The MP3000 thru MP3500 with the DTHC has a single cable connection to the 45....nothing to open, splice or solder. Click, twist . DONE. It also has a direct ribbon cable connection to the G540
You DO NOT have to have a machine torch to use the 45 for automated cutting.
The MP3000 varies from 625 to 900 depending on which DTHC and if you want the new Ether-Cut (no more parallel port) You have to add in the cost of the cable (little over 55 bucks) and your stuff to hook up
the G540 (power supply , AC components etc) Plan on a 4 motor system with dual drives on the gantry . Keep the gantry as light as you can. Put money in a GOOD Z with the Floating Torch holder like the ones from VeloxCNC.com
The bigger the final drive component (gear , pulley , sprocket) the lower the resolution and the less torque (acceleration) you will have. So a 2" pulley moves the gantry move 6 per rev. you need high ratios of reduction back to the motors to get the speeds down and the torque/resolution up. long belts are hard to keep tight and tend to flex.
TOMcaudle
www.CandCNC.com