For years, TedsWoodworking has been a giant in the online DIY space, promising an almost unimaginable treasure trove of over 16,000 woodworking plans for a one-time fee. Created by Ted McGrath, a professional woodworker, it markets itself as the final stop for hobbyists and pros alike, claiming to offer everything from simple birdhouses to complex furniture with step-by-step instructions[citation:4][citation:5].
But as you dig deeper past the polished sales page, you find a landscape filled with starkly contrasting opinions. Is it the ultimate resource that will unlock your creative potential, or is it a disorganized collection of outdated, pirated plans as some vehemently claim? In this comprehensive 2025 review, we’ll cut through the marketing hype and affiliate-driven praise to examine real user experiences, plan quality, and the truth behind the famous 60-day guarantee. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether TedsWoodworking is a worthy investment for your workshop.
What Exactly is TedsWoodworking? The Official Pitch
According to its official website, TedsWoodworking is a digital product that provides instant access to a massive library of over 16,000 plans and projects[citation:4]. The package, typically priced around $67, is sold through the ClickBank platform and includes[citation:4][citation:5]:
- 16,000+ “Done-For-You” Woodworking Plans: Covering categories like furniture, sheds, decks, and small crafts.
- Lifetime Membership & Free Monthly Updates: Access to a members’ area with new plans added monthly.
- Bonus Materials: These often include a DWG/CAD Plan Viewer, 150+ premium woodworking videos, a guide to starting a woodworking business, and comprehensive woodworking guides[citation:4].
- Multiple Formats: Instant digital download (PDFs) with an optional DVD/USB upgrade.
- 60-Day “No Questions Asked” Money-Back Guarantee: A key selling point that promises a full refund if you’re not satisfied[citation:4].
The product is heavily promoted through affiliate marketing, meaning many positive reviews online are written by individuals who earn a commission for every sale[citation:5][citation:6]. This has significantly contributed to its visibility and the polarized discourse surrounding it.
The Reality Check: Analyzing User Complaints and Criticisms
While the official pitch is compelling, independent review platforms and user forums tell a more concerning story. On Trustpilot, the company holds a low rating, with a significant majority of reviews being 1-star[citation:1][citation:5]. Let’s break down the most common and serious complaints.
1. Questionable Plan Quality and “Pirated” Content
This is the most frequent and damning accusation. Many users and independent reviewers state that the plans are not original creations by “Ted.” Instead, they appear to be a compiled collection of plans scraped from various free and paid sources across the internet[citation:1][citation:3][citation:6].
- Outdated and Scanned Material: Users report that many plans are low-resolution scans from old magazines (like Popular Mechanics), out-of-print books from the mid-20th century, or even assembly instructions for flat-pack furniture[citation:1][citation:3]. One reviewer noted the included “147 Woodworking Books Compendium” contained books dated no later than 1929[citation:1].
- Inconsistent and Poor Formatting: The plans lack a consistent format. Descriptions mention poorly organized PDFs, missing cut lists, unclear dimensions, and grainy, unusable images[citation:3]. One user described the database as a “digital disaster” that takes hours to navigate due to poor indexing[citation:3].
- Misleading Quantity: While 16,000 is the advertised number, users question this figure, suggesting there are far fewer unique, high-quality plans and many duplicates or variations[citation:3][citation:5].
2. Customer Service and Refund Challenges
The 60-day money-back guarantee is a major selling point, but users report that the process is designed to be difficult[citation:1]. Complaints include:
- Difficulty Contacting Support: There is no direct phone line. Support is handled through email or via ClickBank, leading to slow responses and frustration[citation:1][citation:5].
- “Bait-and-Switch” on Lifetime Access: Several users reported that after a site “upgrade,” they were locked out of their lifetime membership and asked to pay an additional “legacy fee” to regain access, directly contradicting the original promise[citation:1][citation:5].
- Refund Process Hurdles: Although some users successfully received refunds (one reported it took 5 days)[citation:2][citation:3], others describe a lengthy process where the company first offers alternatives (like free DVDs) before processing the refund, or simply ignores requests, forcing users to file claims with their bank[citation:1][citation:3].
3. The Digital-Only Trap and Upsells
Some buyers, particularly those less comfortable with technology, were unaware the product is purely digital. An 80-year-old customer expressed frustration, stating the product was of “no use” to them as they were not computer-savvy, with no way to recoup the money[citation:1]. Furthermore, the initial purchase is often followed by immediate and repeated offers for expensive upgrades (VIP access, DVD collections, etc.), which users find aggressive and misleading[citation:3][citation:5].
Pros vs. Cons: A Clear-Cut Comparison
| Potential Advantages (The Pitch) | Reported Drawbacks (The Reality) |
|---|---|
| Sheer Volume: The promise of 16,000 plans for a one-time fee is undeniably attractive[citation:4][citation:7].Bonus Content: The package includes videos, software, and business guides that could add value[citation:4].
Beginner-Friendly Claims: Markets itself as suitable for all skill levels with step-by-step instructions[citation:4][citation:5]. |
Poor Quality & Piracy: Evidence suggests many plans are low-quality, outdated scans or copied from free sources[citation:1][citation:3][citation:6].Terrible Organization: Users complain of a chaotic, non-indexed database that is frustrating to use[citation:3].
Misleading Marketing: Issues with lifetime access promises, aggressive upsells, and a difficult refund process[citation:1][citation:5]. |
Who Might Still Find Value in TedsWoodworking?
Despite the heavy criticism, the product isn’t universally panned. It may hold some limited value for a specific type of user[citation:2][citation:3][citation:5]:
- The Absolute Beginner Seeking Ideas: If you are completely new to woodworking and want a vast, inexpensive collection of plans to browse for inspiration and basic concepts, it could serve as a starting point. The key is to manage expectations regarding quality and clarity.
- The Casual Hobbyist on a Tight Budget: For the one-time $67 fee, if you find even a handful of usable plans for projects you want to build, you might consider it cost-effective compared to buying individual plans elsewhere.
- The Patient and Tech-Savvy User: Someone willing to sift through mountains of disorganized files, cross-reference information, and use the bonus videos independently might extract value.
Exploring Alternatives to TedsWoodworking
Given the controversies, many woodworkers seek more reliable resources. Here are some recommended alternatives[citation:2]:
- Specialized Subscription Services: Platforms like the Guild of Woodworkers or Fine Woodworking Unlimited offer curated, high-quality plans with video walkthroughs, 3D models, and community forums. These are updated regularly and focus on quality over sheer quantity.
- Reputable One-Time Purchase Collections: Brands like Popular Woodworking or Wood Magazine sell plan packs and collections that are known for their accuracy, clear instructions, and detailed material/cut lists.
- Community-Driven & Free Platforms: Websites like Ana White (beginner-friendly), Instructables, and BuildEazy offer thousands of free plans supported by user communities. YouTube is an immense free resource for video-based project tutorials.
- Business-Focused Programs: For those looking to turn pro, Wood Profits is an alternative that focuses more on the business and marketing side of a woodworking venture, rather than just providing plans[citation:2].
Final Verdict: Proceed with Extreme Caution
Based on extensive analysis of official materials and, more importantly, hundreds of independent user reviews, TedsWoodworking presents a high-risk proposition.
It is likely not an outright “scam” in the sense that you receive a product—you do get access to a large database of files[citation:3]. However, it appears to be severely misrepresented. The plans are largely not the original, professional-grade blueprints implied by the sales page. Instead, they seem to be a poorly assembled library of public domain, outdated, and low-quality material.
The combination of questionable content quality, aggressive upselling, and reported difficulties with customer service and the refund policy creates a significant chance of frustration and regret. For most woodworkers—especially beginners who need clear, reliable guidance—there are better, more honest alternatives available.
Recommendation: We cannot give a full-throated endorsement of TedsWoodworking. Only consider it if you are fully aware of the widespread quality issues, are comfortable with a purely digital and disorganized library, and are willing to use the 60-day guarantee as a necessary safety net. For the vast majority, investing in a more reputable, transparent resource from the alternatives listed above will be a more satisfying and productive choice.
If, after weighing all the evidence, you still wish to explore the TedsWoodworking library for yourself and judge its value personally, you can access it through the link below. We strongly advise you to thoroughly test the plans and make full use of the 60-day money-back guarantee period if you are not satisfied.
Visit TedsWoodworking Official Site
Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This review is based on independent research and user testimonials. Your experience may vary.
