How CM Welding Transformed Production with the Roto Hornet 2000 CNC Plasma Pipe Cutting Machine
Midland, Texas — When CM Welding & Machine first opened, owner Corey Mays focused on general fabrication and machining.
As the company grew, so did its workload—and the need for more efficient tools.
After cutting pipe manually for years, Mays found the solution in Hornet Cutting Systems.
From Weeks to Minutes: Cutting Time Slashed
Before installing a CNC plasma pipe cutter, CM Welding relied on time-intensive hand cutting. The results were slow turnarounds and limited capacity for new business. Certain pipe jobs took up to three weeks to complete.
Then came the Roto Hornet 2000 CNC plasma pipe cutting machine — and everything changed.
Immediate Results After Installation
Installed in October 2017, CM Welding’s Roto Hornet 2000 came equipped with:
Once operational, the impact was substantial:
- A job that once took 3 weeks now takes just 3 days
- Another task dropped from 2 days to only 45 minutes
- Increased welding efficiency thanks to higher-quality cuts
“The biggest selling point for me was after I got done using the controller on our pipe plasma system, I took an entry-level employee and had him set up and running parts in about 5 minutes. It was just so much easier to use.” — Corey Mays, Owner, CM Welding
Real-World Benefits of a CNC Plasma Pipe Cutter
CM Welding saw measurable improvements across their shop:
Increased Productivity
- Dramatic drop in cutting times
- Faster part production supports tighter deadlines
Enhanced Welding Quality
- Clean, precise cuts reduced grinding and fitting
- Welders now spend more time welding, not prepping
Rapid ROI
- Machine expected to pay for itself in under 6 months
- Freed capacity enabled pursuit of new contracts
Scalable Growth
- Improved production flow allowed CM Welding to expand product lines
- The company is now adding a second Hornet system: the Hornet HD
About the Roto Hornet 2000 CNC Plasma Pipe Cutting Machine
The Roto Hornet 2000 is built for high-precision pipe cutting in industrial environments. It features:
- Heavy-duty construction for tough shop conditions
- Rotary axis and plasma torch integration for precise pipe profiling
- Compatible with major CAD/CAM software, including Rotary Tube Pro
- Engineered for cutting pipe diameters from 2″ to 24″ (50 mm to 610 mm)
Roto Hornet 2000 FAQ’s
If you’re in the market for a plasma pipe cutter that boosts shop efficiency and cutting precision, the Roto Hornet 2000 delivers unmatched performance and reliability.
What materials can the Roto Hornet 2000 cut?
The Roto Hornet 2000 can handle carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum pipe with varying wall thicknesses depending on the plasma power source.
What pipe sizes can it accommodate?
This plasma pipe cutter supports pipe from 2″ to 24″ (50 mm to 610 mm) in diameter, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Is training required to operate the machine?
Minimal training is needed. The system’s intuitive interface allows even entry-level employees to begin cutting within minutes, as CM Welding discovered.
Can the machine be used for both pipe and flat plate?
While the Roto Hornet 2000 is specialized for pipe and tube cutting, Hornet Cutting Systems offers combo plasma cutting machines capable of processing both flat plate and round pipe.
Ready to Cut Smarter?
Hornet Cutting Systems is proud to support shops like CM Welding that value quality, reliability, and efficiency. If your team is ready to take the next step with a CNC plasma pipe cutting machine, we’re here to help you find the right solution.
Contact us today to explore the best plasma cutting machines for your operation.






























