Do I need a plasma cutter table?

[CGCINC]

OK, so I'm getting the Power Plasma 50 and can't wait to use it.
I'm just wondering if I need a dedicated table for plasma cutting by hand?

If I do build one, tell me what I need to include on it..... easy remove grates? Catch can for cutting debris? Maybe removeable grates in one foot sections or 6" sections so I don't cut up the table?

Tell me what you would do for the perfect Plasma table

[DaveO]

I think you *want* a plasma cutting table! Which can become *need* a plasma table with only a gentle nudge. If you search "pantograph" on this forum and on youtube you'll find a number of cool examples of mechanical tables. Rod (RodsMachineShop) posted a "tracer" thread not too long ago. Easily removable grates are a smart feature, btw.

[CGCINC]

I definitely Want a table!
I would eventually like to have a CNC table so I'm wondering if I need to just go ahead and build the base to it now so I can manually cut on it then down the road add all the goodies.
I did see Rods tracer table which is pretty cool!
Seanmurphy265 and Acourtjester had some nice tables too!

I'm usually pretty confident in my ability to do most anything BUT, CNC tables are Way out of my smart area so I almost need a step by step...

[geezer]

I definitely Want a table!
I would eventually like to have a CNC table so I'm wondering if I need to just go ahead and build the base to it now so I can manually cut on it then down the road add all the goodies.
I did see Rods tracer table which is pretty cool!
Seanmurphy265 and Acourtjester had some nice tables too!


I'm usually pretty confident in my ability to do most anything BUT, CNC tables are Way out of my smart area so I almost need a step by step...

Best to try out something cheap like a tall metal garbage can with a grate set on top,,,until you decide what to build...a tall metal garbage can will give you a nice working height and can be used later for shop trash,, the grate can be of your own design ...it's portable doesn't cost much and will make do until you have it all figured out..as to what you really need..

[sportbike]

Of course you NEED a table...not just a table, but a CNC Table...

[CGCINC]

Of course you NEED a table...not just a table, but a CNC Table...

Of Course!!! Seeee..... This is why I build stupid dog statues for my wife, Now when I spend a couple grand building my table it all equals out Doesn't it?

Geezer.. That is probably a great idea because I always jump the gun and then think of stuff I Could have done After it's already done!

[Rodsmachineshop]

Just make something like this dont have to be this fancy could just make out of cheep angel iron

[NRM]

Rod that looks like a nice table, is it yours?

[Rodsmachineshop]

no just came across it on the internet is a nice table . i made mine so it sitting between my 2 work benches so when not using I can hang on the wall when not using

[CGCINC]

Just make something like this dont have to be this fancy could just make out of cheep angel iron

That's the Exact one I was looking at to build. I just didn't want to spend the time and money in that thing if I could build a CNC table without all the gantry and stuff and just use it till I convert it to work.
That is a Nice table in the pic for sure!

What's a good size for table? I was looking at 2' x ? Maybe 30" x ?


Question: As far as the poop shoot on that table.... I had planned on making just a box under the grates to catch cuttings. Should I change it to have a shoot or will removing the grates and cleaning it out once in awhile be fine?
Why do some people have water under the cutting area?

[Rodsmachineshop]

After making my table and tracer wish i made it at least 5' foot wide to cut 4 foot wide sheets of steel .

[Rafael]

Just make something like this dont have to be this fancy could just make out of cheep angel iron

Very nice! I'll be building one of these soon. Just need to make up my mind on the size. Need to be able to deal with full sheets of plate but don't want another big ### table taking up space in the shop.

[DVA]

I like the idea to keep sparks from going all over the ground. The only thing needed to be added to the design would be a fan system to pull the smoke down and have it exhaust out of the room.

[acourtjester]

If you build a table to the size you want and have a parking area for the X axis to move to out of the way you can use the table for other things too. My new table is has 4’ across and 6’ for the x axis just for that reason. I can put a half sheet on it I do not plan to cut things bigger then that. My electronics is in a moveable cabinet so when stored I can move it anywhere I want. Also put it on steel casters so it can be moved if needed. Have a cover when you want to do other things with the table space.
The water under the cutting area is to capture the sparks and this will cut down on the fumes and smoke quite a bit (90%). The water has chemicals in it to keep the rust from forming. This can be drained when you don’t need to too.
have fun
Tom