[dwcsr]

Speaking of hand held units only Plasma doesn't do as well on tube or bar stock its best performance is on plate thats what it was designed for. For 3/8 and up then you can expect about $1800 to 2 k. If you want quick clean cuts on round tube rectangular tube and bar stock then get a saw like the Milwaukee 6190-20, very quick and precise and about a third of the plasma cutter price. Plasma needs to be in the 60 amp class and not 110v stay away from the lincoln p20 , p25. and cutters in that class, I have one and its limited on what it cuts nicely. It will do 3/8 but it looks like rats chewed it off. You will need an air dryer for the plasma torch to work properly.

One thing to remember is that the plasma cut is only as good as the hand that uses it. If you're shaking the cut will show it and not produce what you think it should look like. A saw always cuts nice and clean and as straight as you set it up to cut..

Since I got my saw the plasma sits more than it gets used when cutting jobs come up. I never use my bandsaw anymore, its so inaccurate compared to the milwaukee saw.

So that why I asked what your cutting. Plasma isn't for everything.