Finally, auger bits drill holes for hardwood pegs that will ultimately hold the new frame together. The mortising operation, however, leaves a rough finish that requires a second surface planing. But the Hundegger is programmed to remove wood based on the timber's ultimate dimension. After it's milled, a belt drive off-loads the timber from the cutting racks and sets it on the planer tracks for its final machining. Handwork by Craftsmen Benson and his team have embraced technology and apply it where it makes the most sense.
Technology guides repetitive cuts, the kind of work machines do best.
That frees the company's craftsmen to focus on their specialties and work better, faster, and safer. The Hundeg-ger can't make complex, compound cuts like hip and valley rafters. It can't cut curves, it can't carve and embellish, and it can't work hand-hewn beams. These fine details are left to the Beam Team. You'll see a lot of Japanese-style blades on the chisels and slicks in Benson's shop.