Have you ever thought about woodworking? Would you, or have you considered building something bigger than a ‘Pinewood Derby Car’?
Millions are discovering the pleasures of woodworking. They are learning what it means to ‘Build it’ rather than buy it.
Whether it’s a shed, bird house, or jewelry box, woodworking is exploding.
This A Subject I Know Nothing About.
It was a chance conversation where I learned about the explosion of woodworking enthusiasts.
It started when I ran into a club manager for a woodworking shop. We had talked for several minutes before I learned he was a woodworker.
He told me there are hundreds woodworking clubs dedicated to teaching carpentry. I learned new clubs are forming every month.
Teaching carpentry is not for commercial work, but rather the hobbyist wishing to learn more about the trade.
The clubs are seemingly everywhere and are managed, on a non-profit model, by woodworkers committed to passing along their knowledge. Experience that is often several decades of woodworking and carpentry work.
While the skill sets of professional carpenters and amateur woodworkers will intersect, the clubs that are popping up have their focus on teaching woodworking. The woodworkers often morph into a wood addicts.
I was told there is a waiting list for membership with a one year minimum wait to get into his club.
More out of politeness than curiosity, I asked him what was the most important part of a project. What is it, a woodworker needs to have. What is the ‘one thing.’
I was shocked when he told me, “Good, detailed plans.”
I was expecting tools. All kinds of tools. Any tool. With my limited woodworking experience I expected to hear something like ‘power saws or routers’.
My thinking made sense. Home Depot has a special section just for tools. I’ve heard it called the tool crib. Some say tool box. I have never heard of a ‘plans and designs’ crib.
I Asked About The Plans.
I was thinking of a set of rolled blueprints common for bigger building projects such as a house or commercial projects. Who would draw them? I’m aware of computer programs. I know there are CAD’s (computer aided design) but I know little else.
I’ve seen magazines articles on specific woodworking ideas. They often offer plans for their featured project. Readers who want to give the project a try can send off for the plans.
When I was a kid I had a friend who built a small boat from a magazine plan. It sank.
The woodworking club offers instruction on a whole host of skills. From basic instructions on measuring and cutting, to sophisticated tool use. Planers and lathes where cited.
They have a library of plans. There is a heavy focus on toys. Most toys are small and would require but a few hours of work. Something a club member might complete on a Saturday.
We discussed bigger projects. Furniture is popular, but they are generally unique to the individual builder. Plans and diagrams are sourced by the member.
I asked where his members find plans for the things they build.
“Teds.” It was a quick answer. I asked if Ted was a club member.
He explained that while there are several sources for plans and diagrams, Teds Woodworking was the largest, best, single source for plans of any type.
The club manager was an obvious fan of Teds. I thought it would be good to know about Ted. I reached out to them.
What I Learned
Teds Woodworking is, by far, the largest supplier of quality plans and designs available anywhere in the world. They do in fact, sell their plans wherever an internet connection is available.
They explained that for many woodworkers, projects go unfinished because the plans, diagrams and instructions are unclear or incomplete.
Teds claims to have more than 16,000 designs for nearly any type of project. From sheds to swing sets. It is fair to say that many plans are curated, then improved, and details added to make them nearly foolproof. A novice serious about building something can find success.
Why Teds Woodworking Is So Popular
There are common faults of other plans and it’s the reason so many woodworkers turn to Ted for plans.
Many plans are not specific enough. They will lack the step by step instructions, won’t have proper descriptions and fall short on detailed measurements.
Many instructions make assumptions regarding the users experience and leave out important information. They also can write instructions in such a complex manner, that novice users will not understand.
Some plan providers will require using pricy tools, assuming all woodworkers have expansive shops.
It is common in other plans, to assume the user knows more than what is explained. Missing a step for a woodworker causes frustration, mistakes, and ultimately, an unfinished project.
Teds Woodworking has become a leader in woodworking. They have done so by eliminating many of the problems woodworkers experience with other plan sources.
5 Ways Ted’s Woodworking Makes a Difference
1 Step-by-Step Instructions.
Woodworkers using Ted’s Woodworking receive detailed instructions that take the woodworker by the hand and lead them through to a completed project.
2 Complete Material lists and cutting instructions.
It is important to know just what to buy and how much. With the details given in Teds program, there is no guessing, and waste is minimized. What to cut, how to cut it and the measurements to use in making the cuts, is all in the instructions.
3 Teds provides the best detailed schematics.
The schematics are both sharp and colorful. There’s no guesswork. The level of detail makes even the most challenging project seem easy.
4 Views From All Angles
The plans a detailed, With multiple views, the build becomes simpler. You can see what it should be like. There is no guesswork.
5. Suitable For Professionals and Beginners
Teds Woodworking is for everybody. Woodworkers do not need expensive shops or fancy equipment. If you have it, that’s wonderful, but the plans can be used by everybody. There are plans for every skill level.
What Else
What many woodworkers don’t realize about Ted’s Woodworking is that it is a lifetime plan. Once you’re a member, you have access to the library of thousands of plans. It’s done online with no need to collect books or magazines.
When a member is ready for a new project, they simple search for what they’re looking for and download the plans and support material.
Here is what Ted said.
I’ve seen plenty of plans and instructions out there… and after reviewing them, I’m not surprised why many aspiring woodworkers – exceptionally talented people – just give up after trying them!
A Passion For Millions
I am not a woodworker. It is not my passion. In the short journey to find out more about this amazing hobby, I learned that it is the passion of millions.
Here is a quick testimony that Teds gave me to share.
If you would like to learn more, this link below will have most of your answers along with the information you need to join Teds Woodworking.
As always, if you have a question or a comment, let me know in the comment section below.