Working with metals is not an easy job. But if you are equipped with the right kind of tools, then it can be fun-filled and smooth. Among many tools, plasma cutter is significant for its excellent output. It is powerful and always provides clean cuts.
Why you need a plasma cutter:
A plasma cutter can offer you a excellent job when it comes to opening the floor panel or exhaust systems, as the accuracy and precise work it does on steel and other metal components, cannot be attained by other welding methods.
However, the price is a bit too steep for the plasma cutter. Due to this reason, many workers think the plasma cutter to be a fancy item. The significant investment required for a plasma cutter repels many. But the utility that it offers are not to be ignored. However, if you will be working with this gadget for quite a few times, then only you can get one. Otherwise, if you need to cut metal occasionally, then just a torch will come handy and cheap. A portable plasma cutter can make the work easy. So buy one if you will be working with it for a more extended period and need a clean job to be done. In that case, the price will be worth paying for.
Here is Our Top Choice
Contents
- 1 Here is Our Top Choice
- 2 Our Favorite Top 3 Plasma cutter in The Market
- 3 Best Plasma cutters Reviews
- 3.1 Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter
- 3.2 Hobart 500566 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter 240V
- 3.3 SUPER DEAL DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Welding Machine
- 3.4 PrimeWeld Ct520d 50 Amps Plasma Cutter
- 3.5 SUNCOO Portable Pro. Plasma Cutter
- 3.6 Hypertherm Powermax45
- 3.7 Hobart Airforce 12ci
- 3.8 What you should expect in a plasma cutter
Lotos LTP5000D Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter
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Non-touch Pilot ARC
Pilot arc torch cuts though rough, painted, and rusty surfaces and produces minimal slag.
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Dual Voltage
Dual voltage capability allows the machine to run directly on 220 V 50/60 Hz power, or on 110 V 50/60 Hz with the use of a pigtail
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Setup Within 1 Min
The pre-installed NPT 1/4” industry type D plug and air filter regulator allows you to quick connect
Now we will be taking you through the discussion regarding the best plasma cutter reviews. Read on to know which one comes with what features and potentials. You also check out our guide on best plasma cutters under usd 500 if you are looking for budget ones.
Our Favorite Top 3 Plasma cutter in The Market
Best Plasma cutters Reviews
Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter
Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp is a non-touch plasma cutter with the pilot arc. It offers clean cuts through the surface of the metal, however rusty, rough, or painted the thing is. The technology lets you cut the metal without touching it. It ensures excellent cutting experience and output. The minimal slag outcome is another specialty of this plasma cutter. So you get better cutting quality with this plasma cutter. This one is specially designed for DIY users, and that means there is not much complicacy regarding the work process. Nonetheless, it also is accommodated with all the features that a professional cutter may ask for.
This is immensely portable with its handle. You can carry it to many places. Thus it can be used anywhere. The use of non-hazardous compressed air produces minimal slag. The metals like alloy steel, stainless steel, mild steel, copper, or aluminum all can be cut easily with this plasma cutter. The output is excellent with moderate electricity input. This plasma cutter uses a safe and low cost method to get you proper cut on metals.
The Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter is also really easy to set up. The pre-installed type D plug along with the air filter regulator lets you connect this gadget quickly to the air compressor. The stand coupler in the air compressor enables this process to happen fast and efficiently.
Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter comes with an advanced cooling system. Also, it has a stable and durable functioning method, which ensures high performance. This one is enabled with dual voltage method, and also dual-frequency mode. The package contains power supply, plasma cutting torch, ground clamp, pre-installed industry type D plug, air filter regulator, consumables, and most importantly, instruction manual. The brand offers 30 days refund so you can trust them with this product and its stability.
Pros
- Advanced German air cooling system
- Cheap price
- Small and lightweight
- Great for small projects
- Quick work
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Short ground way
- Wide cut
Hobart 500566 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter 240V
This lightweight plasma cutter will serve you through the odds. It also will support you during the metal cutting of various kinds. The Hobart 500566 works with auto refire technology, which allows the operator to cut through the perforated metals, along with that it also cuts through the painted surface. This machine is ergonomic trigger safety that ensures your protection while reducing the metal sheet. The air consumption is more efficient in this machine. The fan works on when it is needed, so the dust and slug is pulled out of the machine.
The wind tunnel technology in Hobart 500566 avoids creating abrasive dust, and thus, the internal components are not damaged. For light and heavy industrial users, this plasma cutter allows equal efficiency. This is a powerful package that delivers well for both DIY use and industrial purpose. The 31 lb machine is portable, and you can carry it to the place where the work is needed. The machine needs minimal time to set up. You just need to set the amperage on the front with the single knob design. The power sourced from the LVC line voltage offers a clean cut. The steady performance provides the best performance even if the input voltage fluctuates.
The machine is more comfortable to move, and the small body is easy to store, too, as it takes less space than the regular plasma cutter. Troubleshooting is easy in this machine as it has LED lights. The internal gas/air filter and regulator control the amount of air or gas that is being used. The pilot arc controller helps you to cut the perforated metals, but the torch does not need to be retriggered. The post flow cooling circuit is helpful to make the cutter long-lasting as the post flow is cooled after the trigger is released. The complete cutting capability allows the engine driver to work with 8kW power or more.
Pros
- Accessories included
- Peak performance under variable input
- Portability
- Great visibility
- Five years warranty on partsAutomatic gas pressure adjustment
- Automatic gas pressure adjustment
Cons
- Light ground clamp
- Little pricey
SUPER DEAL DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Welding Machine
This is the best plasma cutter that offers Pro technology. It provides a much stable performance. The Super Deal DC inverter plasma cutter offers less power consumption. Thus you can enjoy the high duty cycle with this plasma cutter. The high speed, high temperature, and high energy resolve the issue of plasma cutting, and it is done efficiently by this plasma cutter. This gadget is made of heavy-duty iron. The robust make of this gadget makes it strong enough to cut through the metal sheets. It is a reliable plasma cutter that comes with a bang on durability. The device works equally well for DIY projects as well as professional purposes. This fully accommodated Super Deal DC inverter plasma cutter is superb in its working ability.
DC output digital display and the easy read front panel gauge for air pressure is much power saving. Also, this is an almost noiseless machine. The cutting speed of this plasma cutter is high. Not only that, it offers smooth cutting along with no polish demands. The cutter comes with built-in overheat protection, which makes it a sustainable gadget. Also, it comes with over and under-voltage protection as well. Lack of compressed air pressure is also taken care of by a particular protection system. Among the accessories, it contains wire and masks, which are included in the package to protect you from getting hurt while working.
Super Deal DC inverter plasma cutter is ready for any kind of applications, and that can be sheet metal fabrication, site work, light industrial use, ducting work, automotive or repair and maintenance work. There is a very useful contact drag tips that work great, and you may not always need the pilot arc feature to use necessarily. For beginners, the smooth edge templates will help to get a better result. The 2.5 or 5-second airflow delay also works in favor of better cutting, as you do not have to wait for the stopping of airflow, and you can continuously do the triggering. There is a small pressure gauge that has Pascals reading on it. The performance is flawless. This portable unit weighs less than 15 lbs.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Energy efficient
- Clean cutting
- No polish demand
- Energy efficient
- Great cutting speed
Cons
- Spark problem at the beginning
- No immediate power off
PrimeWeld Ct520d 50 Amps Plasma Cutter
The gadget works great in plasma cutting, TIG/ stick, and arc welding. The working ability of this machine goes up to 50 amperes while being a plasma cutter and up to 200 amperes while it is working as a stick or TIG welder. So you can switch the two functionalities as and when required. The PrimeWeld Ct520d works with dual voltage capacity. So you can easily switch between 110V to 220V.
This feature allows you to use this machine if you cannot find the power source of the right amount. This lightweight machine is much portable, and you can carry it whenever you need it. Moving it from one place to another is simple and easy. The built-in air gauge helps regulate the welding process. The duty cycle is also great in this machine, as well as great power efficiency. A wide variety of metals can be cut through this plasma cutter efficiently.
PrimeWeld Ct520d comes with three years of warranty. It ensures the exceptional quality of the machine. The accessories and consumables that are included in the package are of high quality. The TIG torch, as well as the electrode holder, all are of exceptional quality. You can easily switch between DC stick welder and DC TIG welder. Thus, this machine offers you a combo pack of 3 different functionalities, and it saves you from buying different gadgets for various purposes. The plasma cutter is much resilient, and it is pretty much durable.
One can be easily called a multi-process unit. You can cut moderately thick sheets with this cutter like butter, and also the thicker sheets can be worked out with this. In perspective of the price, this is a real good cutter, and it offers the best functionality. Customer service is great, so you can easily reach them whenever you need to. They are more than eager to help you and sort the problem for you. This one is easy to set up, so you can do it on your own without much external help. Air compressor is much compatible with this PrimeWeld Ct520d than the air tank. With 110V, you cannot weld for a more extended period, and this power is suitable for the lightweight sheets.
Pros
- 3 years warranty
- Durability
- Lightweight
- Easy mechanism
- Great for small projects
Cons
- Insufficient instruction manual
- No pilot arc
- Short ground clamp
SUNCOO Portable Pro. Plasma Cutter
Great strength with a lightweight body, this is the perfect definition of an ideal plasma cutter. The SUNCOO Portable Pro. has all the boxes checked on the performance list. This cutter efficiently performs a simple operation as well as provides a smooth cutting surface. This gadget is ideal for cutting carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, iron, and aluminum metal. This gadget can boast on its solid material construction, and that is why you can call it reliable and durable. The machine lasts long and serves you well for the period. The solid black edges of the machine protect the panels of the gadget and also contribute to the stylish look.
There is a control panel like every other cutter, along with a LED digital display. The pressure gauge is attached to the air nozzle of the rear panel, which makes it easy to control. The product comes with accessories like power pilot lamps and protection pilot lamps, which are rather useful accessories. The gadget can dissipate heat with strong ability. So the temperature of the components is reduced. The service life is increased that way. Among the accessories, there are cutting torch, air regulator, ground clamp, electrode, nozzle, gas pipe claspers, brush, and musk.
Torch lead is 13.1 ft long to make it work efficiently. SUNCOO Portable Pro. can be turned into a one pilot arc buy attaching a pilot arc torch and run an 8 gauge wire from the gun to the negative terminal. So if you choose to use it as one pilot arc, get going. Under full capacity of 50 amp, it works moderately, and with the full amp you can work on anything. This machine is pretty inexpensive and you can buy it if you are planning to buy a plasma cutter for the first time. 2 or 3 sets of extra consumables are offered with this product.
Pros
- Light weight and portable
- High frequency start
- Dual voltage capacity
- Smooth cutting
- Easy to wire up
Cons
- Instruction manual not informative
- No plug or air hose
Hypertherm Powermax45
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This is a lightweight small plasma cutter that, irrespective of its size and weight, works great. Portability is one of the most important aspects of this gadget. The brand has owned the patent over the drag cutting technology and that makes the cutter a winner one. This is just perfect for first time operators as this process makes plasma cutting smoother. Then there is smart sensor technology, which ensures that air pressure needs no manual setting, and it is always correctly set. The job is done faster with this cutter, and that too with much precision. The cut speed is 1.5 times greater than the oxyfuel. The cut is always of superior quality and the time for grinding and edge preparation is reduced that way.
The package contains a hand torch, which is an essential part of any cutting project. The CPC port and the cable can be added later with the gadget. This one always lets you work with more efficiency, and that means you will have a great result. The guide is pretty much useful and that is how you will know how to change the process and speed if you are working on different metals and different sheets of various thicknesses. The output of this plasma cutter is much better than most of its counterparts. The cost is a bit on the higher side, but the production makes it worth the price.
This is the newest member of the best selling portable plasma cutters. The increased cut capacity and the faster cut speeds make it an awesome and outstanding product. The automatic gas adjustment is quick, and the simple set up with proper operation makes it a handy product for all. You can manipulate spot weld removal and marking capabilities with its precision gauging system. The lock torch supports a handheld system and the mechanized cutting makes it work through the range of different metal thicknesses. The outstanding versatility of this product makes it a popular choice. The CNC interface and the fast-connect torch connection allows you to use both the hands while you are using this gadget. There are wide varieties of torch and consumables to choose from, and the handheld and automated; both options are available for this purpose. There are wide varieties of application capabilities featured like fine feature cutting, extended reach cutting, gouging, and precision gauging and marking.
Pros
- Portable and light weight
- Exceptional output quality
- Patented drag cutting technology
- Good for first time users
- Smart sense technology
Cons
- High price
Hobart Airforce 12ci
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This gadget is a power-packed one with lots of features and functionalities. Hobart Airforce 12ci will always provide you with the best cutting experience. This plasma cutter comes with a built-in compressor to offer you extra care. You do not have to buy this item separately, and thus it will save you a few bucks. The air compressor works internally with the help of a piston and that ensures the high system portability of this cutter. The inverter design allows you to carry this cutter as and when you need it to be placed. There is an XT12R torch available with the package, which is designed ergonomically. It allows you to get comfortable with safety trigger. Also, you do not need to waste more money on efficient cooling and for an economical replacement for this cutter. The power source can be your household ones, and no need to arrange for hooking to operate this gadget.
Hobart Airforce 12ci is compatible with all your demands. It comes with a fan on-demand feature that ensures that the fan only runs when needed. So there is no chance of getting the dust and debris collected. The pilot arc start is there to ensure that you get the consistent arc at the beginning of each burnout. Also, it means the tip burnout is minimal. The LED lights ensure that you can check the temperature and torch readiness quickly. This way, there will be no downtimes also.
The thermal overload protection will let the machine stand out in any and every environmental situation. Sustaining the rough working condition is ensured by this feature. So Hobart Airforce 12ci works with first duty cycle, and thus, output is great. The consumables and torch lasts longer as the post-flow cooling circuit works to cool down after the trigger is released.
Pros
- Built in air compressor
- Precise and clean cut
- Less slag production
- Better cut than oxyfuel
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Consumables eaten fast
- Pressure issue
What you should expect in a plasma cutter
Plasma cutter is another tool that helps you to cut steel or various different metals. Inert gas is used to be driven from the nozzle at a high speed, and the electric arc is applied. The blown-out gas is turned into plasma. The hot torch then cuts through the metal sheet. This process is being used in small workshops, DIY projects, or industrial factories. Cutting metal is really easy with the help of a plasma cutter.
More: Our best guide on welding helmets.
A good plasma cutter can help the professional as well as the hobbyists to cut through metals of different thickness and of different origins quickly and in a clean way. This gadget has come a long way and now, the modern version of it has been technically much more enhanced. For the beginners, the different brands and different models can be confusing and they may not know what to look for in a great plasma cutter. So here we are suggesting a few features that you may seek while buying one.
Duty cycle- this important aspect of a plasma cutter ensures that it will be used more frequently but not continuously. The length of the percentage of duty cycle depends upon the amperage of a plasma cutter. For longer shifts, you must buy the plasma cutter with high amperage.
Input power- you can connect the plasma cutter with a minimum amperage rating to the electrical outlet, and that will be sourcing the power to the gadget. Also, using a different circuit for sourcing plasma cutter is advised, as that will enable the device to work with full force.Cutting
Speed– the rate of cutting is an essential factor in deciding the right plasma cutter. However, the price depends upon the thickness and difference of metals. So buy the cutter accordingly considering which metals you are going to cut with it.
Start– there are contact start, and high frequency starts for plasma cutters. When the cutter is used around some electronic device, the contact start ones should better be used. Also, this start offers a visible pilot arc.
Air supply- portable plasma cutters use bottled nitrogen for plasma cutting, which, in turn, causes less oxidation. If you can get the plasma cutter with built in air compressor, then this problem will be sorted on its own.
Control panel- this part allows the user to run the device. Easy to read and understand control panel in the plasma cutter is always a necessity. If you can get a built-in consumable compartment, then it is even better.
Built-in inverter– if you work in the remote part almost always with your plasma cutter, without any power outlet nearby, then plasma cutter with a built-in inverter may be a necessity. These are expensive but portable.
Portability– this aspect of a plasma cutter does not matter until you have to travel a lot with your gadget. Only if you need to move a lot, then you should buy a lightweight, portable gadget to serve your purpose.
FAQ:
What is a Plasma Cutter?
Plasma cutter is a gadget that works through inert gas, in plasma form, and helps you to cut through metal sheet.
Why use a plasma cutter?
This is a helpful device which cuts through the metal sheets easily, accurately and within very less time. The job is done in a neat and precise way.
How to set up your plasma cutter?
The unit should be plugged in, and air is to be connected. Next, you will turn the air on and attach the ground clamp. Now you can turn the machine on and set the current. The cutter gets ready to cut the metal.
What is the best plasma cutter under $500?
If you are willing to use a plasma cutter that will be under $500, go for Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp plasma cutter. This is efficient, non-complicated, portable, and moderately priced.
Conclusion:
After you read all the aspects and features of a good plasma cutter, decide to buy the one that will be easily handled by you. Also, keep in mind the job type that you have to perform with the machine. Doing proper research to find the right tool for your needs is always advised, and also you should keep the budget in mind. This process will help you to eliminate all the unwanted options and choose the right one to fit your requirement.
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