Some long cuts in plate

[stevec]

hs, I don't know what your end use will be but I would splurge on a piece of ½" x 2" x 72". Even if you had a good vertical bandsaw, by the time your done releasing the stresses by the cutting, the pieces would be somewhat distorted and you'd end up with 3 pieces somewhat less than 2" wide.
As far as torch cutting, you'd only be able to get 2 pieces 2" wide. and even more distortion after cutting and clean-up.
JMHO.