Reading Gary Heltemes discussion about Norms Tall Clock Plans, made me curious.

How many folks would actually purchase woodworking plans?

I have purchased plans. Although I never find exactly what I need or am looking for, I changed them to suit my needs. I consider them a decent source of information for getting what you want if you don't mind making the needed changes to fit your special project. I have also learned a lot over time about how to create your own plans and drawings. I would think that plans are a good thing whether from a purchase or magazine to aid in a lot of different areas. New comers it is a must to get the right ideas, technics and base knowledge. More experienced for ideas and guides on designs. Some of the plans for shop jigs etc. also include saftey features that one might over look. All in all, they are good teachers and guides to learn from or improve your current skill levels. I hope this makes sense,

Best Wishes

I have purchased 3 sets of plans for bedroom sets (suites) and 1 plan for an adjustable small box hinge mortise jig. Other than that, I wing it from photos or ideas that float around between my ears.

Oh ya............the entertainment center I posted here a couple of months ago was also a purchased plan.

I typically don't buy plans because I'm too cheap but if the project is detailed I could change my tune..  However, if you count the cost of Wood, Woodcraft and Woodsmith subscriptions I guess maybe I do buy plans.

 While I can just go with a picture or two, and some overall sizes, I DO have Norm's books on the bench.    That is about as close to buying a plan as I get.

I have purchases a set of plans from the New Yankee site. I have used plans from magazines and either followed them or made my own changes to them. I even made some changes to the ones I purchased from NYW to have it fit the way I wanted it.

 

Sometimes I use them as a guide or a way to do a joinery I haven't done before.

I have a few purchased sets of plans (garage sale, used book store sale, freinds gave them to me, etc.) but I have never bought plans.

 

All I need is to have a picture and I draw them up myself.

I purchased one set from Wood Magazine's site and won't be doing it again.  There were at least 3 of the dimensions that were off at least a 1/2".  Cost me a piece of oak hardwood before I checked all of the dimensions.

I have twice. One for my memory box and another for the bed I'm making. The Bed plans weren't complete as I had to hit the drawing board to come up with some figures that were missing

As always, thanks for all the feedback guys, we are constantly striving to bring the members of The American Woodworker the resources they need on our young network, we are a work in progress, and your feedback is very valuable.

Thank you

John