Column Nailing Machine
Column Nailing Machine
High-Production Laminated Column Nailing Machine: Quality, Reliability, and Innovation
Amity Nailing Machines are built on a foundation of quality, experience, service, and innovation. Designed to be simple, reliable, and cost-effective, our machines deliver one of the fastest returns on investment (ROI) in the industry.
Our laminated column nailing machine is engineered to produce high-quality laminated wooden columns, ranging in length from 12 to 40 feet. It accommodates both 2″ x 6″ and 2″ x 8″ boards, with options for 3-ply or 4-ply construction.
Built for high-production environments, its unique design ensures consistent throughput—allowing operators to move seamlessly from one column to the next without downtime or waiting for the machine to finish processing. The result is faster output, reliable quality, and greater efficiency.
Sequence of Events
Board Preparation
Finger-jointed boards are presented to one or two operators.First Ply Setup
Operators place the first ply of boards on the assembly table, positioning the first board’s straight edge against the stop.Gluing & Joining
Glue is applied to each finger joint, and boards are pushed together. (Some operators may apply glue before placing the boards on the assembly table.)Compression
After all three boards are aligned, the operator uses the provided board pusher to compress the finger joints.Adding Plies
The next two plies are laid on top of the first in the same sequence.Securing the Plies
Once all plies are joined and compressed, operators tack the assembly with a hand nail gun—typically 4 to 5 nails on both the top and bottom.Transfer to Conveyor
The column is gently pushed from the assembly table onto the incline conveyor, with the 6″ or 8″ edge facing up. The conveyor carries it to the nailing machine infeed. At the top, the column shifts 90° so the 2″ edges face upward.Initial Compression
As the column enters the nailing machine, rollers apply pressure from the top and sides to compress the boards in both directions.Nailing Zone Preparation
Another set of rollers further compresses the boards before nailing begins.Nailing Process
Nail guns fire according to the spacing requirements programmed into the controller.Final Compression
Rollers at the machine’s exit apply additional pressure to ensure the column remains straight and flush.Outfeed Conveying
For machines without the optional double-sided planer, the column exits onto the outfeed conveyor, clearing the way for the next column. **For machines with the optional planer, the planer is installed between the outfeed of the nailing machine and the start of the outfeed conveyor; see below for more information.Stacking
At the end of the outfeed conveyor, the stacker lift table raises the column and allows it to tumble into place. The lift table forms stacks two, three, or four columns high, tracked by the electronic counter.Completed Stacks
Once the pre-set number of columns is reached, the stacker conveys the finished stack away and resets for the next. This process continues until the outer limit switch is reached.
Double- Surface Planer
- We do not offer a double-surface planer, but we recommend that one is used to ensure the column is cosmetically pleasing.
- Incorporating a planer in our system further helps to streamline the assembly process to reduce labor.
- We have incorporated Stiles Machinery Ironwood DSP2500 Planer with great success. We do not require this particular brand, but recommend it.
- Planers must have a variable speed infeed drive, and an adjustable height for the infeed. The typical infeed height is 32″.
Standard Lumber and Nail Spacing Specifications
- 2″ x 6″ or 2″ x 8″ boards with the flip of a switch.
- Treated and/or non-treated boards (green or white).
- Up to 3-ply or 4-ply.
- Columns up to 40 feet long (standard).
- Nails are applied about 1″ from the top and bottom edges.
- Nails are applied around the finger joints approximately 2″ from each side of the joint. This setting is adjustable if necessary.
- Finger joint spacing can be turned ON and OFF.
- The standard nail spacing is 16″, but can be adjusted if necessary.
Standard Features & Benefits:
- Includes a sturdy pre-assembly table that accommodates one or two operators, and includes a shelf for storing pneumatic tools, fasteners, and more.
- Incline conveyor to safely and easily transfer the column to the infeed conveyor without lifting or touching it again.
- Infeed conveyor that automatically conveys the column to the nailing machine.
- Independent top and bottom clamps that secure and align the column before, during, and after nailing.
- The nailing machine is equipped with four independently-operated nail guns, strategically positioned to ensure each nail is fired in a precise location.
- An accurate and user-friendly electronic system controls the nail spacing, ensuring proper placement along the column and around the finger joints.
- Outfeed conveyor that quickly delivers the finished column to the stacker.
- The included stacker automatically lifts and stacks columns two, three, or four high.
Production Expectations & Operators:
- Production varies with lumber quality, operator work ethic, and column configuration.
- 2 operators are required; 3 can be used when necessary.
- Typical column processing speed in the nailing machine is 25 to 35 seconds, depending on the length of the column.
- Please contact us to learn more about production speeds for your column sizes.
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 3-1/4″ to 4″, and diameters between .131 to .148, application-dependent.
- This system includes four nail guns. Additional nail guns can be purchased as spare guns and are recommended.
Custom Sizes and Solutions:
- We can modify the column nailing machine to build different specifications.
- Our standard machines are capable of building several different specifications out of the gate.
Amity column nailing machines are not affiliated with any other machine manufacturers or their representatives. All machines are designed and manufactured by Midstate Machine in Illinois.
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