THIS PAGE UPDATED 2/20/04

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How to Build a Pochade Box

Above is the Pochade Box that I made with an old art box. The one below is a smaller box
but shows how I put on the hardware. Then I look for a paint palette, water container and
anything else that I can think of.

Any good sturdy paint box will do.

Get a Teenut like the one pictured above but without the prongs at your local hardware store.
They sell them without the prongs but if you can't find that type just hammer down the prongs, unless your paintbox has a thick wood bottom.
Make sure the thread size is the same as the detachable tripod camera holder. The size is usually 1/4", as pictured below.

Pictured above is a tripod that has a detactable head that usually screws to the camera.
You will use it to screw into the paintbox, this way you can easily remove and connect your box to the tripod.

Find the center of the box (balanced center) then drill a hole in the box a size slightly larger then 1/4" so the teenut fits snug into the hole.
I have used a washer (Pictured above) and sometimes a flat piece of metal that runs across the box for stability.

Above you see the tripod bracket attached to the box and the teenut and washer used on the inside.
Also pictured above you see the adjusting brackets that hold the lid open and is where you rest your canvas or paper against.
I used aluminum rods that I bought at Menards. Cut the rods with a hacksaw and drilled holes for the wing nuts & bolts.
I also recomend replacing the hinges on most art boxes with a long piano hinge, pictured below

I recommend that you get a good tripod. The better the tripod the sturdier the easel will be.

Set up your box with whatever supplies you can find that fit, preferably ones that you normally use.
Have fun with it and see what you can come up with.