Home made magnetic easel

[Madbrush]

Just saw this post, I may have to use this idea, I started sitting last year when I developed a foot problem. I added on a tilt table to my wall mounted easel and it adjusts for height, and is easily removable to do large pieces. If I want to rotate, I'll tape my substrate to a board and move that, but I like this method so much more. Wonder how I can incorporate it into my current set up.

Keep on painting MB, you may not be able to get around as well, but your spirits sound just fine.

Thanks WM, It sounds to me that all you need to do now is use the method Melbee posted, but if you prefer this method, I'm pretty sure you could adapt it to suit your own needs.

Awesome idea Madbrush. I may have to incorporate that into a desk im designing (just in my head atm). My only question is regarding the Rotation Bearing Mechanism, how is the rigidity of it when you have it at an angle (like in the last picture)? Seems like it would'nt stay in place. Hope you understand my horrible way of describing my question (long day at work).

Thanks Boltcase, to be honest although the mechanism it's self is very rigid, meaning the board doesn't have any play causing backward or forward motion, unless it's locked in portrait or landscape mode it can spin freely, but I wanted it to be able to turn it 360 degrees just for scratching and erasing purposes as well as side ways dagger strikes and such as Melbee describes.

There is however a solution if you would prefer it to remain more rigid while out of the locked mode, you can apply a rubber ring about one inch (2.5 cm) wide to the back of the board, and then attach a spring loaded rubber brake that you can simply pull back when not required , although if I give the board a push as if I was trying to spin it, it only moves a few centimetres, so if your are airbrushing while the board is unlocked it will remain at the angle you have it at assuming of course you aren't making contact with it with your hands.

I'm actually in the process of designing another one with more features including adjustable height, and I will probably incorporate the brake mechanism into it too, but my main goal is make it such that it can be folded flat for storage when not in use since I would like to use the desk for other activities, in my case it's all about saving space, multi purposing, tidiness and most important having everything within reach without ever having to stand up if worse comes to worse.

And your question was very clear (I think),

 

[Boltcase]

Thx Madbrush, you answered my question perfectly. I will definitely be watchin posts for your new and improved stand as the folding option sounds right up my alley. I was thinking also of using a tv wall bracket as some of them can rotate as well as telescope and tilt, but they can be a bit pricey and bulky.

 

[Madbrush]

Thx Madbrush, you answered my question perfectly. I will definitely be watchin posts for your new and improved stand as the folding option sounds right up my alley. I was thinking also of using a tv wall bracket as some of them can rotate as well as telescope and tilt, but they can be a bit pricey and bulky.

My first thought was the TV bracket, but the problems with that are the weight, the price as you said and the fact that they are almost all designed to be screwed to a wall, and would need to be adapted to stand on a desk top as I need.

I picked up some stuff today get started on the new design, but this time I will make a drawing and plan everything out first, with this version I more or less made it up as I went, and despite the success of it I saw the need for certain changes first time I tried it out, these changes are not absolutely necessary but would certainly make it more versatile.

 

[Melbee]

@Madbrush and @Boltcase You can buy Desk Mounted Monitor (LCD) Arms that would be fabulous once a board is attachted instead of a monitor. The really good ones that can move easily in any direction are expensive but I saw some less flexible ones on Amazon that were alot cheaper.

For example; these ones on Amazon.co.uk have a very good range starting at the simplest for £16 up to a spring loaded flexible one for £45. I read in the Reviews a few people said the Tilt and Rotate function is NOT very reliable.
Here the link http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-DM351X3-Single-Monitor-Bracket/dp/B00AUTTBPQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=1-2&keywords=monitor arm

At first I thought they would be great but now I'm not so sure. I'm still thinking about one of the basic models that I can put a smaller white board on. I can then put it on my easel so I can pull it out and it will save my back from leaning in when I paint. I could use it sitting or standing then but if I can't use the Tilt or Rotation and I probably couldn't lean on it, then maybe it's not such a good idea.
Cheers Mel

 

[Boltcase]

Thx @Melbee and @Madbrush . You guys really got me a thinking. Now just have to hurdle time and money

 

[jord001]

As I'm almost ready to build my workbenches in my garage this is a great idea to get set up. I will be looking for a nice magnetic whiteboard and then I have to just make a good job of it . I will be checking out your threads mate.

Gonna drink my coffee and then I'm heading round the corner to the KKBO to see which forum members I can meet and say hello..

Lee

 

[NEMOPa]

I've long been a fan of magnets. My set-up is based upon reclaimed steel shelving (cost = $0.00 ) hung from the rafters using eye bolts & hooks giving me a 4' high x 3' wide surface. Easily expandable by adding additional shelves. Surface angle is adjustable by adding 2x4 or 2x6 blocks at the bottom. The 4' height allows me to sit or stand. My magnets come from Harbor Freight and work great for anything from shirts to card stock. My total investment is less than $10.00. I have pics, but, I can't seem to upload using my old I Pad. If anyone would like a look, PM me and I can email them. This system has worked well for me and allows excellent flexibility. The size allows me to rotate my work to suit my needs. I like to stand, but, I do have leg issues / nerve damage, so a bar stool is sometimes required. My shirt boards consist of freezer paper inside the shirts which works well.

Having a place to exchange ideas & projects is great.

 

[Madbrush]

I've long been a fan of magnets. My set-up is based upon reclaimed steel shelving (cost = $0.00 ) hung from the rafters using eye bolts & hooks giving me a 4' high x 3' wide surface. Easily expandable by adding additional shelves. Surface angle is adjustable by adding 2x4 or 2x6 blocks at the bottom. The 4' height allows me to sit or stand. My magnets come from Harbor Freight and work great for anything from shirts to card stock. My total investment is less than $10.00. I have pics, but, I can't seem to upload using my old I Pad. If anyone would like a look, PM me and I can email them. This system has worked well for me and allows excellent flexibility. The size allows me to rotate my work to suit my needs. I like to stand, but, I do have leg issues / nerve damage, so a bar stool is sometimes required. My shirt boards consist of freezer paper inside the shirts which works well.

Having a place to exchange ideas & projects is great.

My own idea was based on the possibility of me maybe not being able to move at all if it comes to it, like yourself I prefer to stand, but since doing this I have discovered that it is really comfortable to sit, especially when my new board is so versatile.

Like you say. it's great to be able to share and exchange ideas, I would certainly love to here more from others who have found or seek solutions born out of necessity.

Maybe it's possible that your uploading problems have to do with the file size, since the new forum layout photos need to be 1 mb or under, although I understand your set up as you've described it, it would still be nice to see it.

Thank you for your input, it's always handy when others have a variety of options to choose from in order to make their own working environment as comfortable as possible for whatever reasons.

 

[Smiler65]

@Madbrush, thought I would post this here as it relates to your design and not clutter up the other thread,

Googled lazy Susan as you suggested and found these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAZY-SUSA...urntable-Bearing-Heavy-Duty-NEW-/320932165279

Do you think this would be suitable or overkill?

Also found this type

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAZY-SUSA...urntable-Bearing-Heavy-Duty-NEW-/221127503826

 

[Madbrush]

@Madbrush, thought I would post this here as it relates to your design and not clutter up the other thread,

Googled lazy Susan as you suggested and found these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAZY-SUSA...urntable-Bearing-Heavy-Duty-NEW-/320932165279

Do you think this would be suitable or overkill?

Also found this type

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAZY-SUSA...urntable-Bearing-Heavy-Duty-NEW-/221127503826

Both are ideal, the big round one looks like it would be more rigid, therefore the best choice, I came across that one too but was required to buy a minimum of 100.

We don't have amazon here so if I need one of those in the future, you can maybe help me out.

 

[Madbrush]

I've got my glasses on now so I see it's eBay

 

[Smiler65]

Both are ideal, the big round one looks like it would be more rigid, therefore the best choice, I came across that one too but was required to buy a minimum of 100.

We don't have amazon here so if I need one of those in the future, you can maybe help me out.

@Madbrush
There on eBay mate not Amazon.

I'll order the round one now. And if you are wanting one I will certainly order you one and post it over,
Small price to pay for all the free info you generously have given and helped me head off in the right direction.

Also being a tight jock I like diy projects saving money and this is def one off the best ones I've seen.

 

[Madbrush]

@Madbrush
There on eBay mate not Amazon.

I'll order the round one now. And if you are wanting one I will certainly order you one and post it over,
Small price to pay for all the free info you generously have given and helped me head off in the right direction.

Also being a tight jock I like diy projects saving money and this is def one off the best ones I've seen.

Lol; I saw it was eBay,

I'm a sweaty sock too but I got on the wrong train after good pissup. Lol

 

[Boltcase]

@Madbrush . When you get an opportunity could you repost the pic of how you assembled the back of the easel where the lazy susan was mounted. For some reason the pics are no longer available...at least for me there not. That is if you still have the pics. No hurry either. Just drawing out my ideas for an easel and at my speed itll take 2 to 3 monthes

 

[matty171]

@Madbrush . When you get an opportunity could you repost the pic of how you assembled the back of the easel where the lazy susan was mounted. For some reason the pics are no longer available...at least for me there not. That is if you still have the pics. No hurry either. Just drawing out my ideas for an easel and at my speed itll take 2 to 3 monthes

Its not just you bolt, i actually tried to look at this and another old thread think it was hassje's lion sbs and couldnt get either pics up, i meant to flag it to @WhiteKnight but forgot

 

[Madbrush]

@Madbrush . When you get an opportunity could you repost the pic of how you assembled the back of the easel where the lazy susan was mounted. For some reason the pics are no longer available...at least for me there not. That is if you still have the pics. No hurry either. Just drawing out my ideas for an easel and at my speed itll take 2 to 3 monthes

Its not just you bolt, i actually tried to look at this and another old thread think it was hassje's lion sbs and couldnt get either pics up, i meant to flag it to @WhiteKnight but forgot

I took the photos down myself a long time ago, although I have all the photos except the one with the bearing, the ability to edit posts no longer exists despite being told elite members can do that will nilly.

@Smiler65 posted a couple of links here above with bearings that are far better suited to the purpose, I plan on getting a couple of the larger ones myself to make a better easel with more functions.

For the time being here is a photo form the back of the easel, basically it's simple case of centring the bearing, I basically did that and built the rest around it.

 

[boneman65]

Awesome @Madbrush ...really inventive...

 

[Smiler65]

I bought mine from ebay, very cheap and good value.
As malky said i just centered mine and screwed them to my desk and to a plank my magnetic board was attached to.
The bearings free enough to turn but not loose enough to let your board rotate when you dont want it too.

 

[matty171]

I took the photos down myself a long time ago, although I have all the photos except the one with the bearing, the ability to edit posts no longer exists despite being told elite members can do that will nilly.

@Smiler65 posted a couple of links here above with bearings that are far better suited to the purpose, I plan on getting a couple of the larger ones myself to make a better easel with more functions.

For the time being here is a photo form the back of the easel, basically it's simple case of centring the bearing, I basically did that and built the rest around it.
View attachment 35917

Thanks MB

 

[Boltcase]

I ask , Madbrush delivers. You the man!! This exactly what im looking for. Great design, only thing I might try to figure out is the arm that extends to the base...having it adjustable to change the tilt on the easel.