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CHEVALET DE MARQUETERIE
 A
Chevalet de Marqueterie, or "marquetry sawhorse," is the
cutting tool used by a marketer, or marquetry-maker, to cut the
elements of marquetry designs. Originally developed in the 18th
century, the tool has been refined over the years. It is the most
useful tool for adroitly cutting the smallest of items. In the hands
of a well-versed marqueter, for example, the chevalet would be able
to precisely cut out design elements as small as the fonts on this
page.
The chevalet, however, is not simply a hand-held tool as one might
imagine. It is more akin to a human-powered machine that has the
following features:
A sliding saw frame that is adjustable in every direction, and
that can be exchanged for larger saw frames to cut larger veneer
packets. (It is the sliding
mechanism that keeps the blade perpendicular, and the saw frame
horizontal to the jaw.)
Foot-controlled actuator that is connected to the chevalet's
jaw by wire or chain. (The marqueter must manually coordinate
the back-and-forth cutting movement of the blade with his right
hand, while manipulating the veneer packet
with his left hand. The toes of the marqueter's feet rest on the
base of the tool, while the heels apply variable pressure to the
pedal. This pressure transfers to the jaw and pinches the packet:
In this way, the jaw acts as a third hand to prevent the veneer
packet from moving awry.
 Custom
designed to match individual height and ergonomics, allowing the
marqueter, who sits astride the tool, excellent line of sight
and control over what the blade is cutting.
Bolted frame design to allow easy disassembly for transport or
storage.
One will not find the chevalet being commercially produced. Due
to their complexity, and the need for customization, they are simply
too expensive to profitably build in mass. Of course, the market
for these tools is also very exclusive. Aaron Radelow Custom Wood
Designs builds these unique tools on commission. The tool you are
seeing here is one Aaron built for his own use. This tool features
the following (but keep in mind that they may be built to suit):
- Hardwood (white oak) framework, fashioned with numerous types
of traditional joinery.
- Foot operated jaw with helper leaf spring.
- Custom made silicone bronze bolts.
- Hardware machined from silicone bronze and 6061-T6 billet aluminum
stock.
- Saw frame is made of 6061-T6 aluminum.
- Slide for saw frame is made of anodized aluminum and travels
through ceramic coated bearings.
- No tools required to secure saw blade, just tighten the thumb
screws onto blade.
- To tighten the blade, just turn the knob to adjust tension to
the particular blade in use. (As simple as tightening strings
on an instrument!)
- Finished with shellac and wax.
- 23 kt. gold leaf accent in hand carved logo.
Indeed, the chevalet is always the center of attention. If interested
in obtaining a quote please contact
Aaron. Lead-time is approximately six to eight weeks. The cost of
the chevalet as shown here is $7,600.00 (less S&H).
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