@wferguson - I kind of did the same as you.
Hypertherm 45, needed to cut 1 inch.
I picked up a used Hypertherm 1650 (100a) on ebay. The everlast 82 might do it. Going to be closer to 5 ipm on your cut speed. You will trash the water pain without a buffer.
Don’t clean it, leave all the slag in the bottom, or the buffer plate. 1/8 " minimum, and you will want a water gap between the buffer and the water pan.
I have done A LOT of thick metal cutting, You are in for a ride.
Fast Speed = taper.
Bad cut height = taper
Worn consumables = taper
One little hiccup (thc, air supply…) = taper
Taper = +/- 1/4 inch. Ugly.
Get a hold of some scrap plate that you can practice on. There is no jumping from 1/4" and sign making to whippibg out parts in 1" plate. master a straight line first, then work on circles.
Edge start, or plot and predrill with a .100" hole where the cut will start.
Trying to pierce anything over 5/8" = trashed shield, retaining cup and other parts.