I have a machine torch and a hand torch. I unplug the machine torch and leave it with the table when I want to hand cut stuff.
Tell me about it. Way overpriced.
I’m finding that I use my hand torch less and less these days. I’ve discovered the Diablo Cermet II Steel Demon 7 1/4 blades and I’m using them on an old wood circular saw. It works so well for straight cuts, I’m not pulling out the plasma much, although it has it’s place for sure.
If I was doing it over, I’d just have the hand torch with 20’ lead and use with both the table and my rare manual cuts. That’s what most folks do. I’m not smart. But for trimming sheets and cutting stock, those diablo blades are pretty sweet.
If you want to see my journey getting started…I documented some of it, and the miller cnc hookup over in this post: Adventures in metal cutting