[Plato2k5]

I bought a hypertherm 35xp 6-7 years ago and used it a good amount. Thing can sever 7/8" if I remember correctly. Expensive, yes...but I'll have it forever and don't fear consumables will be hard to buy in the future.

I use a Hypertherm 45xp on my cnc and have used the same consumables for thousands of cuts. That alone has saved me hundreds over the course of 4 years. I can also run it all day non stop with the 100% duty cycle.

Buy what you are comfortable with. A cheap plasma cutter is better then not having one at all. If the smoke comes out, generally its probably something you can fix yourself on the board such as a MOSFET (happened with my brothers cheap plasma).

 

[Plato2k5]

My 45xp can cut all damn day without stopping on my table. The book spec for running the speeds and such are bang on with my setup. Fine tip consumables are much more finicky but cut really well on thinner gauge. Can get some really incredible detail! Don't mess with the aftermarket consumables. Get yourself an air compressor auto drain on the tank and a nice water/air separator. Check the tip after cuts to make sure it dosn't have boogers on it, which will cause the torch height to be off.