I own two full sized easels but have wanted a table top model for working out on the porch during nice weather or for those odd projects here and there. After visiting a local art supply store, I was extremely disappointed by the selection and decided to shop online...something I rarely do for art supplies given the variability of products and how difficult it is to really determine quality.Locally, the primary options were the aluminum models as well as a few wooden ones with various features. I quickly opted against a tripod as it didn't provide sufficient support especially when working on larger projects. Aluminum has the advantage of being lightweight but simply not comfortable when painting due to the instability. Others were solid but bulky without the ability to work on large items. This is a wonderful compromise it feels very much like a full sized (albeit much smaller) easel...very sturdy, incredibly simple to set-up and no worry about tipping over due to the heft. It does weigh considerably more than an aluminum easel but is still well within the feasibility of being portable if that is a consideration (although you won't want to lug it far).
It arrives mostly assembled two parts need to be attached which takes less than 2 minutes total and requires no tools. The range is surprisingly large for an easel of this size it will hold a significant sized canvase with ease. The dual supports provide ample bracing. I happened to find this on sale for just over 1/3 of the MSRP and consider it a total bargain given the overall quality.
There are a couple items I would change primarily, it does NOT contain a tray at the bottom which I really miss...it's one of those things I grow used to when working on a full sized easel and miss for storing paper towels etc in when working but of course, it's a quick work around. The other preference is for the bottom of the canvas to sink below the table setting which is not possible with this model...again, that is an individual preference that comes from working with full sized easel(s) that would require a totally different design.
All in all, this is very well built, solid, holds a suprisingly large canvas and feels a lot like working on a full sized easel. In fact, it's so convenient and nice, I'm contemplating getting rid of one of my older large easels and using this as a full-time second instead. The price I paid was less than $20 more than a cheapie aluminum tripod style that provides much less support or stability EXCEPTIONAL bargain.
However, there are a few problems with this easel, which I have noted, below:
1) Its water-based finish is very thin, and since my medium of choice is acrylic/gouache paints, I decided to lay on a coat of oil-based polyurethane over it;
2) Angle adjustment braces were installed a bit off-center, making alignment a tad difficult. But, because the hinges, though adequate, are thin enough, alignment of the two angle adjustment braces was feasible;
3) An end of the uppermost back brace was not sanded like the other pieces, leaving a splintery edge;
4) Front cross piece of the base is bowed, but does not impede adjusting the angle of the easel;
5) Both base cross pieces are shorter than the width of the assembled top frame, necessitating (at the factory) loosening the screws holding the base feet rails to allow the top frame to be lowered into the base frame when collapsing the easel for travel or storage. I've found this more than a little annoying;
6) There is no provision for painting on canvas boards (slot running the length of both upper and lower supports), and;
7) Absence of rubber pads at the ends of both upper and lower supports makes keeping a canvas from moving around while painting on it rather difficult. Had to install pads to keep canvas still during sessions.
Otherwise, given the time it would have taken me to make one, this easel, for the money, is still a good deal. Having a look at American Easels' web site, and seeing their suggest MSRP for the very same easel, there is no way I would pay their list price for a frame of this modest build quality. But, for what I paid for it on Amazon, I'm glad I went ahead and got one.
FINAL SAY: Good easel for the money I paid, but wouldn't pay a dollar more.
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