The ultimate budget CNC plasma showdown. BurnTables from Riverside, California and STVCNC from Prescott, Arizona are the two most affordable bolt-together CNC plasma table brands on the market.
Both brands deliver excellent entry-level value. BurnTables offers more size variety (2x2 through 4x8) and slightly lower starting prices. STVCNC offers comparable pricing with tables that some users report have slightly heavier construction. The differences are marginal — choose based on the table size you need, available stock, and which brand community resonates with you.
| Factor | BurnTables | STVCNC |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $1,800 – $6,000 | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Table Sizes | 2x2, 2x4, 4x4, 4x8 | 4x4, 4x8 |
| Frame Construction | Bolt-together steel tube frame | Bolt-together steel tube kit |
| THC Included | Optional add-on ($300-$600) | Optional add-on ($300-$500) |
| Software | BurnTables proprietary + Mach3 | Mach3 compatible |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
| Best For | Budget hobbyists, compact table needs | Budget hobbyists, DIY builders |
Both brands use bolt-together steel tube frames designed for flat-pack shipping and DIY garage assembly. Construction quality is comparable — both are adequate for hobby cutting but neither matches the rigidity of welded mid-tier frames. STVCNC may use slightly thicker gauge steel in some models, giving a marginal rigidity advantage. BurnTables offers smaller table sizes (2x2, 2x4) that STVCNC does not, which is an advantage for buyers with limited space.
Both brands support Mach3 CNC control software, providing the same fundamental control experience. BurnTables additionally offers their own proprietary software as a simpler alternative for complete beginners. STVCNC provides Mach3 configuration files and basic setup documentation. The software experience is essentially identical between these two brands when using Mach3.
Cutting performance is very similar between these two entry-level brands. Both produce acceptable cuts on mild steel up to 1/2 inch when paired with a quality plasma cutter. Both achieve ±0.020-0.030 inch accuracy typical of bolt-together frames. The difference in cut quality between these two brands is smaller than the difference between using a good plasma cutter versus a cheap one. Invest in your plasma source before worrying about which entry-level table cuts better.
Both brands compete in the same value segment and pricing is nearly identical for comparable table sizes. BurnTables has a slight edge at the smallest sizes (2x2 at ~$1,800) since STVCNC does not offer tables that small. At the 4x4 and 4x8 sizes, pricing overlaps significantly. The value difference is negligible — pick the brand with the table size, shipping time, and customer service that work best for your situation.
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The quality difference is minimal. Both brands use similar construction methods, comparable steel gauges, and equivalent motion components. Some users report STVCNC frames feel slightly heavier, but this varies by model and production run. For practical hobby use, you will not notice a performance difference between these two brands.
Shipping times vary by model availability and season. Both brands are small operations that occasionally face backorder situations. Check current lead times before ordering. BurnTables ships from Riverside, CA and STVCNC ships from Prescott, AZ — consider which location is closer to you for shipping cost and transit time.
Not directly. While both brands use similar stepper motors, drivers, and control components, the frame dimensions, mounting patterns, and hardware specifications are different. Aftermarket upgrades (THC units, stepper motors, breakout boards) from third-party suppliers like CandCNC work with both brands, but the tables themselves are not interchangeable.
Building from scratch can save $500-$1,000 versus buying a kit, but requires welding skills, precise measurements, and sourcing individual components. Both BurnTables and STVCNC include all the hardware, electronics, and instructions in one package. For most people, the convenience of a kit is worth the modest premium over a fully DIY build.
Both brands offer responsive small-company support with phone, email, and social media channels. Neither has a large support team, so response times can vary. Community forums and Facebook groups provide supplementary support for both brands. Check recent reviews for current support quality, as small companies can change rapidly.
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