The first step is to gather all the tools and materials that you will need. You will need a saw, a drill, sandpaper, screws, nails, a yardstick or tape measure, a pencil or marker, and a piece of plywood. You can choose the type of plywood that you prefer, but a good rule of thumb is to go for ½ inch or ¾ inch thick as they are sturdy but not too heavy. You will also need two long pieces of wood for the upright frame, two shorter pieces for the legs, and two more pieces for the support brackets.
The next step is to measure and cut the plywood to the desired size. A standard size for an easel is around 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. You can adjust the measurements depending on your preference. Once you have the plywood cut to the right size, sand the edges to remove any splinters.
After that, you need to make the frame of the easel. To do this, take the two long pieces of wood and use the drill to make a hole in each end. Once the holes are made, take a screw and attach the two pieces of wood together to make an ‘A’ shape. Make sure that the frame is sturdy and will be able to hold the weight of your paintings.
The next step is to attach the legs to the frame. Use screws to attach the shorter pieces of wood to the bottom of the ‘A’ frame. The legs should be angled out slightly to provide stability.
Once the legs are attached, you need to make the support brackets. Take the remaining two pieces of wood and cut them to the length of the frame. Attach them to the frame using nails and make sure that they are level and secure. These brackets will hold the painting in place.
To finish the easel, add a crossbar at the top of the frame. Cut a piece of wood to the size of the width of the easel and attach it to the top of the ‘A’ frame using screws. This crossbar will stop the frame from spreading outwards when a heavy painting is placed on the easel.
Finally, sand the entire easel to remove any rough edges and to provide a smooth surface. You can then paint or varnish the easel to protect it from the elements.
In conclusion, building an easel is an easy project that any artist can do. With a few basic tools and materials, you can create a sturdy and functional easel that will last you for years. And the best part is that you can customize it to suit your needs and preferences. So, why not start building your own easel today?