Free Artist Easel Plans
Download a PDF copy of the free artist easel plans.
This is a simple, lightweight and easy to make artist easel that can also be used as a display easel.
It stands about 170cm tall and has an adjustable shelf support.
Materials
- 2 x 3.6m lengths of 19mm x 42mm clear pine
- 1 x 800mm length of 12mm x 90mm meranti or pine
- 1 x 100mm Tee hinge
- 2 x 8mm (5/16") bolts 50mm (2") long with washers and wing nuts
- 2m of braided cord or thin rope
You will also need a packet of 6mm dowels, and 6 No. off 6g screws to attach the hinge.
At least one sheet of sandpaper - 120 grit and a sanding block.
Tools
There are no special tools needed to complete this project. Most of these tools are part of the average handyman's tool kit.
- Power drill corded or battery powered with 6mm and 8mm drill bits.
- Tenon saw also known as a back saw.
- Sliding bevel to measure and transfer angles.
- Combination square the measuring tool I use most often.
- Builders square useful for keeping things in line.
- Woodworking clamps can you ever have too many?
The following tools may be useful, but they are not absolutely essential for the completion of the project:
A finishing plane such as the trusty Stanley Bench Plane.
Unless you have a layout table, a pair of sawhorses will help to keep the project off the workshop floor.
Free Artist Easel Plans
It is always a good idea to study the free artist easel plans before cutting anything.
I don't have a layout table (yet), so I had to clear a space in my workshop (actualy the garage) to put the sawhorses in place. I have also been known to work directly on the floor.
- Take 1 length of 3.6m long clear pine and cut it in half. Use the angle shown on the plan and round off the other two ends.
- Drill the holes as shown on the plan. It is best to clamp the two pieces together to ensure the holes are in the same position.
- Cut the the other 3.6m length to the dimensions shown on the plan. I would suggest cutting everything slightly oversize, you can always trim them later. The two horizontal pieces are trimmed flush when everything is glued up.
- This is where things can get a bit tricky: laying out the pieces and drilling the holes for the dowels. Use the sliding bevel make sure all the angles are the same.
- Use the spring clamps to hold everything in place and drill two holes at each joint for the dowels.
- Apply woodworking glue to all the joints, carefully re-align everything and leave it for the glue to set.
- The horizontal support is made up of three pieces sandwiched together to form the slots. It is easier and neater to do it this way than trying to cut out a slot. Make sure there is enough clearance for the bolts.
- Glue the 12mm thick shelf and leave to set.
- Once the glue has set on the main framework, trim the dowels and the two horizontal pieces, then sand off all the sharp edges.
- Fit the third leg using the tee hinge after checking the length is about right.
- Attach the braided cord, and fix the horizontal support shelf, and you are ready to paint your masterpiece.