Yes and no. 

For any of our projects where templates are offered, you will need to use templates in order to build the piece.

That said, you DO NOT need to buy them from us.

Every course that uses templates comes standard with PDF files for printing and SVG files for those who have access to a CNC. In other words...options for you to make the templates on your own. We'll cover it in more detail in the course.

The reason we sell the templates is as a convenience for anybody who'd rather not deal with creating the templates and just wants to jump into building the actual piece as soon as possible.

Once you've purchased a course, if templates are required, there will be a link within the course documents that you can click to purchase. 

We will make you fully aware of the cost of templates for any particular piece before you enroll, so there shouldn't be any surprises. 

This is often a point of confusion. People sometimes think that a template is a guide that will help them produce a piece.

They don't simply "help", but rather they ARE the way the piece is produced. 

Generally speaking, on our pieces they are used in joint transitions with radiused corners...things like the 3 pieces that make up the legs and arm rests of the "Glenn Lounge Chair" for example. 

If you still want more information about this topic, check out this video.