Building truss fabrication apparatus

A building truss fabrication apparatus comprising:

• (a) a jig table having a first position adapted for assembly of a building truss from lumber components and a plurality of connector plates and having a second pressing position within said apparatus,
• (b) drive means for moving said jig table from said first position to said second position, and
• (c) a press assembly arranged for pressing a plurality of said connector plates into said components at said second position, said first position being outside the press assembly,
• further including a jig base provided for supporting the jig table at the first position and wherein a gantry bridge work operably retains said press assembly over a pressing space located contiguous to said first position, wherein a series of press trucks are supported by said gantry bridge work and are arranged for movement transversely with respect to said bridge work in an x direction, wherein said press trucks comprise first and second press truck ends interconnected by at least two bridged channel members, and wherein roller wheels are rotatably connected to said press truck ends and are adapted for supporting said bridged truck within said gantry bridge work,
• and wherein said press assembly includes press head assemblies comprising a hydraulic cylinder mounting plate, a retaining means for securing said assembly withing said press assembly, a hydraulic cylinder mounted in said mounting plate, a piston rod extending from said hydraulic cylinder and having a guide and stroke limiter block attached thereto, said hydraulic cylinder extending within a space formed between said at least two bridged channel members stably resisting reaction forces applied thereto upon actuation of the cylinder causing the platen to descend into driving contact with a connector plate during the pressing stroke of the piston rod.