kids multipurpose easel

How to build a kids multipurpose easel




Introduction and the parts list

This is a good example of a simple, easy-to-make kid's easel that can be used to accommodate a blackboard, a whiteboard, a clipboard and an artist's canvas.

The measurements throughout this projects are given in both millimeters and inches.
The metric measurements are given first, followed by the imperial measurements in brackets.

For this project you will need

Two pieces of 50mm x 25mm (1"x 2") wood, 1100mm (44") long.
One piece of 50mm x 25mm (1"x 2") wood, 900mm (36") long.
One piece of 50mm x 25mm (1"x 2") wood, 800mm (32") long.
One piece of 50mm x 25mm (1"x 2") wood, 600mm (24") long.
One piece of 150mm x 25mm (1"x 6") wood, 300mm (12") long.
One 150mm (6") T hinge
Thirteen 6mm (1/4") carriage bolts with nuts and washers: seven at 50mm (2") long and six at 30mm (1 1/4") long.
Three 25mm (1") long wood screws
A piece of strong thin rope.
Three plastic containers to hold the pencils, chalk etc.

See below for a drawing of all the pieces.

A bit about the wood size

The wood sizes referred to in this project are the nominal sizes. The nominal size of a piece of wood is the size (width and thickness) of the wood before it is dressed (surfaced, smooth, seasoned) and is the size generally referred to when purchasing from the lumber store. The actual size, or dressed size of the wood will be less than the nominal size. For example, a piece of 1"x 2" wood when dressed may be 3/4"x 1 1/2" actual size.
Sizes (widths and thicknesses) do vary from place to place but that will not have any impact on this project.

The easel pieces

















Assemble the easel

1)
Measure and cut all the pieces of wood to the lengths given in the easel pieces on the previous page.

2)
Drill 6mm (1/4') holes in the pieces of wood. The positions of the holes are given in easel piece drawings

3)
Lay the top piece on the ground. Place the two front legs and the front vertical piece on the top piece and align the holes.

4)
Insert the appropriate bolts into the holes. Lift the unit slightly off the ground so that washers and nuts can be applied to the bolts and then tighten the nuts finger-tight.

5)
Place the front horizontal piece on the front legs and front vertical piece as shown in the picture.

6)
Insert the appropriate bolts into the holes. Lift the unit slightly off the ground so that washers and nuts can be applied to the bolts and then tighten the nuts finger-tight.

7)
Turn the unit over and tighten the nuts with a spanner.

Add the rear leg

8)
Bolt the long part of the hinge to one end of the rear leg as shown in the easel piece drawings

9)
Turn the easel frame unit upside down and screw the shorter end of the hinge to the underside of the top piece with wood screws.
See picture.







The final touches

10)

Stand the easel upright and spread the rear leg to suit.

Thread a piece of thin rope through the hole at the bottom of the front vertical piece and also through the hole in the rear leg.

Tie the rope to the front vertical piece and the rear leg so that the legs cannot spread further.
See picture.

Add a few containers

11)

Add two or three containers to the easel frame as shown in the picture.
Drill a hole through the top of the container and through the wood and fix in place with a bolt.

The containers can be practically anything that will hold pencils, chalk, wiping rag, or anything else you think might be required when using the easel.

Below are a couple of ideas of how to use the multipurpose easel. Have fun!