In the Department of Art and Visual Culture’s Woods studio, students explore the creative potential of wood, engaging with both functional and sculptural design through a hands-on approach. Our curriculum emphasizes the process of making, from concept to creation, and encourages innovation through design experimentation, technical drafting, and model making. Students learn to develop their ideas through sketches and material exploration, while honing their skills in contemporary woodworking techniques.

Throughout the course, students gain expertise in a wide range of hand tools and machinery, mastering the tools essential for precise and creative woodwork. Digital technologies and sustainable practices are integral to our curriculum, empowering students to push the boundaries of design by integrating new materials and methods into their work.

The Woods studio, located in room 0034, provides students with access to a comprehensive woodworking environment. The studio features a 570-square-foot machine shop and a 630-square-foot bench room. In the bench room, students have 24/7 access to essential hand tools, power tools, and personal project storage, allowing for uninterrupted work on their projects. The machine shop, complete with an extensive range of woodworking equipment and a dust collection system, is available during supervised open hours outside of class time.

This well-equipped space supports the creative and technical growth of students, offering both the tools and the freedom to bring their designs to life in a collaborative and inspiring environment.

Woods studio equipment

  • Bandsaw (14”, 16”)
  • Combination disc sander (12”)
  • Drill press
  • Drum sander (26”)
  • Helical cutterhead jointer (8”)
  • Helical cutterhead planer (22”)
  • Lathe (14” x 42”)
  • Miter saw
  • Oscillating edge sander (9”)
  • Pantorouter joinery machine
  • Router table
  • Sawstop table saws
  • Scrollsaw
  • Spindle sander
  • Vertical belt sander (6”)

  • Carving gouges
  • Drills
  • Festool Domino (Model Shop)
  • Foredom carving tools
  • Grinders
  • Handsaws
  • Hand planes
  • Palm sanders
  • Rasps and files
  • Track saw
  • Various routers

  • Access to the ISU treecycle lumber program for affordable and sustainable project material
  • Carbon toothed resawing blade for shop made veneers
  • Hand and power tool carving and shaping
  • Jigs and accessories for table saw and router joinery
  • Low-voc water-based finishing
  • Steam bending box for wood bending
  • Vacuum bag setup for veneer work

Woodworking students also have access to College of Design making resources including the spray booth, CNC router, Model Shop, and Output Center.