Daler Rowney Cotswold Easel

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Summary

Daler Rowney Cotswold Studio Easel Assembly

Initial Setup and Parts Check

Unpack the easel and verify all displayed pieces are present before assembly.

Adding Spring Tension

Insert spring and cap into the main a-frame to create easel tension.

Attaching Support Pins

Slot long pins fed through springs into designated holes on piece A.

Securing Main Frame Components

Insert pieces G and F into bottom bar holes, ensuring upward facing holes for screws.

Finalizing Frame Attachment

Place piece A over vertical support and screw into G and F using Allen Key.

Attaching Canvas Support

Screw piece B into the central vertical support to secure the canvas holder.

Easel Adjustment and Usage

Adjust easel height by moving the bar; release metal loop to lock it in place.

The Daler Rowney Cotswold Studio Easel is a versatile and sturdy art easel designed for artists to support their canvases or boards during the creative process. This easel is ideal for both studio use and for those who appreciate a reliable and adjustable support for their artwork.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Daler Rowney Cotswold Studio Easel is to provide a stable and adjustable platform for holding canvases, drawing boards, or other art surfaces. It allows artists to work comfortably at various heights and angles, accommodating different artistic styles and preferences. The easel's design focuses on stability and ease of adjustment, ensuring that the artwork remains securely in place while the artist works. It is suitable for a range of media, from painting to sketching, offering a robust support system.

Usage Features:

Assembly:

The assembly process for the Daler Rowney Cotswold Studio Easel is designed to be straightforward, though it involves several key steps to ensure proper functionality and stability.

Unpacking and Part Identification: Begin by unpacking all components and laying them out to ensure all pieces are present. The main components include:
- A: The main support bar with pre-drilled holes for pins.
- B: A screw-in knob for the top canvas support.
- C & D: Two long pins, each fed through a long spring.
- E: An Allen key for tightening screws.
- F & G: Two threaded inserts (nuts) for securing the main support bar.
- H: A cap for the spring mechanism.
- I: A short pin for the spring mechanism.
- J: The sliding vertical support bar.
- K: The main a-frame structure of the easel.
Spring Mechanism Assembly (for tension):
- First, slide piece J (the sliding vertical support bar) out of piece K (the main a-frame structure). This action reveals a shallow hole at the top of the main a-frame (piece K).
- Insert piece I (the short pin) into this shallow hole.
- Place the cap (piece H) onto the end of the spring that is attached to piece I.
- Apply pressure to the end of piece H and slide piece J back into its original position in piece K. This action compresses the spring behind piece J, creating tension within the easel structure. This tension is crucial for the easel's stability and smooth operation.
Attaching Pins to Main Support Bar (Piece A):
- Take pieces C and D (the two long pins, each with a spring) and slot them into the pre-drilled holes on piece A (the main support bar). These pins will later engage with the height adjustment mechanism.
Installing Threaded Inserts (F & G):
- Turn the main part of the easel (pieces J and K) over so it is lying on its front, exposing the underside.
- Locate two holes on the underside of the bottom horizontal bar on piece K, positioned on either side of the vertical support.
- Insert pieces G and F (the threaded inserts) into these holes. It is important to ensure that the holes in G and F are facing upwards. These holes are designed to receive screws later, securing the main support bar.
Securing Main Support Bar (Piece A) to Easel Frame:
- Position piece A (with the C and D pins already slotted into it) over the central vertical support on piece K.
- Carefully align the screws (which are part of piece A) with the holes in G and F (the threaded inserts) that were previously installed.
- Using the Allen Key (piece E), screw the screws into G and F. Tighten these screws securely to ensure that piece A is held firmly in place. This step is critical for the structural integrity of the easel.
Installing Top Canvas Support (Piece B):
- Locate the small hole situated below the metal plaque on the central vertical support of the easel.
- Screw piece B (the screw-in knob) into this hole. This knob serves as the top canvas support.

Adjustments During Use:

Top Canvas Support Adjustment: The top canvas support (piece B) can be loosened by unscrewing it slightly. This allows the artist to move the top support up or down to accommodate canvases or boards of different heights. Once the canvas is in place, tighten piece B to securely hold the artwork. This ensures that the canvas remains stable and does not shift during the artistic process.
Height Adjustment of Horizontal Support: The main horizontal support, which holds the bottom of the canvas, is adjustable in height.
- To adjust the height, pull out the metal loop located underneath the horizontal support. This action disengages the pins (C and D) from the adjustment holes in the vertical support.
- While holding the metal loop out, slide the horizontal support bar up or down to the desired working height.
- Once the desired height is reached, release the metal loop. The pins (C and D) will then re-engage with the nearest holes in the vertical support, locking the horizontal bar securely in place. This mechanism allows for quick and easy height changes, adapting to various artistic needs and comfortable working positions.

Maintenance Features:

The Daler Rowney Cotswold Studio Easel is designed for durability and minimal maintenance.

Regular Cleaning: To maintain the easel's appearance and functionality, it is recommended to wipe it down regularly with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust, paint splatters, or other debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the wood finish.
Checking Fasteners: Periodically check all screws and fasteners, especially those secured with the Allen key (E) and the screw-in knob (B). If any feel loose, tighten them to ensure the easel remains stable and secure. This prevents wobbling and ensures the safety of your artwork.
Spring Mechanism: The internal spring mechanism, responsible for tension and smooth operation of the sliding parts, is generally maintenance-free. However, if you notice any stiffness or issues with the sliding action, ensure that no debris is obstructing the movement of pieces J and K.
Storage: When not in use, the easel can be stored in a dry environment to protect the wood from humidity or extreme temperature changes, which could cause warping or cracking over time.

The Daler Rowney Cotswold Studio Easel is a reliable and user-friendly tool for artists, offering robust support and flexible adjustments to enhance the creative experience. Its thoughtful design ensures stability, ease of use, and long-lasting performance.