How to Make a Simple Table Top Easel: Easy DIY Guide

Creating a simple table top easel is an excellent way to bring a dedicated workspace for sketching, painting, or journaling into your home. Rather than relying on an unstable stack of books or purchasing a flimsy plastic stand, building your own offers both stability and a sense of personal accomplishment. This project requires minimal woodworking skills, uses affordable materials, and can be completed in an afternoon.

The beauty of a table top easel lies in its simplicity; it does not need to be a complex, full-size studio model. A well-designed small easel should hold your canvas or sketchbook at a comfortable viewing angle, free from wobble. The primary goal is to create a surface that supports your work securely while keeping your hands free to create. With a few basic tools and some scrap wood, you can construct a functional piece that serves you for years.

Gathering Your Materials and Tools

Before you begin, it is wise to collect everything you need in one place. This prevents interruptions and keeps your workspace organized. For a standard table top easel, you will need a sturdy base, a vertical support, and an adjustable mechanism to hold the artwork.

Essential Materials

• 1 piece of 1x2 inch wood, approximately 24 inches long (for the frame).
• 1 piece of 1x3 inch wood, approximately 18 inches long (for the base).
• 1 piano hinge, 12 inches long.
• 2 to 3 hinges or a sturdy pivot mechanism.
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit).
• Wood glue and screws.
• Optional: A small knob or peg for adjusting the angle.

Required Tools

• A measuring tape and pencil.
• A miter saw or a hand saw.
• A drill and appropriate drill bits.
• A screwdriver or a power drill.
• Clamps to hold the wood steady.

Constructing the Frame

The frame is the skeleton of your easel and determines the size of the artwork you can support. Start by cutting the 1x2 wood into four pieces to create a rectangle. Two pieces will be the top and bottom, while the other two will be the sides. Ensure the pieces are cut at precise 90-degree angles for a square frame.

Apply wood glue to the joints and secure them with screws or nails. Use clamps to hold the corners tightly together while the glue dries. This frame will later attach to the base and hinge mechanism, so it is crucial that it is rigid and square. Once the glue is dry, sand the entire frame smooth to remove any rough edges or splinters.

Attaching the Hinge and Base

Next, you will connect the frame to the base using the piano hinge. This hinge allows the frame to tilt up and down, which is essential for adjusting the viewing angle. Center the piano hinge along the top edge of the base piece of wood (1x3 inch).

Using the drill, carefully screw the hinge into the base and then into the bottom of the frame. Ensure the hinge is aligned perfectly so the frame moves smoothly without binding. After the hinge is attached, test the tilt action; the frame should move freely from a flat position against the table to a steep angle suitable for painting.

To prevent the easel from folding flat or collapsing, you need an adjustable support. This can be a simple wooden dowel or a small strap with a hole that slides along the back leg of the frame. Drill a hole through the frame legs and the support rod to lock the angle in place.

Cut the dowel to fit the distance between the legs. When you want to paint, slide the dowel up to secure the frame at a comfortable tilt. For a more sophisticated mechanism, you can attach a small knob to the front of the easel to thread a hook or strap, allowing for tool-free adjustments. This step transforms a rigid frame into a versatile tool that adapts to your specific needs.

Finishing Touches and Usage

Once the mechanics are functioning correctly, focus on the final touches. Sand the entire structure with 220-grit sandpaper for a seamless surface. If you wish to protect the wood, apply a coat of natural oil or a clear polyurethane sealant. This step is particularly important if the easel will be exposed to paint solvents or moisture.

To use your new table top easel, simply place it on your desk, insert your canvas or sketchbook into the frame, and adjust the support rod to your preferred angle. The result is a stable, elegant workspace that elevates your creative process. Enjoy the satisfaction of using a handmade tool that perfectly suits your artistic workflow.