Best CNC Plasma Table – Reviews & Buying Guide 2023

rAre you looking for best CNC plasma table which are top-class tools for cutting metal sheets with high precision and speed. Most companies or businesses use the CNC plasma table instead of plasma torches as they are exact and don’t require more man force to work on it. As the name says, CNC is a computer numerical control to input desired settings to the table and ensure that it is done with no error.

However, there are many plasma tables available out there, and choosing the best one according to your needs is a nightmare. Consider some factors before buying one, i.e., size, cutting power, and cooling system. In plasma tables, the use of a computer removes the error done by humans and performs precise and accurate work.

CNC plasma tables can cut thick sheets with ease and precisely but are relatively expensive tools. You need to make sure what kind of machine you want. For that, we have put together a list of top-class plasma cutter reviews capable of delivering maximum performance and a buyer’s guide that will help you choose the best CNC plasma table according to your needs.

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Best CNC Plasma Table 2023

1. Baileigh PT-22 CNC Plasma Cutting Table

The Baileigh PT-22 CNC table is precise cutting equipment that comes fully assembled and weighs only 400 pounds. It comes with an adjustable torch holder and user-friendly software, which makes using this machine relatively easy and simple. It has a 24 x 24 inches cutting area that is enough for cutting metals and materials for everyday needs.

To ensure even and precise cutting, the mainframe is firmly welded and designed evenly and perfectly as imbalances can cause cuts to be uneven. The PT-22 CNC table can easily cut ¾ thick metals, and by increasing input, you can also increase the machine’s cutting capabilities. You may also Check :

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Furthermore, a water bath system with a drain valve collects debris, dust, smoke, and other leftover materials. You just need to fill the table halfway with water or plasma fluid, and it will collect the debris, and dust can be quickly drained from the valve. This table is a good starting point regarding cost and performance as it has simple controls and can be the best entry-level plasma cutter.

Features

• Controls And Voltage

You can use a handheld control panel containing an x and y-axis jog dial to cut metals without using physical force. The PT-22 is one machine that performs well and can run efficiently on 110 volts.

• Precise Cutting

A fully welded steel frame is made in a perfect square shape so that you can cut metals precisely as an uneven frame leads to imbalances. It can cut ¾ inches of metals easily, and by increasing the output power, you can even cut more thick metals precisely.

• BobCAD-CAM Express Software

The PT-22 comes with standard user-friendly software and allows you to plot your project on it and load it to the machine via a USB drive.

• Water Bath System

You just have to fill the table halfway with water or plasma fluid, and the PT-22 water bath system will collect debris, smoke, and dust, and you can drain it using a valve and remove it easily.

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2. STV CNC SparX 510 Plasma Table

The SparX 510 plasma table has a massive cutting space and can cut metals with high precision and speed. STV CNC plasma cutting table offers high-end technologies within a compact and small package. 144 x 83 x 58 inches dimensions provide industrial level space for easy cutting long and wide metal sheets. This CNC plasma table is equipped with software that accepts different files and can set it up to perform repeated cuts for mass working.

You can set up output power, and it will cut according to your input settings and customize the settings for mass production without starting over. STC plasma table can cut an inch thick metal sheets with ease and smooth linear guide rails that cut quickly with motion accuracy of 0.002″ per every 12 inches. Moreover, the CNC plasma table is designed to cater to thick sheets of up to ¾” cutting thickness. 

The cutting table features a water bed under the cutting table. It not only removes the dust and debris from the table but also cools it down. When you use plasma to cut metals, it produces heat that may wrap the material; to avoid that, you should fill the table with water or plasma fluid to keep the environment cool.

Features

• Automatic Torch Height Control

Torch height plays an important role in cutting precisely on plasma tables. The SparX THC uses advanced processing technology that automatically adjusts the torch according to the best height to provide the best outcome.

• Wide Cutting Space

The 5 x 10 frame space gives you a massive area to cut even some of the large sheets with ease, and this machine is equipped with high-quality stepper motors that cut metal sheets instantly.

• Durable And Steady

The SparX table is built of strong and fully welded steel, with an exact shape so that you don’t work on an uneven surface. It can easily cut ¾ inches of steel sheets and even cut thick sheets.

• One year Warranty

The plasma cutting table comes with intensive customer care and offers one year warranty. Moreover, it has lifetime customer support with videos, tutorials, manuals, setup and installation guides, and all other information you need for its work.

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3. STV Motorsports SparX 4400

STV SparX 4400 plasma table is a high-quality machine that has all the features of 510, but it is 4 x 4 in size and rated as a small plasma table. Of course, having a small size also results in relative cost than other SparX tables with a bigger size. If you are looking for a plasma cutting table with all the features at an affordable cost, and need to do normal cutting work, then SparX 4400 plasma table is the best choice for you.

All the SparX machines use the same program that you can customize. All you need to give input power to the cutting table, and you are ready to go with the same torch height of 6 inches and a water bed system that keeps the machine cool while you cut the metal sheets with the same cut speed and motion accuracy. The plasma cutter features an automatic height control torch based on advanced processor technology. It helps to automatically adjust your workpiece’s height, and you can easily go for mass production, eliminating the workforce. 

Its size can be advantageous to you in some scenarios as not everybody needs to do industrial-grade work. Still, some need a machine for normal work that can be easily done on 4×4, so instead of purchasing a machine at a high cost, you can choose this as its counterpart at an affordable cost.

Features

• High-End Technology

The STV SparX 4400 offers the best working technology that doesn’t disappoint your work and comprises the most refined materials that outclass their competition. All the components provide 100% performance, and it cuts at 800 inches per minute and maintains stability to ensure precision.

• Consistency And Speed

Using high accuracy steepers motor, you can cut metal sheets up to 1 inch thick in an instant with precision. It ensures speed with control and accuracy, offering good speed and consistency.

• Durable

This cutte comes with a 1-year warranty that shows its durability and is built tough. It has a fully welded steel frame that handles more than ¾ inches of steel sheets.

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4. STV Motorsports SparX505-5×5)

STV SparX505 is famous for its advanced technology, easy-to-operate interface, and best technology for high-end components. The plasma cutting table is used for various applications and uses windows based software. The CNC plasma cutting table also features licensed software, so you don’t need an extra budget to get one for yourself. Furthermore, the stepper motor of the cutting table helps in smooth and consistent operation by giving accurate speed and control. 

These CNC tables have solid and sturdy construction, built with tough materials to withstand continuous cutting operations. You also get one year warranty from the manufacturer and all the instructions, tutorials, and technical material to get started with the CNC  cutting table. A detailed list of features is written in the following section. 

Features

• High-end technology for an entry-level price

The STV Sparx 505 offers high-end technology to meet the extremely superior quality components. You can use the CNC plasma table if you are an industrialist or want to have flawless cutting with a smooth finish and dimensional accuracy. 

• Consistent quality cutting

This cutting table features a stepper motor that accurately keeps the speed and controls. This means no fluctuations in operation and high-end smooth and consistent cutting. 

• Reliability and durability

The plasma cutting table is built with tough materials to maximize reliability and durability. It helps to cut multiple tough materials on this CNC table without experiencing any deterioration. Moreover, the cutting capacity can reach up to ¾” with consistent cut quality.

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5. STV Motorsports SparX4800-4×8

STV SparX4800 is no different from its other SparX4400, SparX505, and SparX510, but the size of the cutting envelope and the dimensions. It has a stepper motor that keeps the cutting smooth and consistent, no matter whether the electricity fluctuates or not. Moreover, a high-end result in a small and compact package is what people like the most about this CNC table. The table is made of steel, so it withstands high impact without deterioration. 

You get a neat and wire-free aesthetic look because all the wires and cables are designed within the inner part of the table, and you get a complete wire-free look of the cutting table. Furthermore, this increases your productivity, and you have a clean, hurdle-free working area on the CNC table. The amazing feature of all the STV tables is their USB connectivity. They can be connected to windows based systems without any difficulty. 

Features

• Automatic torch height control

The CNC plasma cutting table features an automatic torch height control option, enabling the torch to automatically adjust the height. 

• Built-in water table

The table has a built-in water bed under the table. This water collects all the dust and debris from the cutting process and keeps the surface clean, smooth, and high-quality. 

• Durability and reliability

This plasma cutting table features strong and sturdy construction. It is rust-free, withstands all kinds of weather conditions, and is highly impact resistant. These tables are designed to cut high-quality components and provide a clean-cut and superb surface finish. 

• Support and Warranty

The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty with all kinds of support, including manuals, tutorials, and instructions. 

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How to choose a CNC plasma cutting Table

There are so many plasma tables on the market, and it can be trouble finding the one that will fulfil your needs. We have put together some features and things you need to know before buying a plasma table.

• Workspace

The space you have reserved for your work is crucial in determining the product you will buy. Some machines have 5 x 10 working frames and cost while some are 4 x 4, having the same features but less working space and cost accordingly. If you need a plasma table for a small shop, you should choose a smaller table and choose the bigger one for industrial use.

• Construction of Table

The material your table is made of and what kind of material it’s going to cut is another factor you must consider before buying a machine. Most of the CNC plasma tables are either aluminum or steel, but we prefer steel as it is rust-free and lasts longer while lightweight. Second, the material you will cut, how thick is it, and is your machine capable of cutting it? All this should be considered before buying a machine, and the alignment of material also plays an important role in precise cutting. You may need to adjust the rail on the z-axis for the perfect cut.

• CNC Software

Some machines come with their dedicated CNC plasma cutting software, while some accept files from different types of software. So, you should carefully choose the machine and the software it is compatible with so that you can upload it to the machine and do work automatically. You will also need fully compatible software to use the capabilities of a machine fully.

• Assembling The Machine

The most part is assembling the machine putting each part to its respective position and tightening it to work perfectly. However, the best machine comes assembled and is fully welded steel so you can work without any trouble. It is no doubt a large machine like a CNC plasma table must have some moving parts, so they would need to be assembled perfectly to avoid inconvenience.

• Cutting efficiency

Cutting efficiency is the crucial thing in choosing a CNC plasma cutting table. Does the machine you are buying give you enough efficiency? You need to look for cutting speed and the area which gives you enough efficiency to meet your requirements. High speed per minute means your machine is more efficient and can give you a large volume of work compared to low-speed machines. 

• Motor

The motor of the CNC plasma cutting table determines the consistency and speed of the cutting operation. Most CNC plasma cutters are featured with a stepper motor that helps keep the cutting function smooth and consistent. Moreover, they allow smooth cutting without any fluctuations. 

• Requirements

Another important factor that can help you choose the cutting table of your choice is your requirement. What are your requirements, and where will you use your plasma cutting table. Are you a hobbyist or looking for a CNC industrial plasma table that can do industrial work for you? Is it going to do work daily, or would you be using it twice a month? Answering these questions can narrow down your research of finding a product that suits you. 

• Applications

You must consider your requirements and the dimensions of your workpieces. If you want to use your CNC plasma cutting table for wide applications, go for a table that offers maximum height working area. Moreover, it must cut multiple materials. If you need a hobby CNC plasma cutter, then it might have limited applications.

• Support and warranty

If you get a warranty from the manufacturer, the trust and reliability increase, and you can buy a cutting machine with confidence. 

• Long-lasting consumables

All the CNC plasma cutting tables need consumables to run the cutting operation. If these consumables wear out soon, you need to make another purchase. So make sure to choose a machine with long-lasting consumables. 

• Control

An ideal cutting machine must have easy and approachable controls to run the operation smoothly and confidently. These controls help you to customize, control, change the process according to your requirements. 

How to choose between a plasma cutting machine and an oxy-fuel cutting machine?

All the cutting systems come with some pros and cons. Choosing between an oxy-fuel cutting machine or a plasma cutting machine can become difficult for newbies or even for experts. Certain features can help you choose a system according to your requirements. We have put together all of these features in the following section for your convenience. 

Plasma Cutting 

Plasma is the fourth state of metal composed of high-energy hot ionized gasses. This composition of ionized gas can conduct electricity because of ions. When we pass electricity through an electrically neutral gas, plasma is formed. We provide both elements in a chamber through an electrode and a nozzle for gas. When the gas is introduced through the nozzle, the electricity of the electrode ionizes the gas while producing plasma. This produced plasma has high energy, is hot in nature, and can cut through the metal. 

Usually, plasma cutters are used to cut and gouge the metals, although they can also do welding operations, depending on the cutter you are using. 

There are many types of different plasma cutters having different sizes and weights. You can either have a heavy-duty plasma cutter or a small size that can only weigh 20 pounds at Maximum. All of them offer different cutting thicknesses for multiple materials. The plasma cutters are famous among their users because of the following advantages.

• Cutting capability of multiple materials

Plasma cutters are versatile cutting machines, and they can cut multiple materials up to various thicknesses. It is easy to cut ferrous and non-ferrous materials up to 1 “maximum thickness. These materials include aluminum, copper, nickel, steel, stainless steel, mild steel, cast iron, and many other materials. 

• Precision and accuracy

The plasma cutters offer maximum precision and accuracy during cutting. This is because of minimum or no slag production. Moreover, even if you cut thin materials, there is no blowing off the edges, and smooth cuts are obtained without prominent kerfs. 

• No pre surface treatments

Plasma cutters are competent cutting machines. The power of plasma can cut any perforated and painted metals. Furthermore, these cutters are highly efficient because they don’t require preheating.

• Fast cutting action on thin metals

Plasma cutters offer better cutting capacities in terms of speed than oxy-fuel cutting systems. These machines are the best cutters for thin metal sheets at the highest cutting speeds. 

• Best cutters for shaped workpieces

Most of the plasma cutters are based on portable units with handheld torches. So these cutters perform highly proficiently when we cut shaped workpieces like angles, tubes, or stacked components. 

• Easy and simple

Plasma cutters are easy to use with simple working mechanisms. You don’t need to make a lot of preparation to start your work. Moreover, these cutters are easy to maintain, portable, and compact. 

• Safe and secure

There are almost no safety hazards while keeping and storing plasma cutters. Working with plasma cutters is secure and safe because they don’t involve any hazardous gases, open flames, and toxic fumes. 

• Oxy-Fuel Cutting system

In oxy-fuel cutting systems, the workpiece is preheated first with the help of fuel gas combined with oxygen. The process involves the direction of high-speed oxygen on the workpiece, which oxidizes the surface to produce metal oxide. This metal oxide is cut through the jet of gases while the torch proceeds on the workpiece. 

Different fuel gasses are used during the oxy-fuel cutting process. These gases include acetylene, propane, propylene, and natural gas. With the combination of these gases, we can have multiple outcomes in terms of thickness, preheating, cut quality, and the speed of the cutting process. 

These fuel gases produce different results, so we choose these gases depending upon the cost of the process, speed, material, cutting thickness, oxygen consumption, and applications. We have written a list of all the benefits of an oxy-fuel cutting system. This can help you give an idea of what process you must choose? 

Advantages for Oxy-Fuel cutting

1. Cutting capability of thick metals

In plasma cutting systems, the maximum cutting thickness you can achieve is 1″. While oxy-fuel cutting systems can cut thicknesses up to 12″. So for thick sections, we use an oxy-fuel cutting process.

2. Portability

The oxy-fuel cutting systems don’t require electricity sources to start their work. So you don’t need to transport a large setup of cutting systems for site work. A simple cutter with the torch can take up the job in the field. So oxy-fuel systems are best for site work, and you can use them almost anywhere to cut steel of any thickness. 

3. Extended lengths of Hoses

You can have an oxy-fuel torch with extended hoses. This is the best way to use an oxy-fuel cutting torch while staying away from the whole setup. It lets you stay safe and keep you at a distance from toxic gases and noisy machines. Furthermore, you enjoy the portability and clean workplace while working. 

4. Process capabilities

Oxy-fuel cutting systems are versatile and can cut multiple thicknesses. They can also be used for welding, soldering, and brazing. But generally, this system s used for cutting iron-based materials, and they can’t be used for non-ferrous materials. 

Conclusion

All the above-reviewed CNC plasma cutting machines are best of best, but depending upon your needs, you should choose one as if you need a machine for home use or garage, then choose PT-22 CNC, and if you want an industrial machine, choose SparX and others accordingly. Finding a CNC plasma table that will best your needs is hard, but we hope to help you choose the best CNC plasma table.

Frequently Asked Question

1. What is the best CNC plasma table?

The following three types are the best CNC plasma tables available in the market.

• Baileigh PT-22 CNC Plasma Cutting Table

• STV CNC SparX 510 Plasma Table

• STV Motorsports SparX 4400 CNC Plasma Table

2. How much does a CNC plasma table cost?

CNC plasma tables are high-end machines with wide applications in the industry. For the sheet metal cutting process, you can get a plasma cutter up to $10000. But these are small cutters and only help to cut small sizes of metal thickness. If you require heavy industrial work, then depending upon your size, the CNC plasma cutting tables can range from $15000-$300000. 

3. How do I choose a plasma table?

Like every other cutting machine, plasma cutting tables come in different sizes, ranges, volumes of work to tackle specific work. So know your budget requirements, material type and thickness, space, software, and other parameters you can choose a plasma cutting table.