Which Table?

[jeffchap]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy my first Plasma Table from Arclight most likely Q1 of next year. I'd like a 4x8 ArcPro 9600x so I can cut full sheets easily. I'm wondering if I should go for the 5x0 ArcPro 12000x instead? Is there any advantage in a 5x10 table even if I'm only cutting 4x8 sheets on it? I know I can get 5x10 sheets from my metal supplier. Which size would y'all go for?

[cuttinparts]

I had the same thought and figured bigger is better so I went with the 5x10 and NEVER once used the additional size in 3 years. It did however take up the additional room in my shop every single day and my shop is only 40x40. I determined that I never cut anything more than 4x4 so I sold the 5x10, bought a new 4x4 and only a couple times could I have used the 4x8 but I made it work on the 4x4 each time. Lots more floor space in my small shop. From my experience I would say get only what you need unless you have no shortage of room in the shop.

[SegoMan DeSigns]

I am building a 6x12 it will be the largest bed in a 100 mi radius, when it is not cutting big sheets it will have pcs of various thickness's on it for a quick cut. I still have my 2x2 which is why I was compelled to go big or go home, some days I spend more time processing 4x8's to go in the 2x2 table than the cut itself and I don't like having to index cut bigger projects. You have got to figure what works for you and the ever elusive "what if factor"

[jeffchap]

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Arclight Dynamics Tech]

For our metal supplier, there is no savings between a 4x8 or 5x10 sheet:
7200 sq in for a 5x10 sheet of 10ga h.r. steel = $214 = $.030/sqin
4608 sq in for a 4x8 sheet of 10ga h.r. steel = $137 = $.030/sqin

The big difference is that you can nest/fit more parts on a 5x10 vs a 4x8, so you end of cutting MORE parts with the same amount of sq in being used. Also, cutting index cuts on a shorter table means increased labor for drawing and manufacturing, so factor that in. Really depends what you will be using the table for but I hope that helps.

[jeffchap]

Thank you for the information.