[sanddrag]

We really like our PlasmaCAM system. It's a 4ftx4ft with a Hypertherm 65A plasma. It's been very easy to use and reliable over the time we've had it, and we use it a lot. It's just a really fast way to make things. It won't ever match the precision of a router or water jet, but you can go from idea to parts in minutes, and with the right material and settings, cut quality can be decent. You will get a little draft angle and a little notch at the lead in and lead out places. We usually do holes undersize and finish with a drill. We also got a drum sander and a tumbler to finish the parts and knock off slag stuck to them.

5052 aluminum cuts very nice. 6061-T6 warps like crazy when you have a lot of cuts and/or a large piece.

I absolutely recommend auto height control. You need that.

Our system came to around $20k with options including an extra software license.

If I did it again, I would absolutely look at a water table. Without it, the smoke is terrible. This is not a machine for a typical indoor space. You need a big industrial area with good ventilation. For us, we get out of the building when it is running and for several minutes after.