How I Make Woodworking Plans // Woodworking Business

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/shopnat...
Shop Nation Store: shopnationstor...
Fusion 360 Woodworking Course: bit.ly/3pklpF6
"OG" Shop Nation Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/s...
Creating woodworking plans is a great way to share your project with others. It's also a great way for woodworking content creators to generate some revenue through selling of those plans. I have sold over $20,000 worth of woodworking plans on Etsy. If you have a woodworking business and you would like to create plans but don't know where to start (or want to improve your current process) this video is for you!
I get a lot of questions regarding my build plans - what programs I use & how do I make them. In this video I will attempt to answer those questions so because I think the information could be useful to others out there looking to do the same. I go over my thought process when creating plans, the specific programs I use, and even what platform to sell them on.
Thank you so much for watching and feel free to ask questions in the comments section regarding topics I didn't get to in the video!
Useful Links:
CutList Optimizer: www.cutlistopt...
Fusion 360 Woodworking Masterclass: bit.ly/3pklpF6
Shop Nation Links:
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Shop Nation Website: www.shopnation...
Instagram (@dreamshopnation): / dreamshopnation
Timberland Pro: bit.ly/ShopNat...
This video was sponsored by Skillshare.
#woodworkingplans #buildplans #howto

[@ShopNation]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/shopnation11201 Fusion 360 Woodworking Course: bit.ly/3pklpF6

[@miguelrebolledo6291]

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[@philipwindowcleaner]

I was really inspired by this, and I fixed a chair leg with duck tape.

[@ProyectoInnovador-hy6dw]

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[@domino4843]

Duct

[@ozzyv3419]

​@@domino4843I was like 13 when i found that out, not my proudest moment.

[@Rebecca1Tupperware]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@SamSelim]

Thank you for this video, 2 years later and this video has still filled the gap of knowledge for people like myself trying to find resources and advice on how to do this

[@clickster1883]

Dude, you're awesome, willing to share everything you're doing, how you're doing it, and the financials behind it all. When it comes time to buy plans for a project, I will be starting with yours on Etsy, no question. I appreciate ya'. Keep up the good work.

[@samanthamorris8368]

One of the most concise, well-explained videos I have EVER seen! Your editing style makes your videos that much more enjoyable. I love how you cut the crap and get down to it!

[@theof7457]

Thank you! Your transparency and clear languge is second to none my friend! Congratulations! I'm a 20 yo aspiring to be a woodworker and this is so inspiring it hurts hahah

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Thanks for the video! This is just what I needed! This is the next step for my channel and I appreciate you showing us your process! Your plans are awesome and Fusion 360 is the bomb!!!

[@countrymagic61]

I took some of your ideas and tried them out. I am getting where I can make plane in printed format to take out in the shop. I worked on a current project (overland/camp box) and got something printed out which I can use. However, I am using Sketchup. In Sketchup, you have to download the extension "Open Cut Lists". I think it does a good job. I broke everything down by sub assemblies and by individual components. Long story short...I used PowerPoint to create my plans. Thank you for your insight. Looking forward to similar type of videos.

[@homestead_diy]

I really like this video. I've made blog entries for years about how I build things. Mostly just pictures with me typing (or talking if it is a video) explain what I'm doing. Then I always get the comments about if I have plans, cut lists, parts list. I've just never been that organized. About to start working on a Dual Dog Kennel / Entertainment center. I've already done my pencil sketch. I guess maybe I need to look at Fusion360 and see if I can make some basic plans. Thanks, your video got me headed down the right path.

[@d.bishop1034]

Just bought your plans for the "perfect garage workbench" and they are fantastic. After studying them for one evening I was able to really understand the whole build and make some decisions on customizations I want to make... and some customizations I had considered but discarded as too complicated. Can't wait to get started building. The plans actually got me excited, lol!

[@brennangoodson3367]

I love your transparency, it’s refreshing and it helps me on wether I’m going to do something or not, thank you. Keep making shop greatness!!!

[@phillypauly]

I really enjoy your style and the progression of your channel over the years. Even among the makers, it's quite unique! Thank You!

[@jimwiskus8862]

Fabulous job as usual! Hey, after all anyone with a Saturn V model is top notch. What a beast that rocket was! Keep up the A+ work!!!

[@craigbull5045]

Love the Lego Saturn rocket in the background. :)

[@p5makersplace]

Great info. I have been a lic. contractor/welder/fabricator nut job for years. Finally starting to shoot vids and produce content. Your info. is great and the sharing is appreciated. KP

[@AlexRodoni]

Killer video man. Having purchased a few of your plans, I can attest to them being top notch. Yours are my favorite because of the detail, color, and cut list/supplies. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@adamfitzmaurice3599]

This is a great video! As a draftsperson, I tend to make shop drawings like I was sending them to the fabrication floor. Way to much detail and way too complicated. This was a great reminder to keep it simple, but have everything explained. Thanks again!

[@wingsley]

Great video, great information, but one major omission: it wouldn't hurt to tell folks that Fusion 360 costs $60/month of $495/year, right from the get-go. This will make it easier and quicker for your audience to choose what is best for their individual needs and budget.

[@ShopNation]

I have never paid a dime for Fusion 360, there is a free version

[@meperson]

For personal non commercial usage there is free license.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Excellent video, thanks for all the useful info!

[@benjirides218]

This is fantasic! I love this, thank you for making this video. Very inspiring.

[@dcardsfan4340]

I purchased your Jobsite Table Saw Workbench plans and found them very easy to use (I am building my second one now with some modifications for a miter saw and spindle sander versus the router lift and table saw). I somewhat disagree with your comment on getting rid of words altogether. While it works for Legos; I think there is one major distinction to be made. All of the Lego pieces are already in their final shape; you just need to match them up. In the case of woodworking, you need to transform the wood into its final shape and THEN assemble it. Some written direction is required to understand the key points you call-out throughout your plans (e.g., "make sure you use straight 2x4's or you will have difficulty later"). I really enjoy your videos, plans, and products. Keep up the great work. You have certainly helped me transform my workshop.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I would love to learn Fusion. I've used it but I have barely scratched the surface. It would be really cool to offer plans one day. But there is also a lot of benefit to doing this. One thing I've found recently is that I have found free plans that are ok. But that I tweak to meet my needs. I want to make my own plans that I can print off for my own personal use. Maybe they use pocket holes and I"m planning to use dominos. Maybe they suggest assembling one way and during my build I find that a different assembly process works better for me. Or... i just want to change a few dimensions. I hand write and draw pictures so that I can recreate my tweaked version. Sure would be a lot easier to make plans. Or... same thing for the things that I create on my own. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Mr76Pontiac]

I've been using FreeCad and OpenSCAD for my work to do 3D Modelling for my printer. I took Mechanical CAD back in College (20+ years ago now) and I still consider myself extremely rusty (pun intended -- mechanical..rust... oh never mind) but I've been successful with making some models. My next task is to make a storage unit for my printer I can stuff in a corner. I see that there is a free version of Fusion360, so I'm going to give that a whirl. I saw how easily you made the rabbit ears, so thought I'd give it a shot.

[@bear_hardy2118]

Really like these videos. Very informative. Would love to hear more about how youve built your channel and monetised your hobby. From audio and video to etsy and growth.

[@mplussant]

I designed aircraft parts in 3D for 40 years until my recent retirement...working for Boeing, Cessna, McDonnel-Douglas, Bell Helicopter among others...you’ve done a great job/service in this vid...a word about equipment and costs would be a nice extra...been a fan of your site from its inception...it’s only gotten better...very, very impressive...Bravo!...

[@mplussant]

@@JackFalltrades ..it’s worth it to me…I couldn’t afford a ‘Catina’ workstation license…

[@mplussant]

@@JackFalltrades …SHE said that…

[@alexandriaoccasional-corte1346]

You had 3d software in 1980?

[@mplussant]

@@alexandriaoccasional-corte1346 …Calma 3D…green wireframe…

[@SavageThrone]

OG Comments!!!

[@hmsiegel79]

I just bought my first set of your plans, for the Shmedium Workbench, and my first reaction was, "HOLY SH!*!!!!! 95 pages! What the?!". But I looked through them, and found them extremely detailed. Great job! Very impressive.

[@RLLWoodworks]

Dude this is super helpful. Really appreciate the info Travis! I just made a table saw cart and want to make plans for it so this is timely!!

[@jayjb77]

All I could think about is how my OCD was driving me nuts with the partially opened drawer behind you!

[@ShopNation]

Ahhh me too! I didn’t even notice until I was done shooting! Haha

[@AllIsWellaus]

Great tutorial. When you spoke about how much money do you make on etsy, it would be easy to think that this is done exclusively from your digital plans. You do have a pretty healthy collection of tools and other items. I don't think that it's necessarily wrong but I am a supporter about being transparent and upfront when money is involved. You can spend a lot of time creating plans and nothing is certain but having realistic expectations can actually spur you on rather than suck the enthusiasm right out of you.

[@ShopNation]

The numbers I shared are just from plan sales

[@SwaggerHondo]

Thanks again for a great video. I love how you turn the Lego instruction into a Lamborghini brochure 😂

[@mikabreto]

LEGO builder here-that actually IS the instruction manual for the 42115 LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 that was released in 2020. It has over 30 pages of photography of actual Lambos and history, which gives it that brochure look. See it here: lego.brickinstructions.com/en/lego_instructions/set/42115/rb

[@ScottWalshWoodworking]

Great video. I use sketchup for my own drawings to use as 'plans' for my builds, but I've been considering offering full plans for projects on my channel. You've given me lots to think about, thanks!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

This is awesome. Thanks! I need to get going on my first plan!

[@crimson_tide_edc]

Awesome work. Keep on pursuing shop greatness.

[@southeasttacticalgroupllc7287]

I came across your videos over the Thanksgiving holidays. Great videos. Thanks for sharing and I have a shop cabinet plan I am working on because of these videos. I am NOT repeat NOT a wood worker. Looking forward to my build.

[@zwdesigns]

Wow! Great incite to this part of the business! A lot of content creators do this but never share the benefits. Keep up the good work!

[@rayjos0424]

There is also a little rat dog running around in the background! Cute little dog, too!

[@kerynnlathrop4400]

Pita!!!!! She’s a beeb. We love her. She’ll be in the next video. I’ll make sure of it. Haha.

[@leroymichaelson4922]

Thanks for the tip on F360 training. I have been struggling to learn it. And thanks for the affirmation that it is a good tool for the job.

[@heed7496]

what is Id vs powerpoint? I can,t find that anywhere ...thanks

[@MrStukov]

Thank you for inspiration, that's really awesome!

[@muhammadirhas1214]

Thanksfully for your videos

[@Purgetheworld]

Great video as usual!! Keep it up brother. One of my favorite channels on YT!

[@clintevashkevich]

I’ve been wondering how I could go about doing something like this. Video explained it amazingly. Thanks for the inspiration! 👊🏻

[@deanwilliams93]

I built a Estes Saturn 5 in 1972. Fun to look at, did not fly well.

[@johnaviles8181]

Thanks for the tips I was looking for something similar of what your saying on how to show a guide with explanations and greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@mikeshawbrook-selfreliance]

You have developed a great business model

[@markwilson4696]

Autodesk recently changed the license for what is now the personal/hobbyist free version. If you plan to use it to make money, you need to get the paid version @ $500/year. The developer is a questionable criteria for selecting a CAD tool. Instead, there are technical reasons for Fusion 360 (or FreeCAD). One is parametric modeling. Another is articulating parts. Fusion has them. Sketchup doesn't.

[@michaelcooper3462]

Have you used the 3D CONNEXION controller yet. This is a game-changer for Fusion 360!

[@crashkg]

I appreciate this video since I just bought build plans from a great engineer and I have no idea how to start since his build plans need you to be able to read his mind. There is no particular order and just a lot of random pictures in many folders. The layout is a giant template with numbers all over the place. I would have an easier time building the pyramids from reading a burn scar off of someone's palm like Indiana Jones.

[@TheHowtoDad]

PowerPoint...I wish I saw this before I dropped $1000 on f360...nice video

[@Rapidfire556]

One perk to Sketchup is the 3D AR mode in the mobile app. I know iOS has it and I'd assume they've got it in the Android version but I've used it a lot of times to show my wife / family members what I'm about to build them before I build it so they can visualize exactly what it's going to look like in that space and how it'll change the dynamics or how it'll fill out and use the area. I mean if you're already building it in 3D, why not use AR to see it in the space?

[@alistairholmes681]

Thank you for your guidance.

[@gregmislick1117]

Very nicely presented. Fusion 360 is a great option

[@PhilDeGuzman]

Sketchup started as a Google project!

[@olachus]

It is still owned by Google and almost every year they release a new version. But, as an old user of SketchUp, I don't recall many updates for an existing version. I do recall a bunch of sites where to get different plug-ins and useful tool to integrate into your existing version, some for free, many for some money. Not much support if you need it, but there are forums where you can find help faster. Still, it is a good tool, but not great. It has its own limitations.

[@joelmorissette528]

@@olachus owned by Trimble for which they purchased from Google. Imo, they ruined it by making it overly web based. At least if you want updates.

[@torchedtaco]

This is gold man! Thanks so much, I've been wondering how I should even get started when it comes to making plans. This breaks it down beautifully!

[@mikebeetle86]

Thank you. Loved the video.

[@hansangb]

Oh man. I wanted a video to tell me to stay with sketchup over F360 LOL. Maybe it's time to make the plunge. Cost is a factor, but it's not *the* factor. I'll give Kevin's tutorial a whirl. Thanks

[@suchasweety138]

I just want to learn how to make plans for all the ideas I have right now. I have no tools and I'm about to borrow tools to make my first project.

[@JohnStrikwerda]

This is an awesome video bud. Thank you.

[@countrymagic61]

I found your channel by Googling how to make woodworking plans. I enjoyed your video. Quick! However, I got some good information and some Ideas. I have been playing around with Sketchup for years (I am no expert!), and I can drew up something basic in a heartbeat. It is just trying to get that in to a printed format to take out to the shop and build. I have the free Fusion 360 version. However, it is only good for a year. I like Fusion 360, but can not justify the cost for what I do to get the bells and whistles of the paid version (same thing with Sketchup). I also like the idea using PowerPoint for your plans. I will give that a try. I even made my first KZbin videos using PowerPoint. Thanks for the ideas. My little shop is not a business. I use it mainly for me (sawdust therapy). I do on occasions will make something for family. But if I do get a chance to make a few extra bucks here and there...OK Thanks for the video, and I subscribed!

[@ProductDesignOnline]

You can renew the free Personal Use Fusion 360 license every year when it 'expires' as long as you still meet the qualifications (aka...not using it for commercial use). It will simply ask you if you want to subscribe/pay for commercial use. Instead, you will go to the website, sign in, click download personal use, and it will auto-renew the license. They don't make it easy/intuitive (probably intentional) but they do have help articles that explain it, so it is the official way.

[@infinitebuilds491]

Very useful and informative! I'm going to make my first build plan today. Thanks!

[@mattmorrisson9607]

Dude...GREAT video! Thank you for that amazing content

[@tq2655]

Great video, thanks man.

[@h3h3umm]

The Etsy Fees are getting worse and worse. Would advise people to TRY and start their own websites. Must fight against these Greedy corporations, profiting off our hard work and ideas

[@smalltimeworkshop6537]

Really enjoyed the legos concept. Question about Fusion 360 - do you use the commercial version that allows you to sale products or does exporting images into powerpoint allow you to bypass that?

[@ShopNation]

I pay for the software yes

[@shahbazkh2885]

Wonderful and useful channel

[@KingstonLaneWorkshop]

A really use video, keep up the excellent work!!!!

[@Stillworks]

Hey Travis, have you experienced a template plan printing out smaller than you designed it? I’m sure the parts I’m working on are digitally the right size, but when printed out they are shrunk down and I ensured that “fit to page” is unchecked. Just seeing if you ever had this issue. Thanks

[@daleparks6978]

Great video and content as always!

[@justinkratz3622]

Great video!

[@tomtownsend7273]

Awesome Video as Always!

[@tommiestrydom973]

Thanks mate. Awesome video

[@TheVideoGameVault]

Really like how you not only show how to do this stuff but how it could be used as another revenue stream. I'd imagine most would not share that part of it. Glad the channel is killing, long time sub.

[@paramtrx9558]

Thx man.. Why don't you make your plans in fusion?

[@markiuzzolino]

Thank you!

[@GoblinsWorkshop]

subbed bro. good video.

[@Z-add]

I think Fusion360 has a nesting workspace. Have you tried it. I saw it in one of the training videos.

[@mariangraham9074]

Great content. I have no plans to sell plans but even for my own use I'd like to have to tools to do a good job & learn something new in case, in the future, I want to move in that direction.

[@Anpraska]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@Kimberlymogan]

Thank you soo much.

[@popparock6506]

4:44 is that really what you do for your drawer bottom?

[@mikecoughlin4128]

Could you do a video similar to this on the topic of how you film, edit and publish? I like your cinematic style. I’ve asked people before that say “my wife “, that won’t work in my case. Thanks.

[@robertcartman3502]

content starts at 1:50 you are welcome

[@cuttingedgewoods]

What if you sold them on Etsy but in your KZbin videos that you also offer them on your website for a 6% discount? Are there restrictions on Etsy for doing that? Then you could capture the Etsy traffic and also start driving traffic to the website instead.

[@jackieminka1161]

Looking at the free vs paid Fusion 360 program. Any major differences in features that would make you recommend paid over free?

[@ShopNation]

Free limits the number of designs you can edit, can’t export drawings, limited functionality with simulation and CAM too

[@birdy-crypto4430]

I just purchased your Ultimate garage cabinet build and I was wondering what plywood I could use on a budget is constructions OK

[@ShopNation]

Yes, as long as you use 3/4” and 1/2” you’ll be fine

[@melissap.9404]

Do you use the free or paid version of Fusion 360?

[@kevindaniels2990]

Hey Travis, I love the information that you put into this video. With that said, I was looking at the system requirements needed to run fusion 360 and some computers that were capable. I was wondering what you use to run 360. Thanks in advance!

[@ShopNation]

I use a MacBook Pro with an i7

[@shaunherring8609]

On average, how long does it take for you to create a simple set of plans that you would sell on your Etsy store, workbench as an example, in F360?

[@ShopNation]

A set of workbench plans from beginning to end takes me about 40 hours

[@jenniferstaley3851]

This was great and just in time for me to plan my huge kitchen remodel. I’m very familiar with Autocad but not fusion. Is there a reason you don’t create the plans in a cad based software? Or just preference?

[@codyslater3973]

Wish AutoDesk Fusion 360 was a little cheaper though. You get a trial but is it really worth $495/yr for the occasional builder?! Seems like an awesome program to use even if you do not intend to sell plans. It's a great way to get a vision in your head onto "paper".

[@insomniac5633]

Can you offer any recommendations for sanity/quality checking plans? I'm an ME too but my last design work was about 15 years ago. I'm about half way through a set of plans and feeling pretty self conscious about publishing them after only one test build. Thanks for all the inspiration and great content.

[@ShopNation]

Take plenty of breaks and come back with fresh eyes to review. You will inevitably miss something but someone will let you know and just make a revision. Not a huge deal

[@m4ttyc88]

Absolutely love your videos and amongst other channel makers it's inspired me to start taking my hobby a little bit more seriously. Is the Fusion 360 Free version sufficient enough for woodwork modelling? I'm used to Sketchup but as you say it's limited so happy to start from scratch

[@Bward216]

So I've literally been planning a cabinet for like 2 week. Researching to figure out the spacing for drawerslides as well as the face frame.... I'm not all the way through the video yet but... if I have an opening to slide a cabinet into a closet like opening of 18.5" how much does the cabinet need to come in for the face frame so the door can open? (Its a space between the shower and the wall) do I just shrink the cabinet down 1.5 on each side and build the cabinet inside the frame so I dont have to space drawer slides? I'm stuck here

[@EwoEast13]

If I understand ur predicament correctly, 1/2 of an inch is the “thickness” of most single drawer slide (the full extension/ soft close type ones with the ball bearings). So plan for an inch if you use that style (2 slides at 1/2”). They have under mounted ones as well, but I do not know the info on those. And as for the face frame, you could go European style and not use a face frame? Or if u have other cabinets in the bathroom (?) see what they have to match, then u just build out where ur slides will go. Few options hope it helps.

[@omarkahoul1686]

Is it good to use solidworks for woodworking?

[@willingandable1123]

Excellent video! Are you using the free version of Fusion?

[@jonbailey6048]

How do you secure your plans? To stop others from copying them?

[@don361]

Do you use the personal use version?

[@ibrahimsholeh5140]

Hello, how about selling plans on amazon / ebay / etc??

[@jerrysmelgus4587]

do you use the free version of Fusion 360?

[@user-zq6pj5jo8j]

113K subscribers