Ever started on a woodworking project, only to find out the plans are incomplete, or you don't have all the right things? It can be extremely frustrating. This is especially true when you are working on a special memory chest for a family member. Having the right wood chest plans when you are starting out can take the project from complex, to easy.

When you first get your hands on your chest plans, first check through the two lists which should be on every plan. You should find both a materials list, and a required tools list. Make sure both lists are complete, including all hardware you're going to need, and exactly the tools you need. Having the proper tools is one of the most important components of having a successful project. Once you attempt to substitute tools, your project becomes much more difficult, and often times nearly impossible.

One way to avoid many frustrations is to have a wide range of chest plans to review, instead of just picking up one plan at the local hardware store. You can look through the list of requirements, and choose a chest you can build with your existing tools. One popular site has 82 different sets of chest plans for their members, making sure they can find plans to meet their skill level, and to work with their existing tools. They even sort their plans for beginners, intermediate woodworkers, and skilled craftsmen. Just choose your level of expertise when you start looking for your chest plans, and you'll only be presented with a list you can accomplish.

With a great set of chest plans, you can even push yourself a little outside of your comfort level, learning new skills. With a bad set of plans, you'll have too much guesswork left, and will struggle to complete your project if you are stepping outside your comfort zone.

One of the biggest problems with free plans is their lack of explaining clearly whether they are easy or difficult. What may appear easy, at first glance, is actually a very difficult project. Getting deeply into a project only to discover you have made a large contribution to your scrap pile can be very upsetting. Make sure you understand the plans completely, and they are at a skill level you are comfortable tackling.

Maybe when you are building a wood chest, your project is not for yourself, but to give to someone else. Even if it is another family member, you want it to look and function perfectly. Unless you are a highly skilled craftsman, having incomplete plans is going to lead you into making mistakes. Great plans make the job straight forward, and reduce the opportunities for errors.

This doesn't mean you can go from making the simplest chest, to making a detailed chest with inlaid decorations overnight. Great chest plans are not miracle workers, but with proper plans, and practice, you'll soon be able to build almost any kind of project you desire.