Build a Cheap, Quick and Easy Artist Easel

Build this easel for under $15!

 Easels are just three-legged stand but are expensive when buying the commercially manufactured one.

We bought this flimsy easel couple of years ago and for a while, it worked fine.

BUT I always have to make sure I don't put too much force or it will wiggle and mess up my painting. I also can't paint big canvas on this easel, it's not stable. I need sturdier easel but given the very expensive store bought easel prices, I had to design and built my own.

This easel can be built by virtually anybody who never built anything before who needs sturdy easel on a tight budget. I am designing this easel as I built it so the steps may seem out of order. I took a lot of photos so anybody can follow the steps (and don't have to read long worded instructions, I'm a visual learner and I hate reading manuals myself ha ha!)

How to Built an Artist Easel

Materials List:

(4) 1/4 - 20 X 3-1/2 carriage bolt
(4) flat washers
(4) 1/4 - 20 wing nut
screws
22" chain link
(2) small eye bolt
wood glue

Cut List:

(2)  1 X 2 X 6' (front legs)
(1)  1 X 2 X 63" (back leg)
(1)  1 X 2 X 50" (middle vertical support)
(4)  1 X 2 X 36" (canvas plate )
(1)  1 X 2 X 27-1/2" (lower horizontal brace)
(1)  1 X 2 X 12-1/2" (upper horizontal brace)
(2)  1 X 2 X 2" (front legs and back leg connector pieces)

Steps:

1. Prepare and cut boards using the Cut List above.           2. Position boards 7-1/2" on upper and 40" on                                                                                                               lower apart

3. Position the top brace 9" from top of legs, mark.        4. Trim excess sides. It should look like this.

5. Attach the 2"X2" pieces as shown.                        

6. Cut the top of the back leg a semi circle shape. Using 1/4 drill tip, drill holes on both piece. 

7. Align and insert bolt.

 

8. Shape the lower part of the back leg as shown for easy sliding.

the T- back or third back leg

9. Attach back leg to the front legs.                                                10. Attach the lower horizontal brace.

 11. Attach the chain links using eye bolts.

12. Drill holes and attach middle support .

add more holes if you want to add canvas clamp

13. Start assembling the canvas plate.            

14. Drill the other two horizontal piece for the bolts.


15. Check alignment using bolts. Detach.                               16. Finish the canvas plate.

17. Attach the canvas holder to the main part using the last horizontal piece.

bevel the front edge for neater look

Mark guides for easier leveling when adjusting the canvas holder.

18. Sand and wax and you're DONE!

I beveled the front legs to 10 degrees angle for better stability

the bought one and the built one

a lot more sturdy

the 50 bucks and the under 15 bucks easel

don't forget the final touch as this piece will last you a long time....

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