Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and method comprising a conveyor belt carrying a set of slats, a computer for generating an image of the set of slats and a pattern of stops for a truss jig, and a second set of slats that are used for setting up the jig in accordance with the pattern. The slats of the first set are held to the conveyor belt by spherical magnets partially encased in the undersides of the slats. Each slat is ruled and has holes formed therein for receiving the stops. The slats of the first set that are to be replaced with slats from the second set are ejected from the conveyor with an air gun to identify them and to facilitate their removal. The truss can then be assembled on the truss assembly portion of the conveyor belt as the truss is moved to the unloading portion of the conveyor. To attach the truss elements together, connector plates are seated in adjacent elements by rollers.