Buzz
An excellent easel stands as one of an artist's essential tools. There exists a wide array of types, ranging from large indoor easels to compact ones suitable for outdoor use. While most easels are straightforward to assemble, the process might pose a slight challenge for beginners. A-frame easels, the most prevalent type, feature adjustable legs for stability indoors. French box easels, resembling briefcases, offer additional storage and mobility. On the other hand, H-frame easels, though requiring more setup, can accommodate large canvases. Regardless of the type, easels can be adjusted to ensure comfortable painting sessions.
Steps
Adjusting an A-Frame Easel
Extend and lock the legs by rotating the wing nuts counterclockwise. Upon unboxing the easel, it will be folded. Locate the brass nuts near the top of each leg. Loosen the nuts and swing the legs outward to straighten them. Although the legs will still be folded, tighten the nuts clockwise to secure them while completing the adjustment.
- A-frame easels, also known as tripods, are commonly used for studio painting. They are available in various sizes, suitable for tabletop or floor use.
Adjusting the Legs
Positioning the Easel
Setting Up the Arms
Placing the Canvas
Adjusting the Mast
Adjusting Canvas Position
French Box Easel Assembly
Extending Front Leg
Opening Back Legs
Unlocking Box Latches
Placing Canvas on Tray
Adjusting Tray Height
Raising Easel Mast
H-Frame Easel Construction
Assembling Base Pieces
Constructing Frame Boards
Attaching Siding to Crossboards
Fixing Tray to Mast
Inserting Mast into Ratchet Board
Mounting Canvas Holder on Mast
Prioritize connecting the frame to the base before elevating it. Ensure that the assembled base is positioned directly underneath the frame. Align the frame's legs with the protruding tabs on the base. Secure these components by placing a black valve on the outer edge of each tab and turning them clockwise to allow the screws to pass through the tabs and into the frame.
- Once the base and frame are securely joined, proceed to stand up the frame and conduct a stability test to confirm that all components are firmly held together.
Complete the assembly of the easel by fastening the legs to the slots in the frame. The final pieces of wood have rounded ends with holes drilled through them. Extend these pieces from the frame boards to the rear end of the base. Utilize additional valves to secure them to the frame slots. To affix them to the base, insert screws into the holes and tighten them clockwise using a Phillips screwdriver.
- Conduct a final check on the easel by manipulating all its parts. The valves used should enable movement of the legs and mast pieces, allowing for adjustments or folding of the easel.
- Once satisfied with the secure setup, the easel will be ready for use. Adjustments can be made by shifting the mast or loosening the legs to tilt the easel frame. Note that H-frames may have limited range of motion compared to other easel types.
Helpful Tips
- While every easel may vary slightly depending on the model and brand, assembly is typically straightforward.
- Ensure your easel comes with an instruction manual and adhere to it meticulously to avoid any issues.
- If you're confident in your assembly skills, consider constructing your own easel using materials like scrap wood. A-frame easels are the simplest type to construct at home.
Essential Materials
Adjustment Techniques for an A-Frame Easel
- Easel
- Canvas
Step-by-Step Guide to Assemble a French Box Easel
- Easel
- Canvas
Constructing an H-Frame Easel: A Comprehensive Tutorial
- Easel kit
- Canvas
- Phillips screwdriver
