Plastic vs. Steel Reskinning for Truss Tables: Choosing the Right Option
Truss jig tables are the backbone of efficient roof and floor truss manufacturing. Over years of continuous use, the surfaces of these tables have degraded due to hammering, pressing, sliding, and tool impacts. This wear eventually affects not only production speed but also safety and truss quality.
To keep your work table smooth, safe, and efficient, reskinning is often the best solution. This involves adding a new layer, typically plastic or steel, on top of the existing, worn surface.
Picking the right reskinning material can make a big difference. It affects how easily you work, how well your parts are protected, and how long your jig table lasts.
This article compares the reskinning of plastic and steel. We’ll cover key points like strength, smoothness, impact on connector plates, and cost. Whether you do light assembly or heavy work, this guide will help you pick the right material.
Why Truss Tables Need Reskinning
The surface of a truss jig table plays a direct role in the accuracy, quality, and speed of truss assembly. A worn or uneven table can cause:
- Misalignment of connector plates
- Reduced contact pressure during pressing
- Inconsistent nailer performance
- Damaged lumber or hardware
- Safety concerns for operators
A fresh surface ensures that plates sit flat, nailers fire accurately, and parts stay stable during assembly. It also reduces the risk of injuries and improves the longevity of your tools.
Plastic Reskinning: Lightweight, Flexible, and Plate-Friendly
Plastic is a popular reskinning material for smaller shops. It’s light, simple to swap out, and gentle on connector plates. Here’s why it’s a good option:
- Protects Connector Plates: Plastic is softer than steel, so it’s less likely to damage connector plates during pressing. This is especially useful near edges, with small trusses or angled plates where pressure isn’t even. Its soft surface helps keep plates safe and intact.
- Easy to Move and Replace: Plastic sheets are light and straightforward to handle. Maintenance teams can lift, cut, or swap them out without needing heavy tools. This makes quick reskinning jobs easier and reduces downtime.
- Smooth Surface for Accurate Plate Setup: Plastic’s smooth surface helps connector plates slide into position easily, reducing the risk of bending and making setup faster and more precise.
- Cost-Effective for Lighter Workloads: Plastic is less expensive than steel, making it a wise choice for shops with low to moderate daily production volumes. It may wear out sooner, but its low cost and easy replacement make up for that.
- Limits in Heavy-Duty Use: Plastic can wear down more quickly under high heat, substantial impact, or continuous use. In high-volume shops or when using heavy tools, plastic may need more frequent reskinning. Even so, for everyday work, its ease of use and plate protection make it a reliable option.
Steel Reskinning: Built for Tough Environments
Steel reskinning is made for jig tables that face constant use. In busy or automated plants, it provides the strength, stability, and durability necessary to maintain smooth production. Here’s how it handles harsh conditions:
- Strong and Durable: Steel handles heavy tools and constant use without denting or warping, making it a stable and long-lasting surface.
- Great for Automated Systems: Steel remains flat under pressure, which aids in accurate truss placement. Plate pressing in automated, high-volume lines.
- Cost-Effective Over Time: Steel costs more upfront, but it lasts longer and requires less maintenance, ultimately saving money in busy shops where downtime is costly.
- Heavy-Duty Choice: Steel can damage plates if not used carefully. It’s also heavier and more challenging to install, with higher material and labor costs. Still, its performance makes it worth it in harsh environments.
It provides jig tables with the strength and reliability required for high output, automation, and multi-shift operations.
Making the Right Choice for Your Operation
Choosing between plastic and steel reskinning depends on how your truss manufacturing line is managed.
Plastic may be the right fit if:
- Your production is light to medium volume
- Plate protection and replacement speed are priorities
- Do you prefer lower upfront costs
- Your team handles maintenance internally with minimal downtime
Steel is ideal if:
- You operate a high-volume or automated plant
- You need long-term durability with minimal reskinning
- You’re okay with higher installation costs for a better lifespan
- You’re looking for a surface that won’t break down.
While both perform well, selecting the right one depends on factors such as longevity, installation cost, and production flow.
At Truss Builder Parts, we make reskinning jig tables easy. No matter if it’s plastic or steel, we deliver the right solution:
- Custom panels cut to your table size
- Fast delivery to avoid delays
- Full or partial reskinning support
- Reliable materials made for truss work
We provide custom truss tables and parts at competitive prices, from standard setups to complete rebuilds and upgrades.