How to Make a Table Easel

Table easels also can be used to secure a canvas for drying.

Artists who enjoy sitting at a table to paint or draw can use table easels while they work. Table easels tend to work best for smaller canvases. The versatile table easel easily can be packed away and transported to any location. A table easel also will complete the toolkit of painters who work outside. Building your own table easel at home is not a difficult task.

Things You'll Need

• Two 2-by-15-inches long pieces of hardwood
• One 2-by-17-inch long piece of hardwood
• One 20-inch long piece of hardwood for the cross brace
• 3 wing nut bolts with screws
• Jigsaw
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Sandpaper
• Electric drill

Instructions

1. Place the two 2-by-15 pieces of hardwood on a flat surface. Pick one of the two pieces and measure approximately 1 inch down from the top. Use the pencil to make a small mark. Use the ruler to create a straight line from the mark to the opposite corner of the one inch section just created. Repeat this step with the other piece. Use the jigsaw to cut off the piece just drawn on both of them.

2. Use the sandpaper to smooth the edges of the newly cut pieces of hardwood. Each piece should now have an angle. Place the angels facing each other to create an upside down V shape. Create the V shape so it stands tall on the table.

3. Place the 2-by-17 piece of hardwood in between the V-shaped angle at the point of interception. Use this piece to determine the angle of the table easel. Use the pencil to mark where the 2 x 17 piece will need to be cut by the V-shaped intersection of the three pieces. This step lets a canvas rest peacefully on the easel without being pushed by the supporting leg of the easel. Use the jigsaw to cut it and sandpaper to smooth the edges.

4. Place the three pieces together again, creating a 3-D triangle or easel shape. Use the electric drill to drill a whole through all three pieces. Connect them all using a wing nut bolt. Using a wing nut allows for adjustment, in case it is necessary. This may be applicable depending on the size of the canvas.

5. Use the 20-inch piece of hardwood to make the cross brace. Place the cross brace up to the easel, so it touches both of the legs that are spread apart. Do not use the back leg that supports the easel.

6. Make sure the cross brace is level, and use the pencil to make two small marks on the cross brace of where the legs of the easel intersects with the cross brace. Drill two holes in the cross brace and the easel legs. Use the remaining two wing nut bolts to secure the cross brace with the easel legs. Using wing nut bolts for the cross brace allows for users to dissemble and transport the easel easily.

References

• Blogsharp: Table Top Easels
• Art Papa: Homemade Easels