Woodworking plans generally capture, in equal parts, the highly valuable intellectual property (IM) of the woodworking industry. Despite the many formats, woodworking plans still possess unique and well-defined value – just as a great chef’s recipes or an outstanding composer’s scores are to their creators. This end result has well-settled and measurable value. These value-adds to woodworking plans are not difficult to conceptualize or quantify; however, they are not easy to translate into monetary terms.
There is certainly nothing inherently wrong with requesting a quote on a woodworking plans website. After all, if a woodworker is seeking a large, permanent wooden table for his or her new home or an end-table for an adjacent room, the buyer will more than likely be a knowledgeable woodworker who has been doing woodworking projects for years. Even the buyer’s preferred format, e-mail, can be used to solicit price information. But what if that woodworker is just starting out, and woodworking projects require only occasional, short-term projects, or are complicated pieces?
Perhaps you have found a need for a simple wooden tool set for your garage. Or perhaps you have been invited to join a do-it-yourself club and need some simple wood projects to build your skills. But how do you present those wood projects to your friends and family? They certainly aren’t going to want to buy something that they don’t fully understand, which means there is a certain amount of trepidation about even approaching the subject. This is where good, clear, concise woodworking plans come in.
Let’s assume that you are looking to purchase some plans for beginner woodworkers. As always, the first question you should ask yourself is whether or not you are actually a beginner, and how experienced you feel you are. This is extremely important, because just as children aren’t born knowing how to ride a bike yet, neither are most woodworkers. Even seasoned woodworkers need refresher courses from time to time, and often a bit of professional advice is needed along the way. Beginners need a plan that is easy to read and contains clear instructions, so they can develop an interest in woodworking projects and take on more complex projects.
But, as we’ve seen above, not all woodworkers start their projects as beginners. Some may have been woodworking projects long enough that they’ve outgrown most of the basic plans. If you are in this category, you can still get some great free woodworking plans for beginners, without having to spend a fortune on them.
Most of us have a general idea of what woodworkers do, but even seasoned veterans need help when it comes to finishing wood products such as furniture. These are products that we use daily, and the finish that we get on them can greatly affect our comfort level and mood while using them. Because of this, many woodworkers invest in high quality woodworking plans. This type of planning will show the woodworkers what type of wood to buy, the best way to apply it, and the methods by which to finish the project. The finished products will usually have higher quality than any products the woodworkers themselves used.
But even the most experienced craftsman can benefit from a good woodworking plan. For example, if you’re making a table, you probably already know that the best way to make one would be to get a plan that lays out all of the steps you’ll need to take in order to accomplish your goal. And what better way to lay out a plan than to download one from the internet? Of course, you can also purchase several good woodworking plans in magazines, books, or other printed materials. But either way, having a plan with you is always helpful.
Some woodworkers choose to try their hand at designing their own woodworking plans. While this method might seem more challenging than buying a ready-made plan, woodworkers who have mastered the art of design can sometimes produce results that look remarkably similar to those offered on ready-made plans. It’s not impossible, but for beginners it’s best to stick to professionally-created plans. There’s nothing quite like seeing your first completed wood products.
Hi everyone! I’m a woodworker and blogger, and this is my woodworking blog. In my blog, I share tips and tricks for woodworkers of all skill levels, as well as project ideas that you can try yourself.
