I think this is relatively new in the Hobart line. I think it is probably a good machine because I don't think Hobart puts their name on anything unless it is good. I have heavier plasma cutters out at my shop to cut aluminum and stainless. They run off a 50 amp 220 volt circuit. I discourage the guys from using them on steel because the consumables are expensive. However, I do miss a plasma cutter at my house because that is where I do most of my tinkering on my jalopies. I have looked at this machine on Amazon.com and considered buying one for at my house. Plasma cutters are nice to cut sheet metal because they don't warp things like gas. I will be interested in hearing how you like the machine.