do plasma cutters creat to much heat to use for cutting body panels? I dont see anyone using them for autos, beside the high cost of them.

No, they create very minimal heat, actually. The heat from the plasma is very localized to the cut area. I use mine all of the time for cutting patches, as well as cutting out the area the patches are needed. I've also used it to split fenders for motorcycles, for widening them. You can usually handle a cut piece of metal almost immediately after a cut without burning your bare hand. Not that I would think of working without the proper gloves and eye protection. ;)

Cameano, what are using to get strait cuts? this seems to be one of the problems I've seen with these.

Clamp a piece of flat metal to use as a guide
along your cut. You can lightly run the cutting
tips edge against it and make very straight cuts.

i love mine. i guide is very helpfull, almost necessary. the only down side is when cutting metal with paint on it, you need to remove the paint where you want the cut so you get a good electrical ground from the tip to the metal.

I have one. They are excellent! Clamp an angle to the metal 1/2" from the intended cut and the Plasma cuts a wicked straight line. Mine does aluminum and stainless steel too! Best investment ever.