TinK, thanks for another great post supporting us Sobonites without totally bashing Benson. The main problem with Benson homes for me is that they are not built by the homeowner from local materials, and are not affordable to the average homeowner. I am not surprised about Bensons philosophy, especially not when you take into account his clients ($$$).
As for making things in the forge I am making my own blacksmithing tools which I will use to make my own timber framing tools which I will use to build my own house. Not practical, but it is a fun journey.
I would be surprised to find Jack Sobon posting here, I know he doesn't use a computer in his architectural business. All of the plans he showed us during the workshop were hand drawn.
I have done some timber framing with power tools and some with hand tools. Working with hand tools is very relaxing and also quite productive. During the workshop a spectator commented that she had never seen so many people working so hard making so little noise. I looked behind me at fifteen people chiseling, planing, and boring in relative silence and said, yes, it's great isn't it?
