Building a three-legged easel involves purchasing 1-inch hardwood lumber and 3 1/2 inch bolts, wing nuts and washers. The height of each leg should fall between 72 to 84 inches. The cross member should be between 36 and 48 inches. The individual pieces are bolted together for ease in assembly. A small chain may be put in between the legs to prevent collapsing.
A four-legged art easel uses 1- x 2-inch boards. Hardwood should be chosen to increase longevity. The base will be built as a table with a minimum dimension of 3-feet square. The top of the table will be made from a smooth surface, such as bathroom paneling, that is easy to clean. The legs will extend past the top. The top of the easel will attach to the bottom. The top will be built like an old mirror holder on a dresser. The canvas holder will tilt using bolts to secure in place.
The adjustable easel uses a hole cut in the back leg to slide the back leg of the easel into its proper position for use. When looking at the front of the easel, it has a "T" superimposed on an "A."
The easel is three-legged using 1 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch hardwood lumber. The 69-inch front legs are connected together to form a block letter "A." The 22-inch bottom cross member or middle bar on the "A" will be placed 9 inches from the floor. The 9 1/2-inch top to the block letter "A" will be placed, so the two legs have 3 1/4 inches between them and is down from the top by 3 inches.
A third 70-inch board is put into the "A" and will look like an upside down "T." Cut a block leg slot in the top of this board--this is a hole cut in the middle of the board beginning 4 inches from the end and running as far as 48 inches. This will allow for the attachment of the top rest. The end of the "T" will extend past the top of the "A" by 1 to 2 feet. The upside down "T is made by attaching the board to the bottom of the board creating the block letter "A."
The 58-inch back leg has a block leg slot cut into it that is 6 1/2 inches long to allow the easel to fold-up for storage. The slot is cut 5 1/2 inches from the top of the back leg and extends down the leg for 6 1/2 inches. This slot connects with the slider. The back leg is attached to the front using two hinges.
The front to back connectors are 2 1/4-inch by 3/4-inch boards cut to 6 inches long. They are attached to the front middle board with a bolt and nut. A bolt and nut will secure the front and back connectors through the block leg slot on the back leg.
The bottom rest will be 23 inches long with the top rest cut to 9 inches. The bottom rest will be securely attached to the front legs at a minimal height of 32 inches. The top rest will be movable along the holes drilled in the top section.