cheapest plasma cutter out there

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I have been looking for a plasma cutter and saw the Harbor Freight one but I am scared of it because it is HF after all.  So I was looking at HTP, not a bad price.  Am I better off sticking to Hypertherm 380 just because its more common for $250 more?   I will be cutting sheet metal and up to 1/8" most of the time, very rarely 3/16 or up to a 1/4" but I really want to stay cheap because this is something that I wont use often.  I can easily see this thing sitting unused for months or longer at a time after my current project is finished.
Reply:I was looking for a plasma for about a year and a half.  Seemed like all the deals on the web were out in California!  Finally found a Hypertherm 1100 for just over $1K -- retails over $3K new.  It is probably more than I need -- cuts up to 1 1/4" solid steel -- but I ended up getting it cheaper than the Hypertherm 380 new.Watch Craig's List for your area and any other forums.  You might be able to find a 380 or 600 for a decent price.  I'd recommend a quality used plasma over spending the same money on something like a HF model that you won't be pleased with.
Reply:Well I went for the Hypertherm 380, more machine than I need for now and also made it really tight on the money (or I would have gone even bigger).  UPS says it arrives on Friday.