BUILD SOMETHING WITH THESE NO-COST WOODWORKING PLANS
These free woodworking plans will help beginners all the way up to expert ability craft new projects with ease. You’ll find woodworking plans for workbenches, bookcases, coffee tables, sheds, picnic tables, doghouses, wine racks, chicken coops, home bars, decks, pergolas, gazebos, greenhouses, birdhouses, playhouses, and even treehouses.
You’ll find a variety of different styles, making it easy to get the right one for your home. Whether rustic or modern design, you’ll find help to get a look that would cost thousands of dollars to buy already built.
In fact, it’s so bad that I must apologize it has taken me this long to reveal my answers to all of these questions!
Hi. My name is Ralph Chapman and I’ve been in love with shop woodworking for more than 25 years.
And like you, I’ve struggled with buying tools, setting up my workshop and practicing my craft. But I have to tell you… All of that frustration, planning, and hard work has paid off!
I finally have things set up just right… and I love this hobby even more than I did when I started many moons ago.
All the optimizations I’ve done… the little habits I’ve picked up… and the countless techniques, tools, and layouts I’ve tried… all of that has come together to make this hobby exactly what I knew it could be.
My love for this hobby is so strong that around 5 years ago I just had to share it with others.
So I began mentoring and helping other woodworkers – from all around the world – take their creations to the next level.
And as I talked to these beginner, novice and sometimes expert woodworkers, I began to see a pattern…
The Most Common Problems Beginners Woodworkers Face Are Tool Selection & Workshop Whop Space
When it came to tools, people simply didn’t know what to get.
They were afraid of getting bad tools and wasting their hard earned money on something that would stop working within a year…
Or they were afraid of overspending and buying something that… when it came down to it… they would never even use.
They’re usually confused about which tools they need to have, and which ones they can do without. (After all, if you’ve looked inside a teds woodworking plans magazine lately, EVERY single tool is a MUST-HAVE item… even the ones that seem to have no practical purpose!)
“…I’ve Had A Lot Of Bad Tool over the years.”
its been rough on my pocketbook… but even on my motivation. some of hte mosty memorable bad tools i have bad over the years are : (disclaimer these are my personal opinions)
BAD TOOL #1: Delta 31-255x Drum Sander.
Sure, a drum sander is not a vital tool for woodworkers. But this one sticks in my craw anyway! I felt the design was utter crap.
It wouldn’t keep alignment on the 4 lead screws. Which meant I could NEVER sand anything evenly… and everything I used it on turned out thicker on one side. The boy was it annoying.
And to top it off, the gears were plastic with a cheap rubber belt. When I saw a low quality, I just knew they weren’t going to last. And sure enough, I was right. When the belt busted, I went online to order replacement parts. (I had planned on ordering new gears because I just knew they would go next.)
That’s when I found the tool had been discontinued altogether… and you couldn’t even find parts for it. I had paid $800 for it and suddenly it was nothing but junk. A complete waste.
BAD TOOL #2: Ryobi Detail Sander
The problem I had with this tool actually surprised me. The thing was, it vibrated so much that my arm would get fatigued within 10 minutes!
Now, I’m no pansy or anything. I’ve dealt with some heavy duty machinery in my life and never had this issue. But this thing really did a number on my arm!
It was so bad that I switched back to hand-sanding and found it LESS tiring on my arm. Eventually, I sold it on eBay and got about 50% of what I paid for it. A waste of time and money.
BAD TOOL #3: Harbor Freight 6” Jointer.
No matter how much I messed with this tool, I was never able to get a true 90-degree jointed board out of it.
About the only thing I could do was make shingles with it. Eventually, I sold it on craigslist to someone locally. I told him why I was selling it, but he swore he knew how to “make it work right”.
I wished him good luck and then promptly lost hundreds by selling it for just ¼ the price I paid for it.
BAD TOOL #4: Ryobi Benchtop Table Saw
I spent more time tinkering and fixing this tool versus any other tool I’ve ever had!
I was actually glad when the angle adjustment “mechanism” broke (just a plastic rack and pinion). It lasted just one week. But it was one week of deep frustration.
The biggest problem was just overall poor design. The “throat plate” was just a rectangular piece of metal indented on one side to accommodate the 10-inch blade, so one could not make a zero clearance replacement.
And to top it off… it was noisier than ANY other benchtop saw I’ve ever used. Truly like something out of a nightmare!
I lost money on tools in a lot of ways during this time (what I call my “tool tryout stage”).
It happened over and over again. And every freakin’ time I thought I knew what to look for… and what to avoid… I lost money again in a different way.
After all my experience… and after coaching hundreds of students and hearing their experiences… I’ve taken note of…
“6 Common Way To Lose Money On Tools…”
FAKE OR PAID REVIEWS
This is by far the most common scam. (I call it a scam but some might disagree. Let’s see what you think.)
The way it works is this. Someone puts up a website called something like “Table saw reviews”. And on this webpage is a list of “the best” tools in this category. Of course what they DON’T tell you is that when you click the links on this webpage and buy the tool, the owner of the website gets a cut of the sale price.
Now, do you really think the owners of these websites care about the quality of the tools they recommend? Nope. What they do is recommend the tools with the highest revenue share.
Which means when you search for anything to do with tool reviews… you’re going to come across hundreds of these webpages… and all of them are designed to earn your trust… and take your money!
2. OLD TOOLS SOLD AS “GOOD CONDITION”
This one really gets to me. I mean it really gets me hot under the collar. Because it’s just so damned brazen!
As though I am too blind to see the rust or too deaf to hear the squealing! This is why I never recommend buying anything from Craigslist and I rarely recommend eBay. Because you never know who you are dealing with.
Even those eBay sellers with good feedback scores may use third-party “refurbishers”… and you don’t know who those folks are. It’s just not worth the risk in my opinion.
3. TOOLS THAT JUST PLAIN SUCK
Some might not call this a scam… but that’s exactly what it is! And the list of bad tools I gave you earlier is just the beginning.
Cheap Chinese manufacturing might be ok for Tupperware… but heavy-duty tools meant to last for years and years…?
The only reason a company would dare outsource such a thing would be to stretch profits. Parts, materials and assembly costs go down… and branding, marketing, and prices go up. It makes me sick.
And to make it worse… given the fake review situation… you can never be sure a tool is high quality or low quality… until you buy it.
4. BUYING TOO MUCH (QUANTITY OR PRICE)
One of the most common mistakes is buying tools that are too expensive or buying tools you don’t need. The truth is, you don’t need much to build pretty much anything you can imagine.
And you can get good quality tools for big discounts if you know where to look. (More on that later).
In all, you can spend under $1,000 and be set up in a great workshop. But I know how it feels when you’re shopping for new tools… and you think… “why not buy the top of the line so it lasts longer”… or “may as well get the best while I’m spending money”… those kinds of thoughts won’t only get you into big trouble with your other half… it’s also COMPLETELY wrong.
6. BUYING FROM BIG BOX RETAILERS
You might be shocked by this one. I’m talking about Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart and the like.
These places aren’t the best when it comes to stocking quality tools at cheap prices. Now I’m not saying you can’t find good stuff at these stores… you sure can… from time to time.
But I would never go to any of them as a single one-stop-shop for everything tool related.
That honor goes to a particular online store which I’m surprised more woodworkers don’t know about. More on this in a second. So there… six of the most common ways my students and I have lost money on tools.
I bet you’ve fallen victim to at least one of these scams or mistakes before?
If not, count yourself lucky. Because one or two would be somewhat easy to avoid… but SIX?
it’s a literal minefield out there for anyone looking to buy quality tools on a budget
But you know what… here’s something else…
As bad as losing money is…
Losing your TIME is SO MUCH WORSE… Because there’s no way to get your time back!
What could you have built so far with the time you’ve spent dealing with bad tools?
… All the research… sending them back for warranty repair… reselling them on Craigslist or eBay… or the time you’ve spent ruminating about which tool is the BEST to buy for a specific need?
With all that time you’ve wasted… You could have built a lot!
And since you’ve spent your time reading this far… I know you’re in need of guidance when it comes to setting up a complete small workshop.
I want to help you achieve that. More than anything.
But I don’t have the time to coach everyone personally…
So I’ve done the next best thing and put EVERYTHING I know about creating a small workshop into a detailed guide.
And the most important part of this guide is:
A LIST OF THE ABSOLUTE BEST TOOLS TO GET… AND WHERE TO BUY THEM FOR THE CHEAPEST PRICE POSSIBLE
Once you have this list… you won’t have to spend any more of your precious time researching tools… and more than that… you’re going to save yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run by buying the best tools from the start.
If that sounds good… then keep reading…
because in a moment I’m going to give you a chance to get just that.
A shopping list of the best quality tools and where to buy them from a trustworthy (and formerly secret) source for up to 70% off prices from big-box retailers such as Amazon / Lowes / Home Depot…
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to…
IN THIS DETAILED GUIDE, I’LL TAKE YOU BY THE HAND AND SHOW YOU EXACTLY HOW TO SET UP A FULLY FUNCTIONAL WORKSHOP FOR UNDER $1,000… AND DO IT WITH VERY LITTLE SPACE.
MODULE #1:
TOOL SELECTION
By far the biggest way woodworkers lose money and get discouraged is tool selection. In this module, I’ll show you:
- How to determine exactly which tools you need for your free woodworking patterns to print hobby BEFORE you start buying… so you’ll never blow your hard-earned cash on a tool that just ends up sitting in a box unused.
- My hand-tool only shopping list if your budget is under $500 (or if you just want to use hand-tools only)… and direct links to buy them for the best price. (pg 41)
- My power tool and hand-tool shopping list if your budget is under $1,000… and direct links to buy them for the best price. (pg 42)
- The 5-second trick that keeps your tools and machines in top working condition. The manufacturers won’t tell you this for a reason! (Do this before and after you start working and you can postpone buying replacement parts for YEARS.)
- My secret source for buying tools at HUGE discounts. I once found a Dewalt DW734 12 ½ inch planer for $170 on this site… when Amazon sold it for $399. And NO ONE talks about this place.
- You’ll get my “short-list” of stationary, portable, and pneumatic tools for your new workshop… and I’ll show you where to buy them at 40-60% off what you’d pay at Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Amazon, or even Harbor Freight!(Go to Page 89 for this eye-opening intel!)
- The best (and really the ONLY) items I would recommend buying at big box stores like Home Depot and Walmart.
- The difference between free printable woodworking plans with hand-tools vs power-tools. And how to know if a project is better suited for power tools or if hand-tools are the way to go for better precision and control.
- Why shopping for tools through most online and big-box retailers is almost always a waste of money. (There’s a BIG difference between promising low prices… and actually delivering on that promise!)
- My personal “Rolodex” of suppliers that offer heavily discounted tools. These suppliers have everything you need – from hand tools to power equipment, to portable tools and even replacement parts – at the lowest prices I’ve ever seen! (I don’t let many people see this “hush-hush” list.)
The tools I recommend have been used by either myself or someone I personally know. Their durability and performance are top notches and I can vouch for them.
MODULE #2: SPACE SELECTION
When setting up a long-term shop, you don’t want to screw this up. Get it wrong, and you’ll have all sorts of problems… but get it right, and your life will be much easier. In this module, I’ll reveal…
- Starting on Page 11, I’ll walk through all of the possible types of home workshop spaces… and list the pros and cons of each so you can choose the perfect space for your shop. (This has saved my student’s SO much aggravation and time!)Starting on Page 11, I’ll walk through all of the possible types of home workshop spaces… and list the pros and cons of each so you can choose the perfect space for your shop. (This has saved my student’s SO much aggravation and time!)
- You’ll get ideas and layouts for all sizes of workshops, from the large to tiny – including setting up a wood shop equipment ideas to make money shop in your garage, basement, attics, home spaces, apartment corners and more…
- The one place that is perfect for a small workshop… but from what I’ve seen… very few ever consider it!
- The most popular first choice for a home workshop that seems like a good idea at first.. but causes nothing but problems in the long run… (Hint: some things are downright impossible to build in it… and more than that… it can be a real fire hazard!)…(pg 15-16)
- The ONE part of your home that’s very spacious… but is the WORST area for a shop for three very big reasons. (pg 13)
- Why mobile homes should NEVER be used as dedicated workshops. Ignore this and you could easily end up arm-less or on your way to the morgue! (pg 23)
How to divide your workshop into different areas of your home. This requires more walking around but if you’re really stressed for space this is a god-send idea!
MODULE #3: SHOP LAYOUTS
Once you have your location picked out and your tools ordered and on the way… the next step is choosing the best fine woodworking magazine subscription
magazine shop layout for your space.
Inside this module you’ll find:
- How to plan and design your workshop to fit nicely in whatever space you have available… without sacrificing tools and machines you really need. (I’ve built free small wood projects studios in spaces as small as 7’x7’!)
- Perfect shop layouts for spaces that are 10’ x 10’ or under. (Get drawings and diagrams showing how to position every item in your shop for maximum productivity, safety, and enjoyment.)
- What I call the “doorway trick” … using this technique along with a smart layout can make a small space work like a larger one! (pg 29)
- The ONE tool you absolutely need to set up as movable to maximize your workspace… and my exact process for converting any heavy, stationary machine into a mobile one that anyone can move around. (pg 33-35)
You’ll get detailed floor plans and space-saving layout recommendations for your workshop. It includes machine placement and dividing your workspace effectively for different new Yankee workshop plans free tasks. (You’ll be surprised what you can do with a tiny or oddly shaped space!)
MODULE #4: ELECTRICITY, LIGHTING
AND SOUND PROOFING
After you have your layout chosen, the next step is to plan these three elements around your layout. Inside this module, I’ll show you:
- You’ll learn the ins and outs of lighting and electricity for your workshop, including cost, layout, and whether you should tackle this part yourself or hire a pro. (plus my $40.78 solution to superb whole-shop lighting!)
- The cheap circuit type that can power almost anything… without ever risking a blown breaker. (pg 89)
- How to sound-proof your shop using the same process singers use to record their music. This will reduce the sound coming from your shop by 50% or more.
- The best time of day to run your loudest equipment. Combine this with my sound-proofing tip and you’ll eliminate the possibility of disturbing neighbors
- How to lower all sound that escapes from your workshop by as much as 70% for under $500.. (The people you live with will thank you, believe me.)
- Speaking of noise… I’ve included a list of low-noise tools to help keep the peace in your home… and all together, they’ll only set you back about $1,000. (Yes, low-noise tools really do exist at budget prices… check out Page 81 to see for yourself!)
MODULE #5:
HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATION & DUST
Don’t underestimate how important these issues are. They can mean the difference between working in comfort and working in constant irritation. In this module I’ll show you:
- The $3 trick that ensures you have clean air even without inside-to-outside ventilation (which can make your workspace either hot or cold). This trick might even be healthier than having fans in your windows. (pg 195)
- The EXACT model of shop vac I recommend to my students. (this vac is the best performer for its price… a great value!)
- Why “cheap” heaters are not the way to go if you want to save money. And what to do instead. (pg 200)
- The best types of heaters for shops that are well insulated and those that are not well insulated. Read about it from pg 199
- Don’t make this serious humidity mistake when choosing your heating solution. Doing so could ruin your wood stock within hours. Find out what it is on pg 212
- Discover the perfect temperature for long term wood storage
MODULE #6: WORKSHOP SAFETY
Maintaining and organizing the overall safety of your shop should be your final step in setting up a small shop.
In this part of the guide I’ll reveal:
- The one type of shop fire that gives you a 50/50 chance of losing your home. (Learn about it on pg 220)
- Two tricks to avoid tripping over cables. By far the most common way people get injured in home workshops. More than that… it also ruins your peace of mind always having to be careful where you step. I’ll show you how to solve these issues and achieve both safety and freedom of movement
- 90% of workshop fires can be prevented by doing this one post-work habit which you’ll discover on page 228
- My 10 item checklist for shop safety. Even experienced woodworkers should follow these guidelines… doing so can save your house, your fingers and maybe your life!
- The 4 items that can set your shop on fire faster than you can blink! (This is something all woodworkers must absolutely be aware of)