HOW TO MAKE a PALETTE BOX for your PLEIN AIR EASEL

[@Raeburnsart]

This is beautiful. Immaculate workmanship 😊❤

[@KatieEmbers]

I just finished building my set up using this video as my guide. Thank you SO much for the education and inspiration! You and James Gurney are my favorite KZbin painting mentors. Your videos are treasures.

[@paulrhodes482]

I love your channel! I was in a car accident and came across your channel. I started painting while I was in my wheelchair because you inspired me so much. Painting and your channel have been such great therapy for me and now I absolutely love painting. I hope to see you in person to thank you and I will definitely have to buy one of your paintings one day soon as a reminder of how inspirational you have been. I was in a dark place not knowing if I would ever even walk again and in lots of pain some pretty ugly thoughts but I would turn on your channel and the thoughts would go away watching you paint!. I love this palette box so much. Have you ever made and sold them? If so I would much rather have one made by you but If not I will give it a try one day when I can physically. Can you please tell me the overall size when it's all closed up and the center mixing area dimensions? I'm Just trying to get a better idea of how big it is and how I could pack it around with my injuries. Thank you so much for taking the time to make so many amazing videos they have literally helped save my life. Have a wonderful week I sure wish the world had more people like you it would be a such a better place.

[@nunyabusiness164]

This is beautiful Paul, I hope you're still enjoying painting

[@bluetulleart]

This is brilliant but I don’t have the drop saw and table saw. I’ve made my own stretched canvases for 20 years though so I know how to build the frames using a mitre box. In theory you could build the main panel and side covers separately and then just apply the hardware. Also you could purchase two cheap stretched canvasses, remove the canvas and apply the ply bases. Cut one down the middle, glue in the side rails and apply the hardware and brackets. I’m just saying this as there are ways to achieve this without all the tools. Which I would LOVE to own. I’m a 63 yr old grandmother. Never too old to get excited about a new project! 😀

[@xd-mn5vc]

the canvasses is a brilliant idea, I think I'll try it out

[@briggspayer42]

Have you considered epoxying a piece of glass into the bottom of your center pallet - might make clean up easier.

[@devonday2796]

Great job explaining the construction. Thank you for your careful planning.

[@wheetypeedy]

I made my box 10x17 in 2002. I screwed all my hinges in and used a support piece on the bottom side. It works like a charm. And Im still using it. I am going to make a pochade box unit where it sets on the tripod as one unit. Thats why im browsing and came across your post.

[@las174]

For those of us without saws, a box could maybe be made with pre-made cradled birch panels and the hardware, if the panels come in the right sizes. Just a thought.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, that could work 😊👍

[@72lonewolf72]

Hi Mike. I watch your videos almost every day now. I’ve watched this video over and over. I’ve scouted the internet for a similar system that’s affordable or even something I might somehow alter and transform but not having much luck. I’m a 65 yr old artist in South NJ who has just discovered the passion of outdoor perceptional painting. Dragging my Julian Easel on a rolling cart along with a backpack of supporting painting gear is really discouraging me from wanting to even think about going out to paint. I have no tools other than an old corded drill and circular hand saw. No tables or space to build anything. I was wondering if, during your next build, (assuming there might be one) if you would build an extra canvas holder (I do have a tripod) and sell me one. I would love a palette box too, but I know that’s asking a lot. Whaddya say?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I’ll definitely let you know if I make more!

[@72lonewolf72]

@@chamberlainpaintings Yes, please do! Thanks!

[@sylviapubl3680]

You can use a pre-made box: cigar box ($2) or a box from a craft store ($20) & adapt it to suit you by using pre-cut trim basswood or birchwood pieces, also from craft store. All you need is a mitre box & keyhole saw, hammer, plus hardware (screws, wingnuts, hinges, small brads or nails) and wood glue. It's NOT a lot of work or $! You'll be glad you did it! I'm 72 and started to build mine.

[@KpxUrz5745]

I think a better design would be a box that holds a normal removable palette, so it can be scraped or replaced as desired. This is how I do it.

[@quinn2836]

Since I’ve found your channel you’ve really inspired me to get back into painting. Thanks! :)

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Oh cool!

[@frances3254]

Hi Mr. Mike looks like no grass growing under your feet in these shut-in times. So inspiring! big thanks nm fran

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, staying busy! Thanks Fran!

[@debbie9035]

Great tip! Thank you for sharing how to do this. You make it look simple, so i decided to give it a go!

[@PleinAirAdventureswithTezDower]

Had awesome is that, Handy and sets up quickly too 🎨

[@piperrussell6478]

Outstanding woodshop! 😊

[@martimajor4766]

You are such a creative guy! 🙏🏻

[@whiskycentral]

Can you please explain the canvas holder. I want to try to make it. But I'm not exactly sure how to make it work for a tripod

[@madacaphoto]

Thanks for the video. I just finished making one following your directions. I had to improvise with the tools I had but it came out great.

[@jeanmyers6385]

You're work is remarkable. I'm really impressed!

[@yiannisteward]

Super!!! Thanks a lot!!! Best Greetings from Greece!!!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks! Greetings!

[@Belinda-df3eb]

Cool I made one similar. I used imbedded magnets glued into close it instead of the latches. They work well :)

[@chamberlainpaintings]

That's a great idea! Where'd you get the magnets?

[@Belinda-df3eb]

chamberlainpaintings eBay 20x10x4mm. They are little oblong ones with a hole in the middle so they could screwed on as well as glued

[@chamberlainpaintings]

@@Belinda-df3eb Thanks!

[@bcarithers22]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@burnts1enna]

Thanks a lot! I learned some new things when making my own painting boxes.

[@josephmccartney7582]

Do you sell the extra palette boxes ?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

No but you can buy similar boxes from artboxandpanel.com

[@daikayll1897]

Great assist to all with this easy to follow vid. Thanx Mike. My nextdoor neighbour will be getting a call tomorrow with your vid ready ! Cheers man. Inspirational as ever.

[@daikayll1897]

Neighbour is a builder/ carpenter see !

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Dai! I think you’ll love this set up. So quick and easy to get painting!

[@daikayll1897]

Funny , but setting up was part of the process when I first started . Now I just want to stop , decide , start painting ! This looks like a fine way of doing just that. My pochade weighs a ton. Not getting any younger Mike !

[@vanlifewiththewife6271]

....as we would say in the UK - 'proper job' 👍

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks!

[@DinoKatrino]

such a good tutorial thank you!

[@riderx65]

Brilliant ghetto carpentry. I do the same ! Make it work with what ya got! Great video , video takes a lot of extra time THANKS! Oh There is a market for chuck boxes ,,,, camping kitchens,,, you would be good at making and designing them

[@amyholderness8142]

Just made my first pallet box. Love it. How long did you make the panel holder? Just curious.

[@jimjr4432]

So how do you take care of the residual wet paint after finishing a painting? Thanks for any info. Jim

[@teodygaspar]

What table saw blade size ( number of teeth) you are using for ripping the 1/8" birch plywood...I will try to build one by myself

[@paultaylor6167]

About the blocks you cut that rest against the tripod leg: is the surface against the leg cut such that is parallel to the slope of the leg, and rotated for a combination cut. The legs now mate with the support recess versus a corner pressure if that makes sense. I have made one for watercolor prior to seeing your video. It's essentially the same. Did you corner nail the front closest to the tripod for strength? Thanks.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Not parallel, but close. The top of the surface against the leg touches. I may corner nail it, but the old one I show in the vid wasn't and it's still going strong.

[@bluetulleart]

Actually I looked at the cheap canvasses and they are really crumby wood and have massive bevels, so scrap that idea 😂. However I built my palette box today (I’m in Australia) from strips of 25 x 18mm finger jointed pine for the main base and strips of 18 x 18mm for the lids. I made the lids as a single piece and sliced down the middle as in the video. It’s just waiting for polyurethane and hinges tomorrow. And my hubby helped me make the panel holder for my tripod on the weekend. Off I go into the wild! 😉😳😂

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Nice!! Enjoy!

[@sachithdesilva1947]

Hi Chamberlain its so wonderful to see your videos and inspired me in big way. Could you please share dimension of this palette box.

[@martingimenez339]

Many times when I see your craftmanship I feel useless lol, although Im good with my hands I don't have practically any tools at all at home. Last time I made my own canvases was like 5 years ago when I was living downtown in an old house with an attic.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, you need time, tools, and space. For most people it makes more sense to just buy the finished products!

[@martingimenez339]

chamberlainpaintings Or to ask Mike Chamberlain to make them ;)

[@AKAndrew]

Great video, thanks so much. Just wondering about the specifics of the wood. What is the thickness of the plywood, and the dimensions of the surrounding wood. You mention the length , but not what size it is. ( apologies if I missed it.) Thanks so much. Really appreciate all the instruction and tips.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I’ll talk about it in next Q&A 😊

[@AKAndrew]

@@chamberlainpaintings Great! I'm subscribed so I'm looking forward to that.

[@veronicagreen6180]

Wow thanks so much for all this, thanks to you I have been cutting my panels and Frames....be safe

[@emmav5641]

Thank you so much this was so helpful!

[@thepochade5992]

I'm having tool envy Michael 😉 my jigsaw and biscuit joiner would love the company of a mitre drop saw and band or table saw 💪👍 not to metion a router !

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I could really use a jig saw and a grinder. Haha, you can never have enough tools!

[@thepochade5992]

@@chamberlainpaintings Indeed lol

[@lisapelino6618]

Do you sell these palette boxes?

[@crankman88]

My gosh thank you 🙏

[@madeliefvdh7305]

this all is so smart wow

[@jennldj]

Could you add a materials list please?

[@brucefrazeur3172]

Lol just the other day I searched back through your vidios to see your gear set up just for this reason. Did you fabricate the canvas holder? Thank you

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, I made the panel holder as well.

[@drjdcolby]

Thank you. Great explanation!

[@ranjanachand9306]

Very nice and very helpful. Thanks

[@paultaylor6167]

I forgot to ask. Your panel holder has the clamping screw knob on the back??. Seems as though it could be easier to deal with right in front of you. Thanks again.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Yes, it's on the back and it works great!

[@paultaylor6167]

@@chamberlainpaintings So right. I reversed the knobs to the back and it slides much better. I believe it's due to having wood on wood on the front and the knob on wood on the back. I had the hardware dragging on the back. I like the knob on the front so I'm going to try a wooden washer on the back. Stay tuned. Im also going to try making a hanger with the slope facing the tripod leg. This might be more stable and repeatable.

[@josephrichardson7366]

Could you explain a little more by bumping out the middle screw when attaching the brackets, please?

[@bryceabbott2918]

Back the screw out a couple of turns.

[@mbhart]

I've watched this about 10 times, and just realized you shaved between the start and finish of that box...lol.😁

[@willrothfuss8470]

Very cool. Your videos are very well made. i wondered why your wood was so thick, not realizing you were going to rip it in half. What did you start with, 1x2? (3/4 x 1 1/2) Also, what is the tripod? And there is no palette inside? Just the wood of the box? I have used one of the thin gray plastic cutting boards from a home goods store, cut to size.

[@JeffChorney]

Thanks Mike this is perfect I can modify my box accordingly. Thanks for sharing you are the best!

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Glad to help!

[@yvonneandreassen8844]

I made one like that but used piano hinges - very lightweight

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Nice!

[@grahamharris4941]

I'm out to may garage now!.....OK after the video.

[@alburtonart9765]

Excellent, Thank you for this!

[@elgringobre]

excelente trabajo!!!!!

[@helenmelton]

Genius!

[@jonron4729]

👍👍👍

[@saffylooloo]

Why would you keep adjusting the mitre saw for the angles when you can just turn the wood over !!

[@sachithdesilva1947]

Hi Chamberlain I would like to request the parameters of this wonderful palette if you are ok with it.

[@chamberlainpaintings]

I don’t have exact dimensions. I’ve already given them away. The mixing area is about 9x12 inches. The other dimensions are determined by the wood I have available.

[@elgringobre]

saludos desde Argentina

[@jasonvaldivia804]

I’m my making one I’m having trouble in the back park the hook part for the degrees to hold the tripod

[@grahamharris4941]

Oh got it!!!!!!!! Wow

[@grahamharris4941]

Returned from the hardware store; masks off! going to have a coffee..stay safe!

[@Danielcorey03]

Nice work! Are all your woodworking tools top shelf? Im feeling like I should invest in some better tools.. My chop saw does not cut reliably, wobbles and seems to cut at its own version of verticle. :))

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks Dan! Sounds like you need a new chop saw! I'd say my tools are mid shelf. Bosch table saw, Makita chop saw. I could use new blades. My planer is Makita as well. Milwaukee drill and impact driver. Nothing fancy but they work well for the jobs I do.

[@Danielcorey03]

@@chamberlainpaintings yeah, Makita is the stuff! I have one of their electric staplers and it has never jammed, ever.

[@nicolebee1028]

JUST realizing your Emma’s dad 😵‍💫

[@georgefrench1907]

👍

[@pegpoole2337]

Awesome work! Would you sell me a box?

[@chamberlainpaintings]

Thanks! I might be able to do that. It could take a while to get the hardware. Check back at the end of the month!

[@thepatsyfamily]

We need to become friends. I want a palette box.