Don't leave out a older Esab either.. In your range a 30 amp machine will be fine. I have had a few imports, but mostly Esab, Thermal Dynamics, and Hypertherm. I think you are in a range of cutting, just about any machine will do well. I had a smaller 120 volt Klutch from Northern tool, and a INE 33 from Amazon that would been a great machine for you. The INE was Italian, and a very good power supply. The best mid range cutter, and probably way overkill is a Hypertherm 45XP. I used the 85, and owned a 65 before this machine.. Last models of the Easb, and all most all current models of Thermal dynamics (1/3 phase stuff mostly) 15c to the A-120 On and off a cnc table...
I actually can tell you the difference between most machines/torches.. Like my Ebay Thermal dynamics 38XL (129.00) almost 20 years old. Added a ATC connector, and SL-40 torch, and have a really nice cutting 120/240 machine. I bought the same machine in 1999 for $1200. Think out the box a bit, and you can get quality, and lower price. The cheapest China stuff will probably bite you, and the mid grade HF type machine. won't.
