Woodworking Plans - Vintage, Modern, Antique - Where Do I Begin?

Well, since this site is focusing on old-fashioned designs, and vintage crafts, my vote is to use older woodworking projects. Here are some reasons why:

Antique Woodworking Patterns Use Unique Woods

Many woodworking designs from today use MDF or particle board. This is great for a lot of applications. But, if you're going to take the time to hand build a wood project, why not use a vintage woodworking design that is made for specific woods? The finished product will be a lot nicer, and unique.

Look at this project - would it look right in MDF?

Vintage Woodworking Plans Have More Detailed Designs

I've mentioned this before, but most contemporary patterns and designs are made to be completed quickly. They are more assembly, and less craft. The same is true in woodworking.

Older patterns have details and trim that give the projects character. Yes, they take more time. But the finished product is truly well made and well designed.

Older Woodworking Designs Don't Require Expensive Power Tools

This might be a very important point if you are a beginning woodworker. Most older woorworking plans use hand tools, and very few power tools. If you have power tools, of course you can use them with older patterns. But if you don't have all the latest gadgets, you won't need them with most vintage patterns.

Now, my husband disagrees. He thinks he needs all those fancy power tools, even when the woodworking design does not call for them.

Older Woodworking Plans Contain More Complete Instructions

Many contemporary woodworking patterns assume you know what you are doing, and just give the basic instructions and measurements. Which is fine, if you know what you're doing.

For the rest of us, older plans are the way to go. Most antique woodworking designs tell you why you are doing a certain step, and frequently give you options to customize the work for your particular tastes and needs.

The following pages will give you more details about working with older woodworking patterns and tools.

The Complete Guide to Wood Finishing

1967 Lean To Shed Wood Working Plans

1965 Built-Ins for Children's Rooms Wood Working Plans

Let's Get Started!