Peter Kramer Cabinetmaker

For most woodworkers there are ideas from past masters, which impressed and influence our thinking and therefore our designs. For me it was the Queen Ann cabriole leg. Oh, how I wish I could claim that design concept as my own. I did draw inspiration from it however, and over the years have endeavored to create a series of original leg concepts to enhance my furniture designs. The results of that effort can be seen in the following:

Many of these leg concepts were thought up before I had the computer drawing tools of PowerCADD and WildTools but all of them benefit in the production process since I have acquired those programs and the computer skills to use them. As an example, let me take you through the process we now use to create one these leg designs, The Inside Out Turned Leg, which will become an essential component of a Cherry Drop Leaf Hutch.

Much of my furniture is born as a speculative venture but in this case the piece was driven by the needs of a customer who wanted an original design that was compatible with the Arts and Craft period and would meet specified space limitations. After consultation, I used WildTools in PowerCADD to draw two variations of a design thought for the customer to consider.

Peter designing the hutch

Here's a closeup view of the hutch drawing. The mitered panels were drawn with the Panel tool of the Doors & Windows palette of WildTools. This tool was created at Peter's request, and as you might guess, he used it a lot. Note the leg design. What looks like a curved design on the face of the leg is actually an opening in the leg. It's a clever bit of design, as you will see.

For presentation purposes I turn these into sketches using Squiggle because the look is much friendlier and warmer. Both of the designs would work in the designated space and not interfere with the speaker outlets and heating ducts that resided in the wall.

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