Ted McGrath is the name and face behind Ted's Woodworking, a large collection of downloadable woodworking plans sold online. We can't independently verify his workshop background, credentials or how much of the catalogue he personally drew, so treat any biography as a sales-page claim until you've checked it yourself. What matters more for most buyers is whether the plans themselves are clear and buildable.
What we can and can't say
The brand's marketing presents Ted McGrath as a woodworker who put together a plan library. That's the public story. We haven't seen his shop, his build records or any proof of authorship, so we won't vouch for it or dismiss it. Plenty of legitimate plan products are compiled by small teams or draw on several contributors, and that isn't a problem if the drawings are sound.
Why the person matters less than the plans
A real woodworker can still publish a vague plan, and a faceless publisher can produce a perfectly good one. Judge the product on what's in it, not the biography.
What to check before you buy
- Sample drawings: Look for dimensioned views, cut lists and material lists. If previews are offered, study them.
- Step-by-step clarity: Do instructions explain order of assembly, joinery and hardware, or just show a finished picture?
- Skill level fit: Check whether projects are labelled by difficulty and whether they match your tools.
- Photos of finished work: Be wary of images that look like stock photography. Ask yourself whether they show real builds.
- Current terms: Confirm price, format, access method and any refund policy on the official site, since these change.
Recommended for youTed McGrath Woodworking Plans Review: Drawings, Instructions and Real-World UsabilityQuick comparison: biography claims vs. proof you can check
| What you see | How much it tells you |
|---|---|
| "Experienced woodworker" story | Little, since it's self-reported |
| Sample plan pages | A lot, since you can judge the detail yourself |
| Cut lists and dimensions | A lot, because they show whether it's buildable |
| Independent reviews | Some, if they describe actual builds |
A fair bottom line
Don't buy on the strength of a name, and don't write the product off for lacking a verified résumé. Look at the drawings, think about the projects you'd really build, and decide from there. If you use hand or power tools, work within your skill level and follow proper safety practice. A plan can't replace that.
Related
- What is Ted's Woodworking?
- Ted McGrath Woodworking Plans Review: Drawings, Instructions and Real-World Usability, our closer look at the plans themselves
- Is Ted's Woodworking Legit? Reviews, Complaints and Trust
- Who Ted's Woodworking Suits and Who Should Skip It
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