I have been cutting metal mostly with cutoff wheels on angle grinders, a chop saw and rarely a torch or a HF band saw. After years of procrastination, I finally purchased a plasma cutter (50 amp Everlast). UPS dropped it off yesterday and I put it together ( very quick and easy) and gave her a test run. All I can say is WOW.....what have I been doing all these years dinking around with that other mess? I cut some clean 1/4" plate first then some super grungy 3/8".....no problem whatsoever on either. Got some 12 gauge sheet metal out and was amazed. My son and I were literally laughing in joyous amazement and looking at each other in awe, both coming to a realization of the new world that had just opened up to us.
My needs are simple and decided I didn't require much from a plasma cutter, any of the machines on the market would probably be fine for me. As bad as I wanted one, I still didn't want to spend much and at that I don't want to throw my money away and a lot of the imports seem leave you hanging soon after purchase. Pilot arc and warranty were both important to me though and Marks presence here on TBN was a big influence. In the end I paid about the same as I would have for a Lotos or Simadre w/ pilot arc and comparable consumable package and I have really good support and warranty. I don't think anyone with similar needs could go wrong with that deal!