How to Create a Wooden Artist Easel with an Adjustable Angle
Creating a wooden artist easel with an adjustable angle is a great woodworking project for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. Not only will you end up with a functional piece of equipment, but it also serves as an excellent way to hone your skills with various woodworking tools. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to build an easel that adjusts to different angles, ensuring you have the perfect position for your artwork, whether you’re standing or sitting.
Materials Needed:
- Wood: Choose hardwood for durability, such as oak, maple, or pine. The exact measurements will depend on your design, but for a standard easel, you will need the following:
- 2 main legs (about 72 inches each)
- 1 top crossbar (about 24 inches)
- 1 adjustable back leg (about 36 inches)
- 1 horizontal tray/support for holding canvases (about 24 inches)
- 1 support bracket for the adjustable mechanism
- Small wooden blocks for securing movable parts
- Screws: Wood screws for assembly.
- Hinges: For the adjustable back leg.
- Bolt and Wing Nut: For adjusting the angle of the easel.
- Wood glue: For extra strength in certain joints.
- Sandpaper: To smooth edges and surfaces.
- Wood finish: Optional, for a polished look.
Tools Needed:
- Miter saw (or hand saw)
- Drill with drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Clamps (to hold pieces together while assembling)
- Wood file or sandpaper
- Woodworking clamps
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cut the Wood Pieces
Begin by cutting the wood to the required sizes based on your measurements. You will need two main legs, a top crossbar, a horizontal tray to hold the canvas, an adjustable back leg, and some small blocks. The cuts need to be precise for smooth assembly.
- Main Legs: Cut two pieces of wood, each around 72 inches in length. These will form the primary structure of the easel.
- Top Crossbar: Cut a 24-inch piece for the top crossbar.
- Adjustable Back Leg: Cut a 36-inch piece for the adjustable back leg that will connect to the main structure.
- Tray: Cut a 24-inch piece for the tray that holds your canvas.
- Small Blocks: Cut several small pieces of wood to act as spacers and brackets for the adjustable mechanism.
Step 2: Prepare the Adjustable Mechanism
To make the easel adjustable, you’ll need to attach the back leg in such a way that its angle can change depending on how far it is moved. This is where your hinges, bolts, and wing nuts come into play.
- Attach the hinges to the top of the back leg and the rear of one of the main legs. This allows the back leg to swing out and change the angle of the easel.
- Drill a hole through the back leg and the main structure, just below the hinge. Insert a bolt through this hole and secure it with a wing nut on the outside of the easel. This will allow you to adjust the angle of the back leg by loosening or tightening the nut.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
Now it’s time to assemble the main frame of the easel.
- Attach the top crossbar horizontally to the two main legs. Use wood glue and screws to secure the joints. You want a strong connection here, as this part will support the weight of the canvas.
- Fix the adjustable back leg to the base of one of the main legs using the hinges. The back leg should swing out at varying angles depending on how you adjust the bolt and wing nut.
- Position the tray (the horizontal bar that holds the canvas) about 10-12 inches above the base. This tray should also be adjustable in height, so use small blocks of wood or adjustable brackets to ensure the tray can be moved up or down to accommodate different canvas sizes.
Step 4: Install the Tray and Canvas Holder
The tray is what holds the canvas in place while you work. Attach this tray using small blocks of wood or brackets to the front of the easel. You can use a simple design where the tray slots into two grooves at the top, or you can use adjustable brackets that allow you to move the tray up and down.
- Drill holes along the edges of the tray to allow screws to go through and secure it to the main frame. Ensure the tray is level to hold your canvas without tilting.
- If you want your easel to hold larger or heavier canvases, make sure the tray has enough depth or width to support the canvas firmly.
Step 5: Sanding and Finishing
Once the frame is assembled and the movable parts are in place, it’s time to sand the wood. Sand all edges and surfaces to ensure there are no rough spots that could damage your artwork. Use a fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
- Optionally, you can apply a wood finish or stain to give your easel a polished look and protect the wood from damage over time.
Step 6: Test the Easel
Before you start using your easel, make sure everything is functioning properly. Test the adjustable back leg by loosening and tightening the wing nut. The back leg should easily swing in and out, adjusting the angle of the easel to your desired position. Make sure the tray holds the canvas securely and that there is no wobble in the structure.
Step 7: Adjust for Stability
If you notice any wobbling or instability, make sure that all screws are tight and that the tray is properly attached. You can also add small stabilizer bars or cross braces to the base if needed for extra support.
Conclusion
Creating your own wooden artist easel with an adjustable angle is not only a rewarding project, but it will also provide you with a functional tool that suits your specific needs as an artist. With the right materials, tools, and techniques, you can build a sturdy and adjustable easel that will last for years.
If you’re new to woodworking or looking to take your skills to the next level, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for more detailed plans and step-by-step guidance. You can get started with the course here: Ted’s Woodworking Course.