The making of a chair at the Boulle school -- circa 1912

[creasman]

While doing some research I came across this video from 1912. It was made in France at the Boulle school about the process of making a chair. It's not a "talkie" and I can't read French. However, the images speak for themselves. The use of a spindle shaper to make a curved moulding (around 8 minutes into the video) is especially interesting (and terrifying). He does it freehand with no safety equipment.

At around 5 and a half minutes into the video he uses a special jig and saw to cut the shoulders of a tenon on a curved chair part. This is what led me to the video. The saw is a Scie Spéciale pour le Fauteuil, which translates to "Special Saw for the Armchair". I think I see my next tools to make -- the vise and this saw.

La fabrication d'un siège à l'école Boulle | INA

www.ina.fr

Enjoy!

 

[pop-pop]

That vise accessory is like a shoulder vise with two shoulders.

Not sure of any advantage over an end vise that I think you have on your bench. Main advantage for both is holding tall/awkward parts.

 

[creasman]

The main advantage I see is increased capacity. I'm limited to what I can fit into my wagon vise. The slot is 1-3/4" wide. The chair part he is tenoning would not fit. I can't make the slot any wider.

Also, I don't want to think too hard about it. I might talk myself out of making more tools .

 

[drw]

Also, I don't want to think too hard about it. I might talk myself out of making more tools .

Please don't think too hard...I would hate to think you would not be making any more tools!

I really enjoy watching old videos of craftsmen at work. There is a level of skill, pride, and accomplishment in all facets of what they do...from how they dress, the tools they used to the beautiful products they produced. While I can't remotely imagine wearing a suit and tie while working in my shop, the fact that they do says something about how they viewed their profession.

 

[danmart77]

Donn that didn't rub off on Roy.

 

[drw]

Donn that didn't rub off on Roy.

Dan, you are right about that; Roy has a style all of his own!

Beautiful cabinet, I really like how you showcase the grain - it looks awesome!

 

[danmart77]

Thanks Donn I'm really getting slow these days with work. It just takes me sooooo long. Better than nothing really

 

[JNCarr]

I agree with Donn - the pride is obvious. I may have to get a new wardrobe for the shop!