Plasma Cutter?

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This has likely been asked many times but what plasma cutter is the best for a hobbyist?  I want quality equipment that I can depend on and will last me as long as I need to cut metal.  I’d also like your opinion on a Quincy air compressor, specifically the 2 hp, 24 gallon model, either vertical or horizontal tank.
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Reply:Quincy seems to make good compressors.  That one seems to put a good airflow for the size of motor/pump it uses.   Given that a typical 40A plasma cutter uses 50-70psi, that compressor should be able to provide the airflow not problem.   The main enemy of plasma consumables is moisture that typical water-separators are not able to take out when a small compressor is running continuously feeding a plasma cutter on long cuts.  The warm air never has a chance to cool down when a compressor is continuously running, to allow typical water separators to remove the water because it stays suspended within the air as vapor.  Good air filters that remove dust, solids, oil, and use a desiccant based moisture removal will really extend the life of the consumables.

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Reply:Specifically, the Hypertherm plasma cutter that I’m thinking about is the 30 XP.  Even though I’m a hobbyist, would I be better served with a 45 XP?
Reply:I have a Hypertherm Powermax 30 Air at work...it's okay, but no way I'd buy that for home use.  I've decided to buy a Primeweld CUT60 which is way more capable and half the cost of the Powermax 30XP.Quincy air compressors are decent, but they've gone down in quality the last 10-15 years.  The QT series used to be pretty good, but now I would pass on them.  The QR series are still very nice, but they aren't easy to find.  I had a QR 5hp 80 gallon model that was really nice, but it was horizontal and took up a lot of space.  I replaced it with a Saylor-Beall 5hp 80 gallon vertical unit that had their performance pack...aftercooler, automatic tank drain, etc, etc...it's incredibly nice.  I actually had two prior Saylor-Beall compressors that I sold as I upgraded and I was able to call S-B and get a person on the phone in no time at all.  They e-mailed me schematics, parts diagrams, etc....it was impressive.  If you want a compressor that will last a lifetime, get an S-B and be done with it.Check out my bench vise website:  http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT