Truss table with integrated positioning stops

Abstract

A table for forming trusses that includes channels that do not unduly deform or bend during truss construction comprises: a support frame; first and second substantially horizontally-disposed elongate panels; a first channel having a generally horizontal floor and opposed side walls extending upwardly therefrom; and a locator stop. Each of the panels has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing lateral edge portions, and the panels are positioned so that their respective upper surfaces are substantially coplanar and so that a first of the lateral edge portions of the first panel is in adjacent, non-contacting relationship with a first of the lateral edge portions of the second panel, thereby forming a gap therebetween. One of the side walls of the channel supports the lower surface of the first panel, and the other of the side walls supports the lower surface of the second panel. The channel floor is supported by the frame and is positioned beneath the gap between the first and second panels so that the first lateral edge portion of the first panel and the first lateral edge portion of the second panel overhang the channel floor. The locator stop includes a stop portion that resides above the panel upper surfaces, a slide portion that resides below the panel lower surfaces and that slides within the channel, and means for clamping the panels between the stop portion and the slide portion to prevent relative movement therebetween that extends within the gap.