Cutting apparatus

A cutting apparatus (1) for cutting workpieces comprising a cutting table (19) for holding the workpiece, comprising a carrying device (22) which has a carrying bar (23) extending above the cutting table (19) and which is supported by an undercarriage (26) to the side of the cutting table (19) and which can be moved by the undercarriage (26) transversely to the longitudinal axis of the carrying bar (23) parallel to the plane of the cutting table (19), and comprising at least one cutting carriage (46) which is guided displaceably on the carrying bar (23) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the latter parallel to the plane of the cutting table (19) and on which there is positioned a cutting device (45) for generating a cutting beam directed at the cutting table (19), a protective housing (29) being provided to cover the cutting beam that has high side walls (30, 31, 38, 39) enclosing the cutting device (45) on all sides and relative to which the cutting carriage (46) can be moved, characterised in that the protective housing (29) is provided on the carrying device (22) and can be moved over the cutting table (19) with the carrying device (22).