So I've been in the welding and fabrication industry for 5 years and I'm happy to say I would definitely recommend the lt3500. Everything arrived well packaged and 2 days before expected delivery date which was great. i opened it Started my little air compressor and made the first cuts. Wow I am very impressed with the cuts (very thin and evenly cut). I've used other Lotos machines with an old burner and this new one feels much better in the hand. Cuts through butter like a hot knife and honestly compares well to the Hypertherm 380. I use it every day at work. Cutting without a pilot arc takes some getting used to, but is easy to set up. Starts right away, cuts great and is controllable for plasma cut silhouettes. I need an affordable plasma cutter that will allow me to cut art at home and do the occasional odd job of portable welding and repairs. The lt3500 is perfect for this in terms of size and performance.