a well-documented plan from the first cut to the end with predictable results.
Become part of a community of manufacturers who use tested plans to build everything, from small gifts to full size furniture. The searchable library removes treasure hunting from mixed and incomplete plans; you can find similar projects to compare approaches and adapt projects to your needs. Whether you build it occasionally or treat it as a craft you develop over the years, the resource scales with your ambition. New plans added monthly mean fresh ideas and continuous learning at no extra cost to active members.
When you are ready to move from intention to completion, use the official access link to join the member area. The process is safe, instantaneous and designed to make it build quickly. If you have questions before joining, support is available to clarify library content and membership process. Start a project this weekend — choose a beginner plan, gather supplies, and follow the plan to a finished piece. The difference that reliable plans make is the reason why so many members return to more projects and recommend using friends.
Secure checkout and instant download access. Full support included.
