Welcome to the forum EH!
I think that the powertool issue is more about how someone wants to live their lives. There is less of a connection to the craft when you start mass producing posts and beams. I personally like to use the old tools. They do the job to perfection, and they don't use any electricity, they don't make any noise or dust. An experienced framer with good tools can certainly put out some work in a day. Powertools are often a way to make up for the experience neccessary to be productive, although I am not suggesting that all powertool users are inexperienced.
This is not to say that it is wrong to use them. If you don't mind the noise, dust, tripping over cords, then they are just fine. I enjoy peace and quiet when I am working, and I also like being able to have a conversation with co-workers when I am working, so the hand tools fill my needs well.
For some people there is no choice but to automate for ecnomical reasons, some companies build many frames a year and have to keep up with demand.
I realize that earlier I stated that I felt that it cheapens the craft. That is only my view, and when the client moves into their new home, they probably aren't going to be worrying about how the joinery was cut, just that it was cut, and that it is beautiful.
I personally place a value on the work that is completed, and not the time it takes to do it, so it doesn't affect the customer how I do it, only myself. My own philosophy is always changing as I learn more about timber framing. While I often disagree with other people, I always try to be open minded about the way they see timber framing.
I don't know how much timber framing you do, but if you would like to stop over and try out my antiques, I am getting some timbers in hopefully next week, and you are more than welcome. You can contact me here or look me up in the phone book.
Dave
