Edge Pro Gear Paintbook Review and Best Hacks
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- čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
- After over a year of use I want to share my experience with the Edge Pro Gear Paintbook as well as two of my favorite features that I've hacked to be even more awesome along the way. If you're looking for a plein air easel on ponchade box, make sure you check this out before making your decision!
Links to everything I discussed in this video...
Edge Pro Gear Branded Items:
Edge Pro Gear Paintbook: www.edgeprogear.com/paintbook...
Edge Pro Magnetic Turp Jar (not mentioned, but an item I have): www.edgeprogear.com/paintbook...
Edge Pro LED Light Attachment: www.edgeprogear.com/paintbook...
Edge Pro Gear Magnetic Panels: www.edgeprogear.com/paintbook...
Other Brands:
Thin-gauge ferrous (magnetic) sheet metal from a local supplier in your area
*3M Command Strips - Small: amzn.to/3iJmzph
*Replacement LED Light: amzn.to/3rwmw4N (If this ever is unavailable, just type in VILTROX L116T LED into Amazon and you should find an updated listing for it!)
*Power Supply for the LED Light (sorry, I misspoke in my video -- I did have to purchase this separately, but it did work with the LED perfectly, no DIYing required): amzn.to/2PTjVB0
*Manfrotto Tripod: amzn.to/2XYO9ao
*Manfrotto Tripod Head (It looks like mine is a bit out of date now, but if you google for equivalent heads you should find a good option with a quick release): amzn.to/31PwHWT
Adam Savage's Tested video on DIYing LED workbench lights: • Adam Savage's One Day ...
NEW - Download my guide to mastering your unique style of oil painting: webinar.chelsealang.com/
B O N U S C O N T E N T
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C O L L E C T
Website: www.chelsealang.com/
DISCLAIMER: Some of the above links (those marked with a "*") are third party affiliate links, meaning I make a small amount of money off your purchase.
Chelsea, your video hack on how to make your own magnetic sheets for the backs of panels has truly enabled me to use the magnetic feature of my Paintbook. I certainly could not afford to buy their magnetic sheets! You are truly a problem solver. FYI--my husband bought the lightest ferromagnetic sheet (in the roofing section) that HD has and cut them. Then he sanded the sharp edges. You deserve a medal for solving this problem.
I pulled the trigger last night and bought a paint book. I enlisted my metalworker friend to find me some metal to use like you did here. Thanks so much, this video was extremely helpful! I’ve watched some of your other videos and you do a great job of delivering the message. How exciting that you’re full time! As a 34 year old that hates his job I’m yearning to make the transition and hope to do so soon. I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos. Keep it up!
I see you're watching Fran!!!! YAY! Thank you for sharing your insight into this easel. Much appreciated!
Yes I am! Fran is one of the people who inspired me to actually start making videos. I am impressed you could even make out that that's what I had on my laptop -- she was my inspiration for filming into a mirror and I kept wanting to see how she did it without looking awkward or having a *super* unflattering angle. 😂
I've been looking at Paintbooks for a while now and this video was extremely helpful. The hacks for the magnetic backing and replacement lights are much appreciated!
Thank you for going through all of this. I also loved the FAQ video!!💖
Great video, Chelsea! I've had my Paintbook since they came out and absolutely LOVE it!
For magnetic backing, I've been using the flat metal plates that are put over unused electrical boxes and using your absolutely amazing 3M tape hack - works like a charm!!!
I still have the 'ultra-original' LED light which is outlet capable, but also has a compartment for AA batteries which last for about eight hours at my preferred brightness. I obviously use rechargeable batteries, LOL, and they have paid for themselves many times over.
I love the form factor and the transportability of the whole kit!
That's awesome! Thank you for sharing your setup. :) I find it interesting that they've changed the LED that much -- I suspect, based on how mine looked when it shipped, that they just buy the LEDs off Amazon and put Edge stickers on them, and when one is no longer available on Amazon they just switch to a new one. My original LED was literally identical to a kit on Amazon and just had an Edge sticker blocking the original brand name.
I'm envious that yours just came with outlet capability, but if you ever want to upgrade inexpensively, my new LED and the power cord for it cost less than I spent on the Sony NP batteries. 🙃
Great idea about the metal plates for unused electrical boxes! Easy buy at Home Depot! Running out to get some now!
Flat metal plates that are put over unused electrical boxes. Found them at Home Depot. Thanks for the brilliant and easy idea. I could not find a metal shop by me.
Awesome hacks @Chelsea! Love the magnetic back trick, will use right away. Love your videos, they're inspiring me to get back to it.
I'd be happy just to have a studio haha! 😇
Same here!
Amazing amount of information in this video. Thank you.
Chelsea. You are an Amazing artist and so young. Your figured it out so well. I am a 68 year old retired art teacher. I have always painted, but never learned any techniques or strategies like I have learned just watching and listening to you! Thank you very much! I took all the required art classes at the university and not one teacher taught us any techniques. We just kind of watched what each other was doing. I know it shouldn’t have been like that, but it was. The instructors would just give an assignment, and we just figured it out the best we could & then met up for critique. They never really taught anything. It was like the blind leading the blind & I expected much more than we got. I worked really hard. I still resent it. The only way to have truly learned any methods would have been through private lessons. When you’re trying to work and raise a family, it’s a little hard to make time for that. After paying for an education, I feel like I got very little at the university.
Thank you, Chelsea. You’re an inspiration to us all!!!
University art programs are a SCAM.
@@NickNicometi they really are!
I had my decision to take art interrupted by life. I allowed that to cause me to loose interest. So first off i must not be a real artist. They supposedly look forward to doing it and doing it as much as possible. Im glad to read what you wrote here. Of course I know what tour talking about but i didnt even think that was what went on at University level. I took art in community college a couple years. Since re starting after an over 20 year shelf it I use CZcams. Suddenly i read what you say regarding going the whole distance and still having very little real teaching happen. I referred to it as a studio with a sink. It was gonna be pricey too.
Thank you for this review. I received my edge pro a month or so ago and just started using it 3 days ago. I am pretty dissapointed in the LED light I received with it....it seems to only last 2 hours before I have to place a new battery in the light. Thats where I become super grateful to you in recommending the replacement led light. I just ordered it! I really want one that I can plug in as having a light randomly turn off on you (when you see the batter is half charged). Other than that I absolutely LOVE my paintbook!! Thank you again for this video!!!
Yay! I'm so glad this was helpful - my experience was just like yours. I'm so glad you're loving your paintbook!!!!
Nice tips! I am thinking of making my own design for a palette/easel using magnets!
Awesome analysis and DYI solutions, and exactly what I was looking for.
I want to make my own paintbook by gutting a used laptop and creating the inserts for the panel and palette.
Did you ever gut the laptop?
Hi there, I've been trying to learn all I can about the Edge Pro Gear Paintbook before buying, and am so glad I came upon your review of it. Now I can't wait to order! Cheers from a new subscriber!!!
Love this I got some great tips and am looking at that light.
I also just took an old tin and used sticky putty to attach it to my board. It held up great and I was able to remove it after the painting was done
The best video ever. Thank you so much!
Wonderful video Chelsea! Great tips and I love the hacks. I have a question regarding the LED light you bought. I had a look on the link and the light comes with an attachment but no metal arm like yours. Where did you get your metal arm?
Cheers!
Yani
Hi , Great tips for changes to make the painting experience better !! Did you use the goose neck from the Edge LED light for your re-furb ? Where do you get the quick disconnects from ??
You are amazing at this review! WOW so nicely demonstrated and explained. The company should hire you to perfect their product. Omg you’re the best.
I haven’t bought the Edge just yet, but curious to know what size yours is. You might have mentioned it but I might have missed it. Thanks so much for all you bring to the art world! Barb
Thank you for this light hack…I was so frustrated by the edge light….it’s in my Amazon cart…
I’m not catching the brand of the LED light! Thank you this was informative
I got one off Amazon, there are a lot of choices. I teamed it up with a "dollar store" back up battery for 4 dollars, that seems to work really well. Light works great. The "features" on mine were: a clamp; 3 color temps (one can get infinite, but tends to be on larger units classed as computer screen lights); infinite light volume adjust; Bendable light neck that works well; USB charging.
Mine is called a Gritin 9 LED booklight. Booklights are good because you can have several and position them to eliminate shadows. As mentioned, computer screen light are better for larger set-ups. I had no reason to buy that brand, it was just a price/feature outcome, at the time.
Thanks for all the useful tips. The propietary Edge Pro light kit is pretty pricey, and I've looked into a cheaper alternative lighting solution such as yours. May I ask, how did you solve the attachment of thereplacement LED's gooseneck to the dual plug-like holes at the top of the paintbook?
Great review and trick! What panels do you prefer?
Excellent video. Thk u.
I just got my paintbook, and the LED light has been improved. very high quality and it has a digital readout on the back and is adjustable with a knob for both brightness and color temperature. Also they now include a handfull of the 3M command strips. I guess they liked your idea....
Thank you : useful!
thanks, awesome easel have you tried magnetic paint for the backs of your canvases?
Hi Chelsea, i actually bought me edge pro gear inspired by you and just received it! But when I'm setting it on my desk (instead of tripod), it always tilt forward and the palette part would just lift off the surface. do you have this problem and how would u suggest I fix it
Thank you Chelsea. I am considering the large model, but often paint 4 x6 or 5. 7. How well will small ones hold without magnets? Thank you
Looking into buying the small size paintbook - Im wondering if there's any way to attach a strap to the bottom that would allow you to hold the whole thing like a palette with one hand and paint with the other,, as an alternative to attaching it on a tripod?
To clean the rubber cement out of those metal panels use Lacquer thiner this will take out that glue of your metal squares
Is it possible to close the book with a wet panel in it without the paint being smudged everywhere?
Great review and love what you did on the light! Question-I heard from somewhere that there is some wobble because of the quick release+hinges.. do you notice it at all? Also, do you find the hinges remain strong even after so much use? Thanks!
I got a paintbook a few weeks ago- I had some wobble at first, and I am still getting familiar with the setup, but after I spent some time fiddling with all the knobs I've finally gotten it to be wobble-free! It seems like it all just needed extra tightening?
Have you tried painting directly onto a primed magnetic square?
what camera are you using throughout this?
I just got an Edge Pro and didn't get the light. I was wondering if you can buy the goose neck section that would attach to the paintbook? Are you using the goose neck that originally came with the light from EdgePro? When I followed the attachment to get the light it didn't look like it had a gooseneck with it. So how would I attach it to the paint book? Love the magnetic sheet hack. Great tips....bravo!
I'm interested in the book I need the price so that I can order from you
How big a panel cat this support?
Nice helped me
Glad to hear that!
@@ChelseaLang :D
Nice! thanks for the very informative tips. Curious if anyone has been able to DYI a light attachment with the 2x prongs that insert in the paint book? Think with your LED light suggestion and a standard gooseneck I can get part way there.
This is a great question! I'd be curious about the DIY but also just curious if anyone has just *found* this product somewhere. I wasn't sure what to search for which I think is why I didn't find anything other than the one Edge offers on their site.
@@ChelseaLang I've searched and found nothing which makes me think it's a proprietary fixture. Might be worth to try and ask Edgepro if they would be willing to sell the part only. I'll let you know.
@@diegofishburn4809 @Chelsea If you want to build a custom pronged base, look up '1/4" clevis pins' or '1/4" cotter less hitch pin'. Your local hardware store should carry them. Any 1/4" bolt would work too, of course, but there's no real need for a threaded bolt, since the hole is drilled with no threads. The 1/4" clevis pins will insert into the paintbook's top holes perfectly. For the 1/4" cotter less hitch pin, you should double check because they have a spring loaded bearing on one end that might be a tight fit for the holes. However, if you take off the ring on the other end, I'm pretty sure that end would fit into the holes.
You can then glue those pins into a custom cut piece of wood... but if you're going to go that far, you're probably better off with the cotter less hitch pin because the clevis pins have a head on them. If you drill a 1/4" female thread into your wood piece, then you can easily find a gooseneck with a 1/4" male base that'll attach to your wood piece. I use the clevis pins (1.5" in length) by themselves and they work nice for me because they stick out enough to give me something to tie some string onto.
For anyone that has the gooseneck sold by Edge, the pronged base actually screws off. It's got a standard 1/4" female thread on it so you can re-purpose that base and attach anything with a male 1/4" to suit your needs. Lots of photography gear (e.g.: magic arms) can work with that 1/4" thread... but I would be aware of how much weight you're subjecting that top insertion base to.
What metal are those metal plates?
What are you using for transporting your wet panels? And what sizes do you use when out in the field? I’m planning 11x14 but haven’t researched a tote for them👍🏻good info as well -I just ordered a full paint book package that I’m sure I’m going to upgrade some of it.
I'm so glad this was helpful! And thank you for asking about the wet panel carrier -- I haven't even thought to show those on a video yet! I use the wet panel carriers from Raymar, and I have a few in various sizes. For plein air I'd probably suggest a bunch of 12x9" panels and the 12" carrier, but 11x14" could be a good size too. I'd suggest taking a few sizes with you and planning on setting wet panels side by side in a clean tray inside your car or something as a one-off solution, and just try difference sizes until you determine which seems to feel right to you. For plein air I tend to prefer smaller at first as it can encourage looseness and further iteration and practice -- they can almost start out like little studies. I think the larger you go the more tempting it is to tighten up, and the more intimidating it can become. Let me know what you decide though and how it goes!
There's a weird thing with British customs with easels. Some people who buy them from the US have no problems but others have been charged massive amounts of fees (from a few quid to 200!) for them. It seems dependent on which customs officer deals with your package too!
So, I hope I am okay to say this, there is an alternative for peeps in the UK. It doesn't have the same craftsmanship and materials I'm afraid but is a little cheaper.
It is the New Wave U.Go
It really isn't as good as the edgepro but does do most of the same things.
Chances are if you want the edgepro, you won't have any major issues with customs, but because I have this info I felt it best to share it.
(I hope it's okay to mention this, Chelsea. Just remove it if it isn't. I won't take offence.)
Totally OK to share that! I've had a lot of people talk about issues with customs for easels, regardless of country. I think having alternatives is great. :)
@@ChelseaLang Phew! I didn't want you to think I was trying to disagree or anything. I used to help run a review website and this came up a lot. I had to disallow a few negative reviews of US companies because they weren't at fault but the customers sometimes blamed them. It's hard to say this kind of thing while also not trying to put people off a great product.
I totally get you. I feel the same way about talking about some of these hacks. The reality is that I love this easel so much and I think it's so clever, but I also think that for some people there are easy upgrades that make the easel even better, without having to spend a ton of money on branded products. I hope that comes through.
Hi - When you say the New Wave isn't as good as the Edgepro paint book - what features are not as good? The reason I ask is I'm currently deciding between the two :P
@zy6747 late comment, but the New wave is just as good - I'd say the panel holder mechanism is actually better. It's just that the Edge pro is cosmetically better.
Did you ever try museum putty? It's reusable
I wonder if you could have just used magnetic paint on the back of your easel?
I mean the canvas. just put a few swipes of magnetic paint on the back of the canvas. do you think that would work?
Woow mantap 👍👍👍
Pray a little WD-40 on the palate to clean up the Paleteria area let it sit for about 5 minutes and begin scraping
was that a casey baugh painting in the background?
Haha, it is a study I did about 8 years ago. The original painting is much smaller if I recall correctly. It's funny, now I would redo that painting completely differently, just having learned what I have.
@@ChelseaLang from my angle it looks beautiful! Can I ask do you think we should keep the lamp at the brightest? If your painting from a monitor how bright do you keep them in sync. Thank you again for all the help!
It's crazy expensive tho, 10-15 times more then regular basic travel easel.
You lost me at upgrade , too expensive for not being able to store anything. 2 pieces of boards and a clip on light could have done the job. Thanks for your video
❤🙏👍👏😉
I don't know how an artist can go around with a travel easel that you can't put your brushes and paint that's not a travel easel this is so is 2 boards that have been route it
As you know, the easel is just the thing that supports the "supports/canvas". For studio work it normally does not hold all the brushes or paints. Outdoors, there are things like the French easel that hold the gear, but they do not protect it as well as individual packs and holders. And they weigh a ton. So most people seem to be using a separable pallet and easel. However, separate easels have been around as long as tube paint. A good example is the
It is the China Syndrome. You can buy for 10 buck, really excellent brush holders, collapsible cups, etc... and you can get an excellent backpack to carry them. I used to work in the backpacking industry, back in the 80s, if we didn't have nearly free labour, all this gear would be hundreds of dollars, not a few bucks. But that is the world, and people have found these superior, light, and protective products.
Personally, I don't see the value in the Edge pro, it is very expensive, and very heavy for what it does, and it provides limited range for holding things. It emerged in a period dominated by the laptop computer. And the familiar look, and form factor was appealing to some.
Too shallow depth & too expensive for what you get.
Beautiful girl no need to be organised.
Edge Pro gear is too expensive. You can do better with way less.
It's certainly on the more expensive end, yes. But it has some definite advantages that could be worth the extra time to replicate, or the extra money to just buy. I hope the video was helpful nonetheless. :)
Frank Painter, so what do you recommend that has the same capabilities?? I am searching for a easel like this....
Wendy Love23 I’ve been searching for pochade like this too and i kept getting recommended the New Wave U Go Pochade Box. I haven’t gotten mine yet, but for what I can tell it’s basically the exact same thing as this one but significantly more affordable. Hope that helps! :)
Amanda Ramirez thanks for the recommendation, I appreciate it. But I did end up ordering the Paintbook just yesterday.... it was my Birthday and my husband said he would get it for me.... it is expensive but I just love all the details of it and I hope I won’t ever need another one like it again 😊 I might do a unboxing of it for fun..maybe.
Amanda Ramirez oh also I did a search and found a coupon code for all their books it gave me $25 off anyone wants to know msg & I can post it on here!