Abstract: A downdraft exhaust cutting table comprising an elongated cutting table having a cutting torch positioned thereover and which is movable along the length thereof to cut material positioned on the cutting table. An elongated exhaust duct is positioned beneath the cutting table and runs parallel to the length of the cutting table. The exhaust duct has a plurality of horizontally spaced-apart exhaust openings formed therein which close by a movable damper. In one embodiment, successive dampers are opened as a slag collection bucket moves along the length of the cutting table below the cutting torch. In a second embodiment, a plurality of ventilation zones are created by pivotal gates extending laterally outwardly from the exhaust duct and which are pivotally movable to permit slagger to pass therethrough.