I was thinking of adding a plasma cutter to my wish list. Pretty much needing something to cut Aluminum. Never heard of cutting Alum with a torch but think it would be a mess. Plasma sounds like the way to go.

I really don't have much to spend but don't want something that I would not be happy with. Mostly thinner stuff to cut 1/8" to maybe 1/4".

The super cut 40 for $550 is not bad but the next jump looks like a PP50 with IGBT but the price Jumps to $800. Then I can jump to a PP60 with HF for $900.

I am just a hobbyist so even 5 bills is a lot.

Questions... Is jumping to the IGBT worth the jump??? What about HF over Blowback start. What are the pros and cons to either???

Or any other comments are appreciated. Thanks