How to Build an Adjustable Easel (Lap Easel) for Art on the Go

Article transcript

This tutorial will show you how to build an easel that is adjustable to most desired heights or drawing styles and fits comfortably right in your lap. It also collapses down for portability and is GREAT FOR TRAVEL.

Shopping List

• 1 board 15" x 23"
• 5ft of (Size A) PVC- 1.75" in diameter
• 2 (Size A) 90º PVC elbows
• 2 (Size A) "T" PVC connectors
• 2 (Size A) 90º PVC or metal straps
• 4.5 ft of (size B) PVC- 1.5" in diameter
• 2 (size B) 90º PVC elbows
• 2 bolts L-2.5" x D-.25"
• 2 washers D-.25"
• 2 wingnuts D-.25"
• 4 threaded bolts L- 3" x D-.25"
• 4 washers D-.25"
• 4 Nuts D- .25”
• PVC Glue

Tools

• Tape measure
• Drill
• Assorted Drill Bits
• Hand Saw

Optional

• 1 Aluminum Tear Bar
• 1 “C” Clamp
• 1 can Primer Spray Paint
• 1 Can Spray Paint
• 1 Jar Wood Putty

Before you begin

About pipe size

It is important to note that if you have differently sized pipes than the ones I have listed, then the measurements may vary. The reason for that is because the depth in which the pipes slide into the connectors may be different. The measurements shown above INCLUDE a 1.25" length that slides into the connectors used in this example. If your connectors need more/less length, be sure to measure accordingly.

There are many different size gauges of PVC piping available. You DO NOT have to use the same diameter I used for this tutorial; the MOST IMPORTANT thing to keep in mind is that since this easel is retractable, the pipes need to slide into each other smoothly. Also make sure to have the correct size connectors for the differently sized pipes.

Getting started

Make sure that you have all of your materials out and ready to go. Nothing slows down the process more than having to search for the right tool or part.

Steps

Step 1: Measuring and Marking the PVC
Using the measurements provided (in the diagram on page 12), use your tape measure and a pencil/pen/ marker and plot out the appropriate cuts.

Step 2: Time to Start Cutting!
Once you have a few segments measured out, you’re now ready to start cutting. Some may use an actual “Pipe Cutter”, but I prefer a hand saw (shown left). It’s MUCH FASTER and surprisingly easy to make cuts in the PVC.

Step 3: Assembling the Top
Now that all the (Size A) PCV pipes are cut, you can now begin to start assembling the top section of easel.

Step 4: Assemble the Bottom Repeat
steps 1-3 for the (Size B) PVC pipes and assemble the bottom section. This section acts as the legs for the easel, and should slide smoothly in/out of the top section of the easel.

Step 5: Double Check!
Not only should the Top and Bottom sections of the easel slide into each other, but they should also be the same width as the board. Step 6: Glue
If all the cuts are made correctly and everything looks great, then it’s time to glue them together. Only a small amount of glue is needed on one piece being glued into another. It’s IMPORTANT to note that once the two pieces of PVC touch, the glue will begin to set instantly and you will only have a window of 1-12 seconds before it sets. Plan accordingly.

Step 7: Placing the Brackets
Place the PVC or Metal Straps on the Top section of the easel and line the Straps to the edge of the board and make four marks to drill later. There should be no overhang from either the straps or PVC from the dimensions of the board.

Step 8: Drill Holes
Choose a drill bit that is either the same size or slightly larger then the threaded bolts that will be used to secure the Straps to the Board.

Step 9: Counter Sinking
Once all four holes are drilled it’s now time to Counter Sink the Threaded Bolt. To do this, switch the drill bit to one that is equal or larger that the Bolt Head. Then VERY CAREFULLY drill a very shallow hole on top of each of the four holes that have been previously made. The depth of the Counter Sink should be ONLY the thickness of the Bolt Head so that the Bolt Head no longer sticks out from the board. This will create a more even surface to work on.

Step 10: Lock Down the Straps
Feed the Threaded Bolts through the board and line up the straps with the Bolts. Place a washer on each bolt and then finally secure the bolt with a nut. The Strap and bolts act as a hinge for the easel, so tighter the bolts are the tighter and stiffer it will be to move the board.

Step 11: Wood Putty
Fill in the remaining gaps on the surface of the board with Wood Putty. Once the putty dries, sand down the raised areas and give the board a nice, even surface to work on.

Step 12: Drill Holes
In this step two holes must be drilled. These holes are for the longer (2.5") Bolts to act as pins to keep the easel at the desired height. Make sure the bottom section of the PVC easel is pushed inside the Top section as much as possible. On the Top Section of the PVC make a mark about 1" up from where the Top and Bottom sections meet, and drill a hole in each leg that is larger than the Bolts diameter. Make sure to drill ALL THE WAY THROUGH!

Step 13: Making Adjustments
Pull out Bottom Section of the PVC, and then make equal marks on each leg where you would like the easel height to be adjusted. I made every 4".

Step 14: More Drilling
After you’ve established where you would like the various height adjustments, slide the Bottom section of the PVC back into the Top Section. Using the holes drilled in the Top section of the PVC as a guide, line up the fresh markings with the hole. Once these are properly lined-up drill a hole through each of your marking. Remember to do this to both legs.

Step 15: Try It Out
If everything went smoothly, your new Lap Easel should look something like this. By using the 2.5" Bolts, Washers and Wingnuts you will be able to adjust the height of the easel to any of the custom lengths you just made.

Step 17: Primer
Now it’s time to start making it look better. Depending on what board or finish you might go with, it may be a good idea to spray the board down with Primer Paint.

Step 18: Paint!
Spray Paint the easel with a color you find to be the best and that’s it!! All done! Now go out there and start creating something with it already!

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