cnc setup for plasma table

Hello all,
First I would like to say that I have been following and reading
past post for about 3 months. What I know about cnc I have learned
from this group and other internet sites. I first have to thank the
members of this group for helping others, thus helping me learn.
I am building a cnc plasma cutting table. It is basically
designed like tourchmate's #2 model. I am using rack and spur gears
for the drives, with belt reduction (4.3:1). They are using what
appears to be one of Flascut's complete stepper motor (2A) control
systems. Their price for 2 axis system is $1700. My question is,
could a simular package be pieced together that is cheaper and at
least as reliabe as theirs. I would like to use a windows based
software for machine control. I will be using CorelDraw and AutoCad
for the cad part, I already have that. The other thing that I am not
sure about is this signal generater they have in there system. Any
help at all would be appreciated.
Thanx in advance
Monty