5 Tips About Ted’s Woodworking You Can't Afford To Miss

If you’ve ever wanted to build beautiful woodworking projects without spending years learning the craft or making costly mistakes, Ted’s Woodworking might already be on your radar. Marketed as one of the most comprehensive collections of woodworking plans available, Ted’s Woodworking has helped thousands of beginners and seasoned builders bring their ideas to life.

But with such a massive collection (16,000+ plans!), it's easy to feel overwhelmed or miss out on key features that can truly elevate your experience. Whether you're a hobbyist or aiming to turn your passion into profit, these five essential tips will help you get the most out of Ted’s Woodworking package — and avoid the pitfalls others commonly face.

1. Start with the Beginner-Friendly Projects

Don’t jump into complex plans right away — ease in!

One of the most common mistakes beginners make with Ted’s Woodworking is diving straight into the more ambitious or intricate projects. While it's tempting to build a backyard shed or custom furniture on day one, the best approach is to start small.

Ted’s collection includes hundreds of easy projects like birdhouses, picture frames, shelves, and simple furniture pieces. These are ideal for:

• Understanding the blueprint structure

• Practicing measurements and cutting techniques

• Building confidence with tools and materials

By completing a few beginner-friendly builds first, you’ll develop the skills and familiarity you need to tackle larger projects later — without wasting materials or getting discouraged.

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2. Use the Detailed Material Lists to Save Time and Money

Plan your shopping trips smartly — the lists are your secret weapon.

One of the standout features in Ted’s Woodworking plans is the inclusion of detailed material and cutting lists. These aren't just helpful — they're time and budget savers.

Each project plan comes with:

• A complete materials checklist

• Dimensions for each cut

• Tool requirements

• Step-by-step instructions

Before heading to the hardware store, take the time to review the material list and check what you already have. This can prevent overbuying, eliminate return trips, and keep your project budget on track.

Pro Tip: Many users recommend grouping similar projects together so you can buy materials in bulk for discounts and less waste.

3. Leverage the Bonuses Included in the Package

It’s not just plans — there’s a lot more value hidden inside.

When you purchase Ted’s Woodworking, you’re not just getting 16,000 plans. The package also includes several bonuses that many users overlook, including:

• DWG/CAD Plan Viewer – Lets you view and edit blueprints digitally

• 150 Premium Videos – Step-by-step project walkthroughs and tutorials

• A Complete Woodworking Guide – Ideal for learning about tools, joints, and finishing techniques

• Commercial License – Build and sell your projects legally

These resources are invaluable, especially if you're a visual learner or considering turning woodworking into a side hustle. Make sure to explore the bonus materials early on — they can drastically improve your skills and expand what you can do.

4. Stay Organized with Project Categories

Use the built-in structure to avoid getting overwhelmed.

With over 16,000 woodworking plans, Ted’s Woodworking can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. If you don’t organize your experience, it’s easy to get lost and frustrated. Luckily, the package is thoughtfully categorized by project type and skill level.

Categories include:

• Furniture (beds, chairs, tables, etc.)

• Outdoor projects (gazebos, sheds, garden furniture)

• Toys and games

• Home décor

• Crafts and small items

Before browsing randomly, think about what you want to build and navigate to that section. Use folders or bookmarks to keep track of projects you're interested in. Many users also recommend keeping a “to-build” list — almost like a personal wishlist — so you can return to ideas later.

Staying organized keeps the experience fun and productive, rather than overwhelming.

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5. Join Online Woodworking Communities for Support

Don’t build alone — there’s a community waiting for you.

While Ted’s Woodworking is comprehensive, woodworking is still a hands-on skill that sometimes requires advice, encouragement, or even troubleshooting. Many users have found it incredibly helpful to join online woodworking communities such as:

• Facebook groups

• Reddit’s r/woodworking

• Woodworking forums or Discord channels

These communities are full of people who use Ted’s plans and can offer tips, modifications, tool advice, and feedback on your work. It’s also a great place to share your finished projects for inspiration and motivation.

By engaging with fellow woodworkers, you’ll learn faster, stay motivated, and find creative ways to improve your work — making Ted’s Woodworking even more valuable.