Wood Shop

Requirements

What You Need

• Tier 1 & Tier 2 authorization — completed with Makercorps or your faculty
• BSU ID — required to use the facility
• An attendant on duty — you may only work in the shop when one is present
• Sign in at the attendant station each visit and indicate your Tier 1 / Tier 2 status
• Required PPE — safety glasses or face shield and ear protection at all times; closed-toe shoes
• Your own materials — wood, fasteners, hardware, adhesives, paint & brushes

Get Certified

Training Tiers

Authorization is earned by tier. Review the materials on the training page, then sign up for a certification session with a Makercorps student or faculty member — certification links to your BSU ID and unlocks independent access.

Policies

Conduct & Behavior

All students using this facility must comply with the following:

• Follow all safety guidelines. You may only work in the Wood Shop with an attendant on duty.
• No running or horseplay in any shop areas.
• Always clean up after yourself as soon as you finish — brooms, dust pans, trash cans, and scrap bins are located throughout the shop.
• Put away all materials as soon as you finish with them.
• No machine may be left running unattended — stay with your work at all times.
• CAP is not responsible for personal projects, tools, or materials left in the shop.
• Be courteous and respectful to staff and lab attendants.
• Tools in the wood shop are intended for wood only.

How the Shop Runs

Standard Operating Procedures

• Ball State ID required to use the facility.
• Open-lab capacity is 12 (four work stations across three benches). This limit prevents lines — and the safety concerns they create — at the band saw, table saw, miter saws, and sanders. Faculty may supervise more than 12 under their direction.
• Always sign in at the attendant station and indicate your Tier 1 / Tier 2 status. Students documented as completing wood shop training with CAPFY before 2022–2023 hold Tier 1 & Tier 2 status. Dishonest sign-in costs you wood shop privileges for 15 weeks.
• Lab attendants are not required to cut your materials. The shop is a learning environment — many attendants are still learning the tools themselves.
• Use appropriate materials with each machine — tools are for wood only. Do not sand plaster on sanding equipment.
• Wood in the scrap bin is free to use; you supply supplemental material. No pallets, skids, packing crates, or stock containing nails, staples, or other fasteners.
• Supply your own fasteners, hardware, adhesives (some wood glue is provided for small projects — bring your own for large ones), and paint & brushes.
• All glued items must cure or set for 24 hours before being used on any machine.
• No long-term storage. To leave something overnight, consult the attendant on duty for placement, and pick it up the next day.
• Do not use the shop if you are tired, sick, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol — you will be asked to leave.

Required

Safety Guidelines

Eye and ear protection are required. Report any injury to the shop supervisor or attendant on duty immediately.

Eye Protection

• Safety glasses or a face shield must be worn at all times in the Wood Shop.
• Bring your own, or select a pair from the shop cabinet on the wall.

Ear Protection

• Ear muffs and foam ear plugs are provided — wear them when working with or near any power tool.
• Wireless earbuds and over-ear devices are not ear protection and must not be worn under ear muffs.

Footwear & Attire

• Closed-toe shoes at all times — no flip-flops or sandals (you’ll be asked to leave and return with proper footwear).
• No loose or flowing clothing, long sleeves, neck ties, or scarves. Tuck in hoodie strings. No revealing clothing.
• Tie back long hair. Remove loose jewelry such as long necklaces and bracelets.

Equipment Reminders

• Position the band saw guard properly before use — ¼ inch above the material you’re cutting.
• The table saw guard stays on. If you need it removed, see the attendant on duty.
• Do not sand pieces ¼ inch or less vertically on the stationary belt sanders — the material can wedge and be lost.
• Do not sand plaster with sanding tools or machines.
• Drill bits are provided by the drill presses. Fostner and spade bits are in the tool room — ask the attendant. Plan ahead and buy your own for special drilling needs.

Borrow

Tool Room

The Wood Shop Tool Room holds hand tools, power tools, clamps, and more. View what’s available in the WebCheckOut Patron Portal under Tool Room.

• Available during the business hours posted at the AB 029 entrance.
• Checkout is for a maximum of 24 hours — except weekend checkouts (Friday), which are due by noon the following Monday.
• Ask a shop attendant to retrieve a tool for you.

Not authorized yet, or need a refresher?