Metal cutting is a challenging and expensive task in manufacturing. However, with a plasma torch, a plasma cutter can make the process more efficient, precise, and cost-effective. Inverter technology has made plasma cutting machines more affordable, but finding a high-quality air plasma cutter that cuts thick metal with precision, energy efficiency, and affordability is still essential. To help you in your search, we have gathered nine of the best plasma cutters on the market.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Detail |
|---|---|
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Lotto LTP5000D Value for money Can handle clean cuts up to 1/2″ Dual voltage: 110v/220v Check prices |
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It is welding machine CUT55DS Value for money Contactless start Dual voltage power supply Including regulator Check prices |
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Hobart Air Force 27i Best portable cutting machine Handle up to 3/8″ Electronic Product Safety Built-in filters and regulators Check prices |
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Eastwood Versa Cut 40 Value for money Professional quality Affordable power 20 feet range Check prices |
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Lincoln Plasma 20 Professional Portable Model Cuts up to 1/4 inch steel Gap auto-reignition Check prices |
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Hypertherm Powermax 45 An industry-recognized favorite Designed for production environments Light weight and small size Check prices |
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Primeweld Cut60 Highly rated and blowback technology Continuous pilot arc Dual 120/240 voltage Check prices |
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Miller 375 X-Treme Professional portable pickup Auto reignition function Cuts steel up to 3/8″ 110v/220v power supply Check prices |
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Titanium 45A Dual 120/240 power supply 12ft flashlight Built-in voltage regulator Check prices |
Here is a list of some of the best plasma cutters we found on the market:
1. Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter
- Dual 110v/220v input voltage
- PAPST cooling system
- 1-year warranty
- 220 Volt 50 Amp Output
- Weighs only 26 lbs
Advantages:
- Non-contact arc ignition
- Cutting 5/8″ mild steel plate
- Includes pressure regulator
- 13 ft. torch hose
- 60% duty cycle at 50 amps
Shortcomings:
- Connectors for 120 input voltage not included
- Cheap ground clip
Overview:
The Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter is an affordable option that provides 50 amps of power and a 60% duty cycle. With its non-contact pilot arc start and ability to cut up to ⅝-inch stainless steel, it delivers precision and efficiency. Weighing only 26 pounds, it is lightweight and comes with a 1-year warranty. Some users have reported inconsistencies in quality, but Lotos is known for its excellent warranty and customer service.
2. Yeswelder CUT-55DS Plasma Cutting Machine
- Contactless Pilot ARC
- Cuts steel up to 1/2″
- 110-220 volt input
- 10 to 55 amp output
- 5-7 cfm at 60 psi
Advantages:
- Afterflow cooling
- 13ft Torch Lead
- Including air filter
- 60% duty cycle
- 2T/4T trigger lock
Shortcomings:
- The manual is not well-written
- Regulator touches power cord
Overview:
The Yeswelder CUT-55DS plasma cutting machine offers a 60% duty cycle and can cut through steel up to 1/2 inch thick. Its non-contact pilot arc allows you to work with rusted or painted metal. With a dual voltage input of 110-220 volts and a 13-foot torch connection, it provides versatility and convenience. Some users have concerns about the quality of the manual and the placement of the regulator in relation to the power cord.
3. Hobart Air Force 27i Plasma Cutter
- Up to 30 Amp output
- Cuts up to 3/8″ steel plate
- Internal air filter
- 12ft torch lead
- 5 Year Power Supply Warranty
Advantages:
- Highly portable
- Built-in voltage regulator
- 120 volt and 240 volt input
- Torch starting
- Post-cut air cooling
- Ergonomic flashlight design
Shortcomings:
- No flare standoff shield
- Torch starting is not contactless
Overview:
The Hobart Air Force 27i Plasma Cutter is a lightweight and portable option that can handle cutting steel up to 3/8 inch thick. With its built-in regulator, air filter, and water separator, it ensures clean and precise cuts. It operates on dual 120/240 voltage and comes with a 12-foot torch lead. Some users have noted the absence of a flare standoff shield and the lack of contactless torch starting.
4. Eastwood Versa Cut 40-Amp Plasma Cutter
- 40 amp output
- Cuts sheets up to 3/8″
- Trafimet CB50 Torch
- 60% duty cycle
- 3-year warranty
Advantages:
- Industry Standard Consumables
- 20ft Torch Connection
- Separate pressure and power regulation
- Dual 120/240 input voltage
- Only needs 5-7 cfm air volume
Shortcomings:
- Short nozzle is hard to see
- No gouging capability
Overview:
The Eastwood Versa Cut 40-Amp Plasma Cutter offers quality performance at an affordable price. With its 40 amp output and 60% duty cycle, it can make clean cuts on sheets up to 3/8 inch thick. It features industry-standard consumables, a 20-foot torch connection, and separate pressure and power regulation. Some users have mentioned that the short nozzle can be difficult to see, and the machine does not have gouging capability.
5. Lincoln Electric Plasma 20 Plasma Cutter
- Cuts steel up to 1/4″
- Weighs only 21 lbs
- 10 to 20 amp output current
- 1-year warranty
- Arc start
Advantages:
- No high-frequency interference
- Integrated hooks for wrapping leads
- Auto Reignition Technology for cutting grilles
- 9.5ft torch cable
- Including air conditioner
Shortcomings:
- 120-volt power only
- 3-second trigger delay
Overview:
The Lincoln Electric Plasma 20 Plasma Cutter is a lightweight and portable option that can cut steel up to 1/4 inch thick. Its auto-reignition technology allows for cutting grilles, and it has integrated hooks for easy lead management. Weighing only 21 lbs, it is perfect for tight spots and features a 9.5-foot torch cable. Some users have mentioned a 3-second trigger delay and limited power options compared to other models.
6. Hypertherm Powermax 45 Plasma Cutter
- Light weight and small size
- Cuts up to 5/8″ stainless steel
- 10 to 45 amp output
- 110v/220v dual voltage
- 3 Year Power Supply Warranty
Advantages:
- FastConnect torch connection
- Drag and cut makes plasma cutting easy
- Torch disable switch for replacement parts
- Smart Sense automatic pressure setting
- Wide range of flashlight styles
Shortcomings:
- No CPC port for computer control
- High initial cost
Overview:
The Hypertherm Powermax 45 Plasma Cutter is an industry leader known for its cutting-edge technology. It offers a 10 to 45 amp output, making it capable of cutting up to 5/8-inch stainless steel. With its FastConnect torch connection and Smart Sense automatic pressure setting, it guarantees ease of use and precise cuts. Some users have mentioned the lack of a CPC port for computer control and the high initial cost, but it is worth the investment for its exceptional performance.
7. Primeweld Cut60 Plasma Cutting Machine
- Dual voltage 120/240 input
- Cutting 7/8″ Steel
- 5-year warranty
- Continuous pilot arc
- 20ft Torch Connection
Advantages:
- Blowback non-contact arcing
- Includes pressure regulator
- Front panel barometer
- Includes height management spacers
- Excellent customer service
Shortcomings:
- Some complaints about air leaks
- Does not include setup chart
Overview:
The Primeweld Cut60 Plasma Cutter is a powerful machine that can cut up to 7/8-inch steel. It offers dual voltage input, making it versatile and suitable for various applications. With its continuous pilot arc and blowback non-contact arcing, it allows for precise and efficient cutting. Some users have mentioned air leaks as a concern, but Primeweld is known for its excellent customer service.
8. Miller Spectrum 625 Plasma Cutter
- Dual input: 110v or 220v
- Auto Reignition Technology
- Air pressure automatic adjustment
- 40% duty cycle at 30 amps on 240
- 12ft torch and ground cable
Advantages:
- Miller XT-30 Ergonomic Flashlight
- Comes with X-Case storage box
- 3-year warranty
- 19 lbs lighter
- Cuts 3/8″ thick steel
Shortcomings:
- Not controlled by a computer
- Some users have mentioned that the torch hose is very stiff
Overview:
The Miller Spectrum 625 Plasma Cutter offers dual voltage input power, allowing for flexibility in different settings. With its automatic air pressure adjustment and ergonomic torch design, it ensures clean and precise cuts. This lightweight machine weighs only 19 pounds and comes with a 3-year warranty. Some users have mentioned that it is not computer-controlled and that the torch hose is stiff.
9. Titanium 45A Plasma Cutter
- 120/240 volt dual input
- Built-in voltage regulator
- 21 lbs lighter
- 45 amp output
- Cuts steel up to 5/8″
Advantages:
- 12ft Ground and Torch
- Digital Display
- Overload protection
- Torch includes standoff
- Easy to set up
Shortcomings:
- Supplies are hard to find
- Ground clips are cheap
Overview:
The Titanium 45A Plasma Cutter offers dual voltage input and professional quality at an affordable price. With its 45 amp output, it can cut steel up to 5/8 inch thick. The machine is lightweight and comes with a digital display and overload protection. Some users have mentioned difficulties in finding supplies and concerns about the quality of the ground clips.
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About Jeff Grill:
Jeff Grill, originally from Long Island, has been passionate about welding since an early age. He has gained extensive knowledge and experience in working with various metals.