Top 5 CNC Plasma Bench Cutters [Basic Level] (2023)

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While there are many options such as milling and milling, metal cutting and shaping, plasma cutting technology is the best. The technology evolved from traditional plasma welding and delivers one of the cleanest cuts today. Additionally, no hazardous metal shavings are thrown away, and an affordable plasma cutting table is the best way to upgrade your auto repair shop, junkyard, or manufacturing facility. Do not forget that they are also used in industrial construction and with the technical support of the respective manufacturers, the table simplifies metalworking.

Given the many benefits and uses of plasma cutters, there is a high probability that you are considering purchasing a plasma cutter. If that's the case, you've come to the right place. Here are the five best desktop plasma cutters.

When purchasing a CNC plasmatic, consider the following:

control functions

Most entry-level plasma cutters are operated from a PC. Find a machine with user-friendly software,

mechanical components

A plasma cutter has many moving and stationary components. Understand how much moving parts can take, their durability and purpose. Lightweight or DIY plasma cutters are constructed of lighter material and should not be overhauled. Use them in simple projects.

smoke control system

Plasma cutters produce hazardous fumes that must be controlled according to regulations. Common methods of trapping and removing smoke are a water table and rotating fans.

table size

Table sizes range from 2 by 2 to 5 by 10 feet. Choose a machine whose table meets your needs.

We evaluate all models currently on the market using the latest customer feedback analysis and also receive recommendations from metalworkers in our community around the world.

The 2 Best Plasma Cutting Tables in 2022

1. Plasma-CNC-STV-Motorsportspar (X4400-4 × 4)

The STV Motorsports CNC Plasmatic is one of the top rated plasma cutters for versatility, reliability and precision. The high-tech table is equipped with four stable stainless steel supports. It measures 71 x 60 inches wide, giving you plenty of room to work on any project. The height from floor to platform is about 32 inches.

A water table is included in the set-up. This is a flat surface on which the metal to be cut rests. The metal rests under a layer of water and the purpose of this ingenious device is to reduce the likelihood of the metal warping due to the heat generated during cutting. In addition, the water traps dust particles that would otherwise be dangerous to the operator.

Most plasma table manufacturers charge the water level separately and expensively, but STV includes their cost in the package.

The high-performance torch is powered by a computerized system known as Torch Height Control (THC). The automated system uses one of the most advanced modern processors that responds very quickly to cutting conditions, meaning the torch goes up or down depending on how close it is to the metal. To work, the THC has a high-precision motor-driven torch positioner, a control console and a remote control. The control panel receives command inputs such as arc start height and arc voltage from the remote control and sends them to the torch positioner. STV simplified the flow of commands from the computer to the slicer by installing a USB port on the machine.

The machine runs on the Windows operating system, and if you have any difficulty operating it, lifetime customer support, including expert-reviewed installation guides and easy-to-understand videos, will guide you through the process.

Finally, the cutter uses an advanced cable management system that neatly organizes cables and increases workspace.

Featured Features

• Cutting speed up to 600 inches per minute
• Dry or water pan options are available
• Capable of handling heavy steel plate up to three quarters of an inch thick
• interchangeable table slats
• Automatic torch height control

2. STV Motorsports SparX510 5x10 CNC Plasma Cutting Table - Made in the USA

Here's another STV plasma cutting table that's made entirely in the USA and has some nice features. The table is exceptionally equipped with advanced technology and quality components. For example, the 450-pound table rests on three pairs of steel legs. Other parts, including the table slats, are made of strong steel and are interchangeable.

The compact table measures 144 x 83 inches wide and the distance from the floor to the table slats is 32 inches. The working height is comfortable for a person of average height and can be operated while seated.

The SparX510 5x10 CNC features stepper motors that are reliable when it comes to precision and speed. Paired with linear bushings and linear rails, the motors offer unmatched consistency when cutting through the toughest metal. However, the plasma cutter is designed to process 3/4″ thick steel, copper or aluminum plates. Although it can handle slightly thicker metals, its speed is greatly reduced. Speaking of speed, the SparX510 5x10 CNC can cut 600 inches in a minute.

Similar to the STV Motorsport X4400-4×4, it features an advanced cable management system, water table and automatic torch height control system. When you shop at STV you also get access to free video tutorials, manuals and great customer service. If that's not enough, the CNC plasma cutter works with most versions of Windows operating systems.

In terms of usage, the heavy duty table is well suited for auto repair shops, industrial manufacturing and any business that needs precision cut sheet metal.

Featured Features

• Study and durable pieces from the USA.
• Lifetime technical support from customer service department
• Incredible cutting speeds of up to 600 inches per minute
• The maximum travel depth of the Z-axis is 6 inches
• High accuracy with a deviation of 0.002 inches per 12 inches
• Interchangeable table tops
• Selectable input power of 110V and 220V

3. Baileigh PT-22 CNC-Plasmaschneidetisch

The Baileigh PT-22 CNC plasma cutting table is no ordinary table. Well-designed and compact, the table features a 4-foot square work surface. Despite being much smaller than the first two plasma tables, it has good qualities. It is a fully assembled unit with a correctly aligned torch to get to work straight away. So, purchasing the Baileigh PT-2 CNC table reduces the hassle of assembly. Plus, the £550 package comes in a single box, greatly reducing shipping costs.

A water bath, standard on all Baileigh PT-22 CNC tables, helps cool the table and collect dust and dirt, after which it can be disposed of via a ball valve.

The Baileigh PT-22 is powered from 110V outlets, meaning it can operate at any manufacturing facility in the US and Canada. When switched on, power is sent to the included motors and burners. Enclosing moving parts not only reduces the risk of accidents, but also hides the tangle of loose cables.

The device has two different burner holders. One is configurable while the other is automated. The configurable torch holder works with a hand control panel and a jog dial for the X and Y axes. An on/off button starts and stops the holder.

An automated torch holder requires computer codes which the Baileigh PT-22 CNC is happy to provide via free software in conjunction with BobCAD-CAM. The software allows you to track designs on any operating system and upload them to a USB drive. Finally, turn the design into real projects by plugging the drive into a USB port on the machine.

Finally, it's one of the few tables that's highly portable thanks to the 5-inch caster wheels fitted to each leg. Two of the legs rotate around the axis while the other pair is stationary.

Unfortunately, the downside to this unit is that the cost of the flashlight is independent of the cost of the table.

Featured Features

• 110V power output
• A stable, fully welded frame
• Automatic and portable torch holders
• Base cabinet for additional storage space
• easy to use software
• High quality stepper motors

4. The CNC Plasmatic Crossfire

Developed by Langmuir Systems, the CNC-Plasmatic Crossfires is a unique unit capable of handling everyday needs with military-grade precision. The table has wheels that support a 25.3 x 23.3 inch platform. This is a medium sized platform suitable for small businesses and workshops.

Despite several add-ons that are priced separately, the table remains affordable. In addition to the original cost, you can affordably add an XL expansion kit, a Z-axis upgrade kit including the coveted THC system for Gen-2 Crossfires, a water table, and a laptop mount. The laptop stand is the most creative additional idea. Instead of moving from one office to another, you can bring a laptop, place it on the stand, and start designing while monitoring how the machine works. In addition, you can easily make some layout adjustments and quickly correct the movement of the machine.

While not the fastest, it has an impressive cutting speed of 300 inches per minute. This is achieved through eclectic pieces.

Unique and ingenious, Crossfire uses its own suite of software. The best known is the FIRECONTROL, which Langmuir regularly updates based on customer suggestions. Customers can also browse and download the company's designs online if they are having difficulty creating them.

Still in software, good news for CAD/CAM designers, you can now use Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD/CAM software provided by Langmuir.

Featured Features

• Impressive cutting speed of 300 inches per minute
• Layouts available for free
• Autodesk Ready System
• An expandable table

5. 4×4 CNC plasma for hobbyists

Pursuing a metalworking hobby can be difficult without this 4x4 CNC Plasmatic. Developed by STYLECNC, it is available in more than five variants for USA, China and other countries. The US Hypertherm 4x4 table is rated at 45, 65, 85, 105, 125 and 200 amps. But the first two are popular with many fans. The Chinese Huayuan, on the other hand, is rated at 63, 100, 120, 160, and 200 amps. The first two variants are also popular with domestic metallurgists. The availability of many power rating options serves to provide nearly identical plasma tables but with the ability to process different grades of thickness.

The frame of the machine is made of square tubes welded together, which are then fitted with guide rails imported from Taiwan. The guide rails have been extensively tested to ensure their rotational speed and accuracy meet today's market requirements.

The most important part of a CNC plasma cutter is usually the software. The 4×4 CNC plasma cutters have reliable software, namely FastCAM and StarCAM. After designing, the software automatically converts the file into an AutoCAD drawing. Upload the file to a USB drive and run it on the computer. Small machine systems recognize the uploaded design and cut the metal to your specifications.

Featured Features

• A wide field of work
• A multi-purpose machine that can use an oxy-fuel cutting head and a drill head rotor to cut metal pipe
• Taiwan Reliable guide rails
• automatic arc igniter

Frequently asked questions about entry-level Plasma

Q: How thick metal can the plasma cut?

A:Most of our top-of-the-line plasma tables cut metal about three-quarters of an inch thick. Deeper cuts of up to an inch and a half can be achieved with modern machines.

Q: What do CNC plasma cutters do?

A:A CNC plasma cutter is a jack of all trades in metalworking. Cuts metal straps, bolts and small sheet metal plates.

Q: How accurate is a CNC plasma cutter?

A:The accuracy of a quality plasma cutter on a stable table is +/-0.01 and 0.04 inches.

Q: What are the disadvantages of plasma arc cutting?

• The price for a single table is high. Most entry-level tables cost around $5000, and while there are cheaper options, they come with expensive add-ons.
• It pollutes the air and there is a risk of electric shock.
• The cut leads to larger heat-affected zones

Conclusion

The market is full of attractive basic plasma cutters. But we've narrowed the list down to the best options that are easy to use, have studio basics, attractive plugins, and are affordable. If you want a small and compact table, the Crossfire is the best. Are you looking for a very fast cutter? The two STVs got you.