plasma cutter/machine torch

I have looked into various low-end plasma cutters in the 1,000-1,500
range, like hypertherm and thermal dynamics. The guy at the welding
store, when I told him of my interest in making a CNC plasma cutter
table, said that a machine torch (another $500) would be required.
That seems a bit steep for the torch. The main difference between the
machine torch and the standard torch is the machine torch is straight
(cutter not at an angle to handle), has remote relay hookups, etc.,
and some provision for Z-feeding, like the ability to attach a rack
for a rack-and-pinion z-feed arrangement.

Are there any other alternatives to dropping $1,500-$2,000? How about
those cheap "chicago electric' or 'century' plasma cutters you see in
Harbor Freight for sub-$600 price tags?

Dave