Table of Contents
Buying a plasma cutter can be a frustrating experience.
You need to do your research and know your plasma cutting lingo so you don’t get ripped off. It’s do-or-go back to the shop floor to hunt for cuts in real-time.
With the help of our guidelines on the best plasma cutters, you can buy your new plasma cutter or plasma cutting equipment with confidence. We will help you find the right plasma cutter for your business by comparing all of the available products so that you can make an informed decision quickly without wasting hours of your valuable time on researching the different types of cutters and their features as well as comparisons with similar products from other manufacturers.
Overall Best Pick
- 【High Efficiency & Energy Saving】-- ZENY cutter machine by using inverter technical of switch power, stable and...
- 【 110V or 220V Dual Voltage】-- The ability of the dual voltage allows the plasma cutter to operate at 110V or 220V,...
- 【Compact Design & Widely Applications】-- This ZENY compact plasma cutter has a handle for portability. Easy...
- 【Specification for Cutter Machine】-- Voltage: 110/220V, 60HZ, 3.5/4.8KVA; Main Fuse: 16/22A; Current rage:20-50A;...
The Budget Pick
- THE ULTIMATE PLASMA CUTTER - When precision metalwork cuts matter. As one of our customers said, “It will do the job...
- MAKES THE PRECISION CUTS YOU NEED - With your Prime Weld Plasma Cutter, you can cut stainless steel, alloy steel, mild...
- TRULY PORTABLE - If you need a portable Plasma Cutter that makes moving from project to project a breeze at a price that...
- DESIGNED BY PROFESSIONALS - If you are serious about getting the job done, PRIMEWELD is a brand you can trust backed by...
1. PRIMEWELD Premium & Rugged 50A Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
Providing clean, high-quality plasma cuts is frustrating with cheap, low-quality plasma cutters. High-purity gas leaks, short duty cycles, and plastic parts cracking due to thermal stress are just some of the common issues that plague traditional plasma cutters. Reduce your hassle and increase your productivity. Try our PRIMEWELD Premium & Rugged 50A Air Inverter Plasma.
Key Features:
- 50A dual voltage 110/220 vac
- Require less maintenance and cleaning
- High-frequency DC
- Based on state of the art MOSFET transistor
- 110/220-volt automatic dual voltage
Features:
The 50A Air Inverter Plasma Cutter is built to be your go-to, heavy-duty, industrial-strength plasma cutter for any material you can imagine. Fully portable and compact, with an amazing performance that is made possible by a revolutionary advanced air cooling technology, the PRIMEWELD is truly in a class of its own.
This Plasma Cutter Series is the perfect solution when worn insulation or complex cuts are in your future. It has a robust construction and an ability to tackle heavy-duty jobs with ease. The PEAK 50 A model offers you a powerful, durable, and affordable plasma cutter.
Built from high-quality steel and aluminum, this product is extremely tough yet lightweight. An advanced thermal cooling fan unit with air vents on either side keeps this machine cool while in use. It performs well for home users who need a sturdy, durable plasma cutter with all of the features needed for professional applications.
This welder will provide reliable robust cutting performance with variable voltage, current, and airspeed control. The EFW-50A plasma cutter has the highest quality accessories available including 1/4″, 3/16″, and 1/8″ collets, coolant system, footswitch with 15′ cable for convenience, and it comes complete in a durable carrying case.
Powerful yet forgiving, versatile yet compact, this air plasma cutter is ideal for a wide range of applications. The 50% duty cycle makes it easy to handle, while the cabin allows users to breathe comfortably when on the job. The lightweight design saves you both time and energy.
The inverter technology of this plasma cutter delivers twice as much output as a traditional plasma cutter. It can cut even the hardest/thickest steel up to 3/8″ thick.
Most importantly, it comes with solid safety features including an ST-3 style torch release and RF remote safety interlock for improved productivity and safety on the job site.
- Easy to carry
- Torch lines that keep it safer for use
- Offers high-quality performance
- Budget-friendly
- Need guidelines to understand for the first time
Special note:
2. SUNGOLDPOWER 50A Air Plasma Cutter
Key Features:
- LCD display to read the air pressure gauge
- Included IGBT soft switch technology
- Less power consumption due to the high duty cycle
- Safe for overheating and overvoltage
If you are looking for a plasma cutter that will save you time, this is the right one for you. SUNGOLDPOWER 50A air plasma cutter is lightweight, portable, and works efficiently. It is a professional-grade tool that can be used by artists and designers to cut sheet metal, glass, wood, etc.
Features:
This 50A Air Plasma Cutter is the most advanced plasma cutter, also the most durable. It is equipped with a 400W 50A plasma torch that cuts through the steel and other metals quickly and easily. With a quick reaction speed, high energy efficiency, and low power consumption, the machine also features multiple protection devices.
The most widely used plasma cutter on the market, this product provides a higher cutting speed and more efficient work. With a patented air cooling system this plasma cutter contains high performance, stability, durability, and consistency.
It uses an advanced PFC power supply design and was made of a high-performance semiconductor chip. It can enlarge the air volume to optimize machine performance. It features easy arc start and arc adjustment with any type of welding electrodes which makes it an ideal choice for home shop applications.
This 50A Air Plasma Cutter is a masterpiece that delivers premium quality for work you can be proud of. It is sturdy and optimized for use with aluminum, carbon steel, electrical steel, and stainless steel. Its air design ensures its safety while the stunning finish looks beautiful when displayed.
The machine takes your cutting to a whole new level. This compact and easy-to-use plasma cutter is a fantastic tool that can tackle up to 0.6 mm (0.024″) of steel plate with ease.
Made from durable alloy materials, this plasma cutter holds up well under pressure, while the accessories provide reliable results time and time again. At 50 Amps, you get a maximum output power of 860 Watts (1300W/Min) that makes the product ideal for engineering, construction, and other industrial projects.
The pilot arc feature allows an uninterrupted flow of plasma during notch shots and bump cuts, saving valuable time during projects. It has a built-in purge system to help direct flammable gas exhaust away from you and prevent explosions while performing.
It comes with plenty of features including an LCD voltage and frequency display with overload protection, a 24-hour digital timer that allows you to save settings for different applications as well as a power supply system and muffler that delivers extra durability. It also includes retractable work light for easy access in small spaces.
- Compact design
- Offers LCD display screen
- Weights around 23.9 pounds
- IGBT inverter
- Hassle-free operation
- Low in quality
- o air compressor
- Not included drag technology
Special note:
3. ZENY CUT-50 Plasma Cutter
Key Features:
- 30inches to 200inches screen size range.
- 1280 X 720-pixel native resolution.
- Support for 1080p resolution.
- 2800 lumens of brightness.
- LED lamp with 200000-hour lamp life.
If you are looking for a powerful, reliable, and affordable machine, ZENY CUT-50 is right here for you. You can use it with confidence knowing that the CUT-50 won’t let you down.
Features:
The ZENY CUT-50 Professional Series Plasma Cutter offers high performance coupled with the latest technology. This lightweight cutter offers an ergonomic design, ease of use, and is available in both 110V and 220V models (standard models) or for 220V only (220V models).
It fits on the table or bench with its six rubber feet. It comes standard with two torch tips; one 3/8 inch x 20 TPI no water tip for cutting MIG/MAG and TIG/SAW and one 1/4 inch x 28 TPI no water tip for cutting aluminum and copper pipe along with some stainless steel. You can use it comfortably with its gas pedal.
The Cutter is the best in its class of such devices. Its fantastic features are a color touch screen, auto-return time delay, system voltmeter, and replaceable consumables to avoid downtime for maintenance.
Cutting on almost any kind of metal is effortless with this cutter. This powerful plasma cutter uses advanced technology to help even novice users achieve professional results. From fabrication projects to hobby activities, the CUT-50 can help you achieve your goals efficiently and affordably.
Made out of high-quality steel, thick copper material construction, and reliable, heavy-duty aluminum casing, this plasma cutter will prove an indispensable and valuable addition to any hardware shop or organization that relies on the use of industrial machinery at home or in the workplace.
The product is a great way to get into cutting metal. This compact plasma cutter weighs only 8 lbs and features a dual voltage input allowing for use in almost any location around the world without the need to purchase an electrical converter. The built-in air exhaust provides increased airflow for improved performance and the 2 included consumables in the kit provide 15-20 minutes of cutting time each.
The advanced technology, superior workmanship, and highest quality material are all given a top priority in crafting the perfect plasma equipment we offer to our customers. Regardless of what you need this machine for; contour cutting, seam welding, or any other task, it is capable of handling effortlessly. It offers a number of advantages over other plasma cutters on the market today.
- Light in weight
- Reasonably priced
- Consumables are easy to buy
- Can be used on different metals
- Not for high grade cutting metal
- Power and ground cables are short
Special note:
4. CUT-50, Plasma Cutter,
Key Features:
- Auto voltage 100 – 240 v
- Cut different metals
- Clean and neat results
- Torch design for better performance
Not getting into the cut with your plasma cutter? Tried everything and no success? Frustrated and cheesed off! But don’t give up! There is a solution. The Amico Cut 50 is the highest quality plasma cutter you can get at this price point.
Features:
The new Cut 50 is a revolutionary plasma cutter that offers competitive cutting performance with the highest level of user protection. For the first time, users of carbide and ceramic tips have access to a plasma cutter that offers excellent cutting quality, improved efficiency, easy operation, and user safety.
This device is an all-around cutting, burning, and shaping tool. It is a portable unit with a modular design and flexible cutting capabilities in a compact, ergonomic design. The air filter regulator offers additional control over the arc`s temperature to reach the ideal cutting temperature every time.
This air-cooled, portable cutter is equipped with an LED digital display and a rugged chassis. The remote control unit is flexible and has a three-axis torch angle adjustability.
Equipped with an onboard air compressor, it has a torch life of 30,000 hours and an operating life of more than 12,000 hours. This model is designed with smart IGBT inverter technology which helps to provide increased control over the arc`s voltage and current while improving stability and flexibility.
This plasma cutter makes cutting a breeze. Its accurate and smooth torch movement makes it simple to repeat the same cut multiple times without burning the metal. A customizable foot pedal and electronic variable speed control are easy to use, making this machine great for regular users as well as hobbyists.
Continuous duty rated at 50A DC current, a constant voltage of 30VDC, a cutting temperature of 18 DC volts (8.3mm cooling water), and fully digitalized controls make this the most advanced plasma cutter in its class.
This machine does not require an inert gas connection because it works with both AC and DC current. It protects itself from electrical overloads to ensure maximum safety during planning and operation.
The user-friendly port setup allows you to quickly change between the torch and consumable ports, and the torch arm design reduces time spent setting up the torch. The way that this plasma cutter works are that it has a flow sensor that controls the flow of argon gas through the torch head.
Designed through collaboration in the industry between experts in plasma cutting technology and the finest engineers in the industry, this workhorse of a machine is sure to generate quality cuts!
- Advance designed for quality performance
- Automatic dual voltage 110v / 240 v
- The ideal choice for small business
- Portable and hassle-free to carry
- Pilot arc for high voltage is missing
- Not suitable for big or heavy projects
Special note:
5. Hobart Plasma Cutter 40i
Key Features:
- Faster and easier cuts
- Auto Refire technology
- Open circuit voltage is 400v Max
- Ergonomic trigger safety
The Hobart 40i Plasma Cutter comes with a lot of cool features for working on every kind of material: extra-deep torch reliefs that hold extra-long consumables, an automatic switcher with dual voltage, all in an attractive price range.
Features:
The plasma cutter features a compact, lightweight design that is made for welding on location. This top-of-the-line model comes with two front-mounted control handles that are directly attached to the torch head for optimum operator control. It can be easily moved from one location to another, thanks to the durable, all-terrain wheels, which make it ideal for mobile fabricators.
The Hobart 40i is a self-contained, closed-loop, air-cooled, high-performance plasma system capable of cutting up to ¼” (6mm) mild steel, allowing you to efficiently complete your job. Designed with the industrial professional in mind, this machine can be operated single-handedly.
The 40i features a fully enclosed 20 amp power module that offers easy access to key components with simple and intuitive controls. Most importantly, it delivers the power and reliability you need for even the most demanding jobs.
Weighing less than 35 pounds and easy to operate, it is ideal for industrial applications such as installing gutters, steel roofing, or reinforcing bars during road projects. With multi-voltage capability, you can connect to virtually any power supply anywhere around the world!
The high-frequency generator provides fast, efficient arc starting while the advanced safety features ensure safe operation at all times. The best part about this new cutter from Hobart is that it can be taken right to the job and connected to any 110 VAC power outlet, which means no major installation work is required.
It features a balanced supply of high-frequency power from a compact internal inverter and boasts a flexible torch placement system that can be used in either the vertical or horizontal position. Plus, it’s easy to use with its large blue wheel button and simple menus.
- It’s portable and lightweight
- Precise cutting performance
- Easily cuts the expended and painted surfaces
- Budget-friendly
- It doesn’t have machine torch
Special note:
6. Lotos LTPDC2000D Plasma Cutter
Key Features:
- compact and comes with a handle
- Convenient arc start
- It has 15 – 200A DC
- Easily set up
- Passed the Cooling system
If yes, Lotos LTPDC2000D will change all this. This is a top-rated plasma cutter, used by professionals to achieve the highest rates of precision and accuracy. Using this tool was like an “out of body” experience for many due to its lightweight design and extreme portability.
Features:
This Plasma Cutter is a great addition to any shop because it can perform many important functions. This device uses high frequency, low-voltage current to cut metal and can pierce up to 20 sheets at once. This is a heavy-duty plasma cutter that will live up to your most demanding fabrication, shop, or industrial cutting needs.
It’s easy to store and transport, as it comes with protective coverings for both sides of the unit and also has a liftable handle. Its side panels are manufactured from high-strength steel that is proven resistant to defects. There are rubber pads on the cutting table’s top edge that keep it from sliding around while in use.
It features an air-cooled torch with a water-cooled electrode, ergonomically designed handle, remote pilot arc start, and foot pedal control, variable cut speeds from 0 to 20 amperes, and can handle material thickness of up to 3/4″. This unit also features onboard gas and air filters with a safety vent, dual-electrode ground clamp and stud mounts, an optional vacuum pump system for use with aluminum cutting.
Featuring a high-frequency inverter power source, digital display, multiple workpiece clamping options, this unit is extremely simple to use. This cutting machine with a plasma torch also comes with a control panel. This cutting torch has a rugged and durable build that is sure to last through many years of heavy use. Adjustable torch settings let you work with a maximum current of up to 50A and a maximum frequency of 20KHz.
This device is designed to cut metal with a minimal amount of heat-affected zone. With the minimum contact area between the torch and metal, it uses pure TIG technology to ensure the best results without damaging your work. The pilot arc ensures that only the area where you are working gets heated up, thus reducing heat damage to the surrounding area.
As the heating element of this product is inside a vacuum chamber, there is no heating or cooling time wasted while using this product. This feature also ensures that all of your cuts are done in a steady manner.
- it’s a durable
- The plasma cutter is multifunctional which saves a lot of money
- Light in weight as well as portable
- 30 days return policy
- Consumables are of poor quality
Special note:
Buying guide to best plasma cutter
Now that you know of some good plasma cutters out there, let us guide you to the factors you should consider before deciding to buy the best option to suit your needs. You will need to see the price, quality, features, and some other factors when choosing the cutter. Tag along to know what factors make up the idea of purchasing the cutter hat that suits your working requirements.
Work Nature
The first question that you need to ask yourself is regarding your work nature. Are you a hobbyist with the occasional need to cut, or a professional looking for some high power cutter to do your daily tasks? Once, you have established this criterion, your choice for a plasma cutter becomes simpler. Now that you know the work nature, you can opt for the power and feature options in a similar manner.
For hobbyists, a smaller unit that is robust for occasional use seems like a fit option. However, talking about the professional levels, there you require something to be used regularly and that can give a max power output to get your tasks done. Similarly, for DIY house projects, a mid-power range cutter would do.
Metals to be used
The next important thing that you need to consider is the materials you are going to cut with your plasma cutter. If you are working for thicker metals, you will need a powerful unit with a high-duty cycle to cut the metals in a single pass.
However, for smaller projects that require thinner metals, you can make do with a smaller unit with mid-range power output and a duty cycle.
CUT rate/IPM
Speed is another factor to consider when buying a plasma cutter. If you are someone with plenty of time at your hands then an average IPM (inches per minute) would do you good. Depending on your work nature and the intensity of the task you can have plasma cutters with varying speeds.
You will find some machines with rated cut; this is ample to cut mild steel. Quality cut and sever cut are two other speed settings that can help you cut the thicker metals fast. Sever cut refers to the maximum thickness a plasma cutter can handle.
The inert gas
For your plasma cutter to work you will need to supply it with some inert gas. This inert gas in most cases is replaced by compressed air. However, this might contaminate the machine with moisture. In order to avoid this, a little dry air is added to the compressed air. But the real deal is the means to supply the compressed air.
For that, you will need a bottle or a compressor. Additionally, you will have to figure out the pressure rating of the compressor too, to match it with your plasma cutter to get some fine cuts.
Pilot arc or frequency cutter
If you are looking for something in your budget range, a high-frequency plasma cutter is something you should opt for. However, if you are a novice and looking for an easy cutting experience, a Pilot arc cutter will give you just that. You can easily strike the arc and also improve the life of your consumables with the help of a pilot arc cutter.
In contrast to this, you will find the high-frequency cutter giving a more stable operation, but will require you to start the arc from scratch. This indirectly shortens the lifespan of the consumables.
Conclusion
These were some of the factors that you need to consider when buying a plasma cutter. We will like to remind you that regardless of the price and fancy features go for a plasma cutter that suits your project/task requirements.
Plasma Cutter Buying Guide
Cutting various ranges of materials has been a piece of cake with the advent of plasma cutters. Worry not we are not talking about the biological plasma here, it is rather a state of matter in which elements are transformed to cut various metals. Enough with the scientific knowledge, now that you know about the plasma cutter, let’s get into buying one!
But hold your horses, what things to consider when buying a plasma cutter? Its shape, size, color? Well not really, you will have to consider a number of factors including the price, size and to make things easy for you we bring to you a buying guide for plasma cutters.
Choosing a Plasma Cutter
Having plenty of options to choose from can be exciting and tiresome at the same time. Especially if the options each have some exciting features worth trying. The same is the case with the Plasma cutters. But we got it all sorted for you in the buying guide below. So tag along to choose the right Plasma cutter for your needs.
Input Power
This factor majorly determines the price you will be paying for the plasma cutter you end up buying. Additionally, the power specifications also determine the cutting ability of the machine.
Therefore, looking for the right power specs includes deciding on the right voltage and current ratings of the device. In the case of voltage specs, you will come across 110V and 220V or 2 in 1 feature in the plasma cutters. Choose the one that suits your mains supply at home and is compatible with other circuitry available.
Inverter Technology
A built-in inverter improves the portability of your Plasma cutter. Not all the cutters come with this feature built-in and the machines which do support this feature carry an expensive price tag too. So if you are facing intermittent power supply issues or are on the go, you will have to spend some cash to make things easier for yourself.
The inverter takes in DC supply feeding it to t a high-frequency transistor inverter. This improves the portability and design size of the Plasma cutter.
Amperage Range
The amperage or the current forms the basis of the Plasma cutter’s cutting arc. The amperage rating determines the quality of the arc and the thickness of the metal to be cut. For household use, a 40 to 60 Amps range will do most work. However, you can find cutters ranging up to 200Amps. Of course, the price tag increases linearly with the amperage range.
Cutting Speed
Cutting speed depends on the machine’s amperage. Higher the Amps, the greater the speed. So in order to select the cutting peed, make sure you know what thickness of metal you want to cut so that you are able to choose accordingly.
Duty Cycle
Depending on your frequency of usage, you can select the relevant duty cycle. It’s is basically the ratio of working to the non-working time period. If you are a workaholic and like to work 70 percent of your time, then a plasma cutter with a high duty cycle is what you should opt for.
Environment
Your work environment greatly affects your choice of a plasma cutter. If you are used to working outdoors, then a Plasma cutter with housing will serve the purpose. But you will have to pay a heavy price; nevertheless, the outcome is worth it. Air quality also matters, which indirectly affects the cutting process.
Dust particles in the air affect the PCB too, for this purpose try looking for a Plasma cutter with a wind tunnel design to get rid of dust particles.
Controls Panel
An easy-to-understand and easy-to-use control board are essential when it comes to using a Plasma cutter. With multiple obvious controls, even a beginner can use the Plasma cutter like a pro. Therefore when buying a Plasma cutter make sure to check the control panel and its ease of access to make the cutting experience a lively one!
Size and Design
This factor may be of concern to some and may not be of concern to others. Those who would want a portable cutter will want it to be lightweight and small in size. Whereas if your work requires the material to be brought to the Plasma cutter and cut then the size of the machine doesn’t really matter.
Accessories
By accessories, we mean the consumables in the Plasma cutter and the automated features. Electrodes and the nozzle are the consumables; if you are to work extensively then these need to have a good life. Similarly, automated features add to the utility of the Plasma cutter.
Now that you have an idea of what things to consider when buying a plasma cutter you are all set to go choose one for yourself.
i. What is welding and its types
ii. How to weld at home without a welder?
Sean Coby is a welder par excellence and well respected among the welding community in Woodbridge, VA. He prides himself to be the fabricator and mechanic in the automotive/ diesel industry for the past more than eight years now. As the chief editor of his https://weldinginfocenter.com, he shares his experience to be safe during welding and to take proactive steps for becoming a successful welder like him.