Hutto company works on the cutting edge

Three years ago, Matt Kool and Kyle Riggen realized the need for a precision cutting and engraving tool that could be used by both industrial businesses and hobbyists alike. The duo founded BurnTables, a computer numerical control, or CNC, table manufacturing company.

Annually, BurnTables builds and ships approximately 200 CNC tables throughout the world. Prices for the company's most basic table start at $6,800. The tables allow an operator to upload a design via a software system and engrave or cut the design into metal, plastics or wood. CFAN, a San Marcos–based jet engine fan blade manufacturer, uses the tables to cut out its blades.

"You take an image—a drawing, a file—and the table will cut it out for you," Kool said. "The drawing can be cut using plasma, water jet, [a] router or [an] engraver depending on the tool selected. Think of it as a printer for metal."

While half of BurnTables' annual sales are drawn from equipment manufacturers such as CFAN, the other half are from operators who use the tables for hobbies such as cutting and engraving ornaments. Kool said BurnTables' products are more durable and less expensive than competitors', making them a better value for hobby users.

At least 60 percent of table buyers are also looking to open a business or use the table to create and sell products to supplement their income, Riggen said.

"We have customers that use our [tables] to start their own businesses, from off-road racing shops that cut custom parts for their race cars to artists creating pieces of metal art for wall hangings and yard art," Riggen said. "We also have customers that purchase our tables just for their hobby. We have one customer using the machine to create chili pepper cookers he gives to family and friends."

The company's CNC tables come with a variety of options, including horizontal or vertical setups. Vertical tables can take up less space, making them ideal for operators who store them in garages or workshops.

Buyers can also choose add-ons such as engraver attachments, which allow an operator to cut numbers or letters into a surface, and tube cutter attachments, which can cut circular patterns.

Kool said the business is growing, and he and Riggen plan to continue accommodating the increased demand for BurnTables' products.

"Growth is accommodated by reinvesting in technology and adding additional people," Kool said.

524 Tradesmen's Park Drive, Hutto, 512-843-2621, www.burntables.com