HI
I have a PM256 older model and I have used the plasma on a small CNC table I built. I am not worried about the duty cycle as I cut small parts no long runs and it works fine. It seems the compressor is you big question, if your are coming to buy a compressor latter buy the pm 256 multi now. And when you get the compressor you are ready to use the plasma. If you don’t buy it now you will have the added expense latter for a plasma unit. Some time when you stand back and look at the bigger picture it helps making up your mind.
My 2 cents worth.