Easel 2
With the feet mortised and curved, and the column mortised, and all parts thoroughly sanded, I joined all the parts using loose tenons and glue.
All three feet were glued on at the same time. A few pin nails held each of them securely in place while the glue dried.
After the feet dried overnight the easel was lowered to the floor and used a level to make sure it was perfectly vertical.
Next, I laid out and cut two mortises, one into the back of the picture rest and one into the middle of the column.
The mortise in the main column was a huge chore! Given the fact that the column’s diameter was constantly changing, there was no easy way to clamp on my plunge router and cut out a mortise. The mortise was cut using a hand drill, chisels, a lot of time, and lots of patience!
Once the mortises were cut we dry fitted the joint and everything passed inspection beautifully. We then gave everything a quick final sanding and sent them into the finishing room for a coat of stain and a couple of layers of lacquer.
Once the parts had a weekend to dry, we added glue and a loose tenon, and presto, we had an easel!
A look at the final product. It stands 59″ tall, with 8″ legs, and a 4″ wide rest. The picture frame sides are 4″ wide and will hold an 11″x14″ picture. Gorgeous eh?