This is my very first table build. I used Precision Plasma LLC's Ultra low cost kit $800.00 for the gantry and the z axis. The rest of the table is my own design. Total Im into the table/watertable/DHC/hypertherm 45 and all of the C and CNC electronics around $5000.00. I wanted to keep everything on 1 cart so it would be easy to move around.

My question is on the water table. My tray is only 4 inches deep. I would like to build the slats 2 1/2 to 3 inches from the bottom of the tray. The tray is only 1/8 of an inch thick. How far should I keep the slats from the bottom of the tray? I am worried I might burn/cut through the bottom of the tray? The tray will be full of plasma quench up to the bottom of the slats. Also how far apart do you think I should space the slats?

Thanks for your help,
Shane