A cutting table is provided for supporting flat metal plate to be processed, wherein the support table includes at least one module including: at least two longitudinal end plate members which extend along a longitudinal X axis and are spaced apart a transverse distance Y; and a plurality of spaced apart flat bar members (bar members) which are supported by the end plate members and which span distance Y between the end plate members; wherein the side end plate members and bar members of the module are oriented so that the plane of the end plate members and the bar members all have, in use, a vertical orientation; wherein furthermore in use, the bar members support a sacrificial interlocking grid assembly configured to support the plate to be machined.