Help me make this Pochade Box

[css]

So I have this Lukas paint box that is pretty large and I'd love to turn it into a pochade box similar to the Versa setup and was wondering if you had any ideas on pulling this one off.

Here is the box as it sits today. It's 17"s wide which is what is making me want to do this



So what I think I need:

T-nut & some sort of block to hold tripod
Brackets to hold this open
Slider to hold bottom of canvas or panel
Top T to hold top of canvas

I also want to install a glass palette on this thing which I know a glass cutter and I'll just put cardboard and a neutral grey underneath.

I'd love to source stuff at Homey's Depot or the like if possible - any ideas on what to use for the list above except the Tnut?

Thanks

[lt_scout]

Begin by doing a search for pochade box images, google search it and select images. You have to figure out how they work and then build it based on what's available to you... good luck

ps...if you get stuck on a specific aspect of the build, someone here will have some ideas...

again, good luck

[WebCat]

I just went through what you're facing. I'll post the solutions I found.
Oh you're going to have so much fun!!

[WebCat]

Alright, I posted my adventure here:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/show...2#post16364902

Mine is an old silver box found at a Goodwill. I had to get the hardware for it. Yours is already made! You're so lucky.

I can tell you now that the size will make it wobbly if you try to add a tripod. I haven't given up on adding legs to mine yet but now I'm thinking they should be more like the legs on a t.v. table or a stool that folds.


Here is my original post where everyone here was so helpful! It might have some solutions for you.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16044872


p.s.. Instead of glass why not use plastic? They have heavy plastic that is very much like glass. It's easily wiped off and won't break while your outside and home depot or lowes will cut it to size for you.

[css]

Thanks so much for the tip Webcat

Instead of glass why not use plastic? They have heavy plastic that is very much like glass. It's easily wiped off and won't break while your outside and home depot or lowes will cut it to size for you.

I've used plastic in the past and find it gets scratched easy and you can't really clear it off with a razor well - I used to love plastic but will now take the risk with glass and just duct tape the back if it was to ever break.

[css]

Originally Posted by lt_scout

Begin by doing a search for pochade box images, google search it and select images. You have to figure out how they work and then build it based on what's available to you... good luck

ps...if you get stuck on a specific aspect of the build, someone here will have some ideas...

again, good luck

Thanks for the tips. I'd like to build it similar to the Versa - but not sure where to source or build that T part that comes out of the top or build the bottom part that secures the canvas - you can move it up and down.

I've built one similar to an open m box with the spring system but want something that grows up taller.

[Gribbey]

Here's an idea for a palette. I put one in a cigar box and tried it once- seemed to work well. It's the backing and glass of a cheap photo frame. I inserted paper and taped the edge. The part that is turned out to sit the frame up on a surface makes a good handle and it folds up for packing. In the photo it is on the left of the box. They come in all sizes of course.



Good luck! I'll follow your progress since I too seem to be in the mood to modify my equipment.

[WthrLady]

I was going to recommend Lexan instead of glass, but then I live in watercolor world and don't have to ever take a razor to it!

[WebCat]

For the T I'm envisioning a T, of course, inserted through a jigged hole in the top, and sliding up and down between two pieces of wood, oh I don't know how wide, maybe 1/4 or so square (like a dowel only square) with small holes drilled where you can use a cotter pin or small pins to hold the T where you want it. The bottom to hold the canvas could be solid and non moving.

At 17 inches wide your box will wobble on a tripod. Mine is 19 inches. I cut a 19 inch by 5 inch piece of wood and put a t-nut in it. When I put it on the tripod that piece of wood wobbled. I never added the box.

[Gribbey]

How do you get around the limit of the sides of the lid? The canvas would have to be smaller than the lid. There are some extensions which look like elastics with clips on the ends at Judson's art outfitters. Not sure if you could make one like theirs. Also they have hinges of various sorts, just to get an idea and then maybe find something at the homey.

http://www.judsonsart.com

[WebCat]

My lid is 18 inches. His lid would easily hold the t-bar (especially if it was off set a bit) and, though I don't know how wide from front to back it is, probably at least 1 or 2 8x10 or more boards. Mine just holds 2 full stretched 8x10s

[css]

Originally Posted by Gribbey

How do you get around the limit of the sides of the lid?

http://www.judsonsart.com

I flipped the lid so the flat side is facing me while paining - I would probably never go larger than 16x20 but ya I have those judson clips as well - you could also just use a bungee cord - here is a photo of a 16x20 clipped on with masonite backing:

http://chrisgillisonline.com/paintin...each_setup.jpg

This thing is coming along - have the hinge all built out now working on the canvas slider and T.

[Gribbey]

Right Webcat, at 17 inches it is a big lid that ccs has. I just took a look at the versa in detail though and ccs could attach the lid inside out to have the same capacity. I think so anyway!

http://www.artworkessentials.com/products/VERSA/VNP.pdf

[nepainter03]

Hey Chris, check out the French Resistence pochade and how the canvas attaches. The adjustable top piece can be purchased separately and should be the best option for an easyL type box adjustment. They also have teh rest of the stuff you probably need to make this box work decent but I'm sure you now that. Good luck!

[Gribbey]

I'm a little slow on the uptake here, haha. Your set up is looking good.