From Robotics Engineer to Timber Innovator - Leigh Aitken TWIG&BOT

Meet Hymie. A striking orange 6-axis robotic arm that once assembled cars in Germany, now reimagined for woodworking brilliance in a Melbourne workshop. At the heart of CNC Creations and TWIG&BOT, Hymie is more than just a machine, he’s a symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Step into Leigh Aitken’s Springvale workshop, and you'll find Hymie poised beside raw logs, precision-crafted furniture and high-end CNC equipment. It's here that Leigh, a former robotics engineer with over 20 years of automation and machine design experience, has fused his technical expertise with his passion for timber. The result? A pioneering blend of robotics and artisan woodworking that’s as clever as it is creative.

Robot-Powered Woodworking with a Human Touch

Leigh’s story is one of bold vision. After sourcing Hymie from Spain, Leigh mounted him on a rare 7-metre robot track, adding an 8th axis for extra-large, complex machining capabilities. With tooling designed to hold everything from bandsaws to chainsaws and industrial router cutters, Hymie is now capable of sculpting intricate timber forms at a scale few machines can match.

But Leigh didn’t stop there. A keen believer in sustainable practices, he sources reclaimed and urban-salvaged timber, rescuing everything from redgum fence posts to felled trees destined for mulch. These raw logs are transformed into bespoke furniture, architectural features and artistic commissions, each piece honouring the timber’s unique grain and story.

Inside his workshop, a gleaming Sydney Blue Gum dining table stands beside rough-hewn logs—representing Leigh’s ability to see beauty where others see waste. With a self-built vacuum kiln to carefully dry timber in-house, Leigh ensures each creation is made with perfectly conditioned material.

Tooling That Delivers Performance – Fast, Clean & Reliable

Leigh’s passion for precision doesn’t end with robotics. A self-confessed tooling nerd, he understands that no job is complete without the right tool at its core.

His first Leitz investment, the HeliCut Monoblock, quickly became a key player in his operation. Compact and powerful, the HeliCut is ideal for Hymie’s automatic tool changer, capable of machining 500+ holes through 180mm thick ironbark foundation blocks with speed, clean cuts and excellent chip extraction. Leigh was particularly impressed by the cutter’s easy knife changes, long edge life and consistent performance.

Why the Leitz HeliCut Monoblock Stands Out

Precision-engineered spiral geometry for smooth, quiet operation
Replaceable carbide knives for long life and reduced downtime
Exceptional chip evacuation and edge quality
Lightweight monoblock body for enhanced CNC compatibility
Suitable for solid wood, MDF, plastics and foams

From boring to trimming, the HeliCut Monoblock excels in versatility, performance, and finish quality; perfect for robotic CNC systems and high-output manufacturing alike.

Redefining CNC Woodworking with Innovation and Sustainability

At Leitz Tooling Australia, we’re proud to support makers like Leigh who push the boundaries of what’s possible. His fusion of robotics, reclaimed timber and high-performance tooling sets a powerful example for the future of sustainable CNC woodworking.

Whether it's architectural elements, custom furniture, or iconic public projects, Leitz is by Leigh’s side, providing tooling that meets the precision demands of tomorrow’s timber innovations.

Learn more about Leitz HeliCut Monoblock tooling - Visit the product page

Explore Leigh’s work - TWIG & BOT | CNC Creations