BurnTables

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.