Customer Reviews
The final product came out beautifully, and the plans were generally well thought out and easy to read. As a new woodworker, I would’ve like to have had more tips. For example, I had a hard time situating and clamping down the inside stop block. I also found it somewhat difficult to drive the pocket holes for the frame while hand holding the pieces. Additionally, I cut the poplar to a true 2” width, which changed where the plywood canvases had to be mounted inside the frame. I also found it somewhat difficult to ensure I was centering and driving my screws straight through the frame into the canvases. Again, great overall, but more tips would’ve been appreciated.
Hi! Thank you so much for your feedback. Your easel looks great!
I understand that seeing parts come together on paper is not always quite the same as seeing them come together in real life, so that is why, in addition to the plans, I provide a step by step video of assembly so you can see how to put the pieces together (like clamping the stop block). This video is available on my YouTube channel, website and is also linked on page 1 of the plans. And if you ever have any questions during your project, I'm always available via email for help!
As a note, when choosing to modify the dimensions of one part of a project (like swapping 1x2s for 2' pieces), it's expected that other parts will likely have to be modified to accomodate those changes. Additionally, if you struggle driving pocket hole screws (in this or any project), by hand, you are welcome to use clamps. This article (linked on page 1 of the plans) shares more details on how to use pocket holes in your projects: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-use-pocket-hole-jig/
Built this art easel as a gift for my grand-nephew this Christmas. It was a fun and easy project. I made a few "enhancements" to the plan - I used a through bolt with a spacer for the shelf to turn on and bolts/threaded inserts to pin the shelf in place when raised. I also used dowel pins, rather than screws, to hold the blackboards in their respective frames.
This art easel is a great gift idea for kids (or, in my case, grandkids!). The plans are very detailed and easy to follow and the design incorporates several clever features. Well done!
This, like all the projects here, is a simple, clearly explained build.