Best Plasma Cutting Machines - Top Picks
Welding is more than just fusing pieces of metal together. Before laying a bead, those metal pieces have to be a specific size and shape. You need to cut metal before you can weld it together, and that’s where plasma cutters come in. These tools are perfect for cutting metal into precise shapes for your projects with ease.
Just like welders, though, there are many different plasma cutters on the market today. Which ones are worth the money, and which aren’t so great? If you’ve never bought a plasma cutter, the decision can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the Best Plasma Cutters out there. If you’re looking for one of these tools, you can’t go wrong with any of these.
Hypertherm Powermax30 XP Building America Edition
The Hypertherm Powermax30 is known as one of the best designed plasma cutters out there. This model features improved cutting power so you can complete your projects faster. The multi-voltage option lets you choose the powerful 240v cutting speed or go with the 120v for more delicate work. The torch is designed to be ergonomic and comfortable in your hand while also providing the cutting control you need. Its user-friendly design also makes it a good fit for beginners.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easily portable.
- Controls are very simple to use and learn.
- More powerful and has a higher heat than previous models.
Cons:
- It's one of the more expensive plasma cutters on the market, but you do get your money’s worth.
- It can be a little slow when cutting fairly thick metal, especially if you don’t have a 240v power source.
Hobart Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter 240V
Hobart is recognized as one of the top names in welding equipment, and they bring that same quality to their plasma cutters. The Airforce 40i is designed to cut up to 7/8 inch steel, so it’s very powerful and can handle materials that similarly priced cutters simply cannot. The cutter itself is actually very simple looking, so many assume it’s not as powerful as it actually is. Hobart designed this one to have no extra frills or features, but it doesn’t need them. The bottom line is that if you need an incredibly powerful plasma torch, you really don’t need to look any further than the Airforce 40i.
Pros:
- You get your money’s worth as far as cutting power goes. Similar in power to light commercial offerings.
- Simple and easy to use controls.
- It may be more than you need now, but it’s an investment that will serve you well for years.
Cons:
- May be more than a beginning wants to spend.
- The ground clamp is a little flimsy.
- 240v only.
Miller Electric 907529 Plasma Cutter, Inverter, Spectrum 375
The Miller Electric Spectrum 375 is an ideal plasma cutter for the DIY welder and hobbyist. It provides a very clean cut while still being light enough (19lbs) that you can take it to any job site or just keep it in the garage. The spectrum 375 features 12′ leads (clamp & torch), an included carrying case and Miller’s patented ‘Auto-Refire’ technology to reduce hand fatigue. Not the cheapest option but you do get Miller’s quality and first class customer service and support.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easily portable.
- Versatile cutter that can be used for many different tasks.
- Carrying Case.
Cons:
- May not be the best for thick or heavy metals.
- Expensive.
Forney Easy Weld 20P Plasma Cutter
The Forney Easy Weld 20P Plasma Cutter melts through anything less than a quarter of an inch thick like a hot knife through butter. It’s great if you’re working with these thinner metals, and it leaves the perfect clean edge you want. It uses 110v power source and supplies up to 20 amps of power, though, so it’s not the best option for thick metals. This plasma cutter is either hit or miss however. If your typical project requires cutting anything thicker than a quarter of an inch, you may want to look at a different option. If you’re mainly dealing with thin metals though, you won’t find a better plasma cutter in this price range.
Pros:
- Great price, especially for those who aren’t ready to invest a lot of money in a plasma cutter.
- Cuts thin metals with ease.
- It's fairly small and compact.
Cons:
- It won’t cut thick metal over a quarter of an inch thick.
- 110v only.
Lotos LTP5000D Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter
The Lotus 50 Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc plasma cutter is an affordable and portable air inverter plasma cutter that provides more power than you may think. It can cut up to ¾” material, but if you’re using a 110v, it’s going to be very slow. For hard materials that are fairly thick, you’ll need to have a 220v outlet to give this plasma cutter the power it needs. The torch is on the small side, which is great if you need to cut anything in a tight space. The 10 foot cable gives you plenty of maneuverability, too. At 50 amps, it has a duty cycle of 60%, giving you a good six minutes of cutting time with only four minutes of cool down in between.
Pros:
- Good price for what you get.
- Very portable and useful for working in small spaces.
- Comes with a one-year warranty.
Cons:
- Power cable is a little shorter than normal.
- The torch trigger doesn’t have a guard, so it can be accidentally squeezed.
- Tends to use a lot of consumables.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to invest in a plasma cutter, any of the ones above will work well for beginners. As always, make a list of your needs and the types of projects you expect to work on, then compare those needs to the capabilities of each plasma cutter to find the best option for you.
