Her's some information that I picked up off the internet this morning.
http://www.palletenterprise.com/articledatabase/view.asp?articleID=1407
Nailing tables or nailing stations and jigs provide a durable work station for assembling pallets. Even the simplest of steel tables can aid the worker. The working surface is at a comfortable height to reduce lower back strain. Tables frequently are constructed with a crown or dome in the center, which makes it easy for the worker to rotate or spin the pallet; that single benefit reduces the strain associated with turning the pallet around or bending over the pallet to nail the side furthest away from the worker. Tables and benches may have recessed legs to avoid interfering with the worker’s feet, and they may be equipped with a simple shelf and hooks to store tools and supplies.
Some nailing stations and jigs are built so that the working surface of the pallet is on an incline. The angled work area makes it easy for the employee to insert the components into the jig and nail the lumber together because it eliminates reaching and bending associated with those tasks.
Suppliers also can equip nailing stations and jigs in such a way to suspend the pneumatic nailing tool over the work area; the tools can be hung from a zero gravity balancer. The addition of this simple equipment provides further ergonomic benefits.
The tool is always returned to the same place, and the strain
of repeatedly picking up the tool and putting it down is
eliminated.
Companies reap the benefits of improved ergonomics in two ways: employees with less fatigue and strain can work faster and generally are less prone to the sloppy work performance associated with being tired and sore.
Jigs certainly improve pallet quality given the worker’s ability to space the lumber properly for every pallet. Stops typically are adjustable for different pallets, and some nailing stations come equipped with an automatic stacker.
Ernie