The Big Buddy: Cost-Effective Block Pallet Assembly & Nailing:

The Big Buddy Block Pallet Assembly and Nailing Machine delivers an efficient, reliable, and flexible solution for manufacturers looking for a cost-effective way to produce block pallets. It’s the ideal choice for operations that can’t justify the expense of high-volume European machines or that need more output than manual jigs can provide.

When paired with the Little Buddy mat nailing machine, the Big Buddy gives manufacturers the tools to stay competitive in the fast-growing block pallet market.

How the Big Buddy Works:

Operators work in sync with the Big Buddy through a streamlined process. On one side of the machine, bottom boards and blocks are placed into a jig, while on the other, a pre-assembled mat is set onto the pre-nailed bottom.

With a single pass of the gantry, the bottom deck boards and blocks are securely fastened, while the mat is simultaneously attached to the block bottom. Both sides are nailed with two precise rows of nails—one to the right and one to the left. Once nailing is complete, the machine automatically ejects the finished pallet to a waiting stacker.

The operator then flips the newly fastened bottom from the lower jig to the upper jig, places another pre-assembled mat on top, and the cycle repeats.

Big Buddy Models:

• 56″ L x 50″ W (pallets up to 56″ x 50″)
• All machines can be modified for pallets that are wider than 50″. Contact us for details.

Block Pallet Specifications:

• CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4, CP5, CP6, CP7
• CHEP / PECO
• Cruciform Block
• Up to 3 rows of nails if necessary for the specification 
• And more. Contact us for details.

Standard Features & Benefits:

• The bottom jig for blocks and boards provides a tight tolerance for better pallet quality.
• Electronic nail gun firing system built for precise nail placement.
• Nail gun firing system is adjustable for the top and the bottom of the pallet. 
• 2 rows of nails are standard, and 3 rows of nails are included and can be turned on or off with a switch. 
• Build flush and wing pallets
• Simple and easy-to-use controls that are ergonomically placed for operator efficiency.
• Quick changeover parts, with tool-less options wherever possible.
• Cost-effective parts and components that are in stock in Ohio.
• Rugged steel parts, most of which are made in the USA, that are built to handle the day-to-day rigors of the pallet industry. 
• Pallet stacker with an electronic pallet counter.
• 10 ft. rollout conveyor for completed stacks.
• Full machine lubrication system, and a nail gun lubrication system.
• 6 total nail gun positions – 3 for the bottom of the pallet, and 3 for the top of the pallet.
• Shifting jig provides 2 or 3 rows of nails in each intersection.
• No expensive and time-consuming maintenance routines.
• Simple electronic logic that is durable, safe, easy to diagnose, and reliable.
• Industry-leading support ready to assist you whenever you need it.
• American-made. American durability. American ingenuity.

Production Expectations & Operators:

• Production varies with pallet configuration, operator numbers, operator work ethic, and lumber quality.
• 2 operators are required; 3 can be used when necessary. 
• Pallets with 2 rows of nails can be built at a rate of one pallet every 60 to 75 seconds; operator dependent. ACTUAL MACHINE CYCLE TIME IS ONLY 15 SECONDS.
• Pallets with 3 rows of nails can be built at a rate of one pallet every 75 to 90 seconds; operator dependent. ACTUAL MACHINE CYCLE TIME IS ONLY 25 SECONDS. 
• Actual cycle times are based on the press of the start switch until the time the finished pallet is removed from the jig by the machine. 
• Please contact us to learn more about production speeds for your pallet sizes. You’ll be surprised at what’s possible.

Lumber Types:

• The Big Buddy is flexible and works well with many types of lumber. 
•  Softwoods & Hardwoods.
• #1 and #2 grade lumber.
• Reclaimed lumber is possible, but not recommended. The lumber would have to be well sorted before being presented to the operators. 

Nails and Nail Guns:

• All of our nailing machines utilize pneumatic nail guns and 15-degree high-load/large coil nails. 
• Typical nail sizes range from 1-3/4″ to 3″, and diameters between .099 to .131, application-dependent. 
• The Big Buddy is designed to accommodate different nail gun models and nail sizes on the left and right sides. 
• If you have experience with bulk nails and hydraulic nailing systems, but not with pneumatic nail guns and coil nails, please contact us to learn more. 

Custom Sizes and Solutions:

• We can modify the Big Buddy to build different specifications.
• Our standard machines are capable of building several different specifications out of the gate.  

Block Pallet Buddy nailing machines are not affiliated with any other machine manufacturers or their representatives. All machines are designed and manufactured by Millcreek Machine in Ohio. 

Know where your machine is coming from. Ask before you buy.