Replies

1. 
   stantheman | May 18, 2007 04:25am | #1

   ron

   not exactly what you were asking but the annoyance I have had with such sites is that it is difficult to search and find something using anyhting more than a general description.   For example, if i am looking for a plan (free or otherwise) for a "Shaker hall table"  the closest I get is "tables" and then have to page through all sorts of tables to find a tiny picture of what I think is what I am looking for. 

    

2. 
   forestgirl | May 18, 2007 05:02am | #2

   Ditto on Stantheman's comment about searches -- realllllly frustrating.  I'd want to see plans for quality furniture, too, not toss-it-together stuff that looks like it's destined for a hippie's domicile.  Not necessarily complex or advanced-level woodworking always, but decent looking stuff.

    

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   rjones69 | May 18, 2007 05:58pm | #3

   Well I don't think searches will be a problem at first due to the lack of plans I will have there, however I will keep that in mind.  With regard to the actual furniture feel free to take a look in my gallery on my website.  I only have a couple pieces there right now but hope to have some more soon as I am currently wrapping up work on a sofa table that should give you an idea of what I will be offering.  In order to build the collection I will most likley be working with other craftsmen in order to vary the style as well.  Again thanks for the input and hopefully in the next couple weeks I may just have something for you all to take a look at:)

    

   RJ 

1. 
   forestgirl | May 18, 2007 06:11pm | #4

   Sorry if I sounded put-offish when I wrote that -- I hadn't looked at your web site or anything, I was simply reflecting on my last experience of trying to find a plan.  Looking forward to your offerings!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   doorboy | May 18, 2007 06:18pm | #5

   An unprovoked attack on hippies?! With a name like Forestgirl, I would have thought that there's probably a little hippie blood in you. Wasn't Jerry Garcia's wife named Mountaingirl?"Roger Staubach for President"

1. 
   forestgirl | May 18, 2007 08:52pm | #8

   "I would have thought that there's probably a little hippie blood in you."  There's some, for sure.  The first Whole Earth Day was great fun!  Doesn't mean I want to return to those days with my home decorating, LOL!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   doorboy | May 18, 2007 09:35pm | #9

   touche'"Roger Staubach for President"

2. 
   rjones69 | May 18, 2007 06:25pm | #6

   not a problem, I too have seen the load of crap out there so... hopefully I can offer something in the middle of the road, with a little on the basic end and maybe a little on the more experianced end:)

3. 
   pmmatty | May 18, 2007 06:51pm | #7

   I would love to see you offer intermediate/advanced plans with different and unique designs.  Almost every plan site offers the same old thing.  PMM

1. 
   rjones69 | May 18, 2007 10:18pm | #10

   PM,

   I am curious as to what is the same ole thing?

1. 
   pmmatty | May 19, 2007 12:27am | #11

   If you go to any of the plan sites (as I'm sure you have) you will see what I call the "same old thing."  i.e.  mission tables in various sizes and shapes; shaker: same thing. cradles, adirondack chairs, work benches, etc. (on and on).  I don't mean to demean these plans; I have built some of them.  But this is what I see over and over.

   I am an intermediate to advanced woodworker who unfortunately has little to zero design skills or vision.  It just isn't there.  I wish it were.  I (and the market for what I am talking about may be limited) like unique and challenging projects.  A perfect example is the huntboard designed by Garrett Hack which FWW sells the plans for.  I bought those plans and built the huntboard.  It graces my living room about 5 feet from where I am writing this.  Hope this helps.  PMM

1. 
   rjones69 | May 19, 2007 01:25am | #12

   Ah so I get what you mean now:)  Funny I don't think any of those types of projects crossed my mind ( I think that type of stuff is kinda of boring but each to his or her own )  I am not saying I wouldn't consider plans of that nature but to be honest I hoping to offer more of a variety.  We'll see what happens

4. 
   questtools | May 20, 2007 05:55pm | #13

   Ron

   Your web page is very good - simple and easily navigated! With regards to web pages devoted to plans, I agree with your statement that most are not free when several plans are finally picked. I agree with several other post that finding anything can be frustrating because table could be anything from change table for babies to a workshop table. I am not keen on free plans, I would rather pay for quality. Quality means I would like some choice, good plans. For an extra price I would like an option to buy a DVD with instructional video, cutlist and fully scaled plans I can print out.

   Glen Huey at woodworkersedge has made a great start on some plans he has built and documented. Marc at Woodwhisper is another who is moving in the right direction with regards to getting people interested in ideas - yes even a simple cutting board can be fun and educational - his style of delivery is second to none. Pay for view podcasts?

   So as forestgirl alluded to, IF your site is just another "10,000 free woodworking plans", save your energy and bandwidth. However, if you idea is to put some quality plans on your webpage - "free" is not expected - then start with your hall table or workstation. Package the product so that the purchaser gets a cutlist, scalable drawings and maybe even a DVD or downloadable instructional video from an FTP site. I will pay for good plans and usually test the water with a purchase and buy more if I like the first set.

   Really with the high price of wood nowadays, making a $20 mistake with a 8/4 slab of cherry wood is easy. So why wouldn't I buy some quality plans to minimize the errors on any project and maximize my chances of success? I learn from my mistakes, but creating firewood one project at a time is not fun!

   Good luck with your decision?

   Bob

1. 
   rjones69 | May 21, 2007 03:19am | #14

   Bob,

   Thanks so much for all your input!!  So far I am in general agreement with everyone ideas and opions.  With that being said I think I am on the right track with the input I have received so far and with any luck I hope I try and put together a prototype package in the next 2-3 weeks.  Stay tuned.......:)