10 Best Plasma Cutter for the Money 2023 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

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Metal cutting is never easy without the right power tool. Plasma cutter is one of the best metal cutting tools in the market. It provides high-performance metal cutting ability than other metal cutters in the market. So, we recommend to use a best plasma cutter for your metalwork.

Typically, Plasma cutters are using in heavy workload places such as automotive workshops, iron fabrication shops, industrial constructional sites, etc.

But due to the low price, fast operation, and precision cuts, the latest plasma cutters are using for a wide range of applications from industrial to small home DIY shops.

with the latest technology, new plasma cutters are budget-friendly and providing fast and smooth cutting.

Plasma Cutters – Buyer’s Guide

If you are a first-time buyer or beginner, It is really worth checking this guide.

This guide includes some very important information about plasma cutters such as features, advantages & disadvantages, accessories, and other related information.

What is a plasma cutter?

In brief, the Plasma cutter is a high efficient metal cutting tool that works by sending an electric arc through a high speed compressed gas that is passing through a constricted opening.

This electrically conductive gas transfers energy from a power supply to conductive material and resulting in fast smooth metal cutting than regular gas cutters (Oxyfuel gas cutting).

Check below video to know, how plasma cutter works

What can you do with a plasma cutter?

Plasma cutters can be used for cut the most types of conductive metals such as mild steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and others.

Also, It can be used for cutting any thickness metal by the adjusting its amperage.

How hot is a plasma cutter?

Well, this is a crucial question. Because it directly connected to the safety of the users. The plasma cutter flame is very, very hot.

It can can get really intense up to a 45,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, you always need to wear safety gear (Safety gloves & safety glasses) while using it. Also, you haven’t to look the flame directly. Otherwise, It will burn your eyes.

What type of gas is used for a plasma cutter?

Different types of gases (Air, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon hydrogen) are used for plasma cutters, depending on material type and thickness, cut quality, parts life, productivity and overall cost of work.

If you want plasma cut mild steel, Oxygen gives excellent quality cut. If you want to plasma cut stainless steel, nitrogen gas gives excellent cut. So, it depends on your work.

But generally, Normal air is good to go with any types of materials. It gives economical, good quality speed cut with any metals. So, you need only a compressed air supply for plasma cutting.

What are other essentials needed for the plasma cutters?

Power Supply

According to your household power supply voltage, you have to select a correct plasma cutter. It could be 110V or 230V. But, most of the latest plasma cutters are dual voltage plasma cutters. So, it could not be a problem either for your home voltage 110V or 230V.

You can find the so many best 50 amp dual voltage plasma cutter brands in the market.

Air Compressor

Compressed air supply is essential to the function of the plasma cutter. If your plasma cutter has not built-in compressor, you have to need separate compressor for getting a compressed air supply.

Moisture filter

This is very important equipment for the prevention of entering moisture to your plasma cutter through the air. Otherwise, Moisture will reduce the lifetime of your plasma cutter. 

How much does a plasma cutter cost?

The price of the plasma cutters is going high with the increase of size, type, and features. Currently, we can find the plasma cutters price range from $200 to $3000 in the market.

But, If you need the plasma cutter for a small garage or workshop, it is enough to get the best plasma cutter under 500.

10 Best Plasma Cutters Reviews 2023

#1: LOTOS LT5000D 50A Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter

The LOTOS LT5000D is one of the best 50A dual voltage plasma cutters in the market. It is designed to delivering 1/2″ clean cut of any range of different materials. Also, This plasma Cutter delivers strong cutting performance at low cost with high speed and precision.

This is a dual voltage plasma cutter hence no problem to work with 110V or 230V. So, The The LOTOS LT5000D plasma cutter can be used in any country in the world.

The LOTOS LT5000D can be used for cutting different conductive materials such as Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, Mild Steel, Copper, Aluminum, etc.

To the function of this plasma cutter, you have to supply compressed air (4.0 SCFM @ 70 PS) by an external air compressor.

It is lightweight (22.5 lbs.), portable, compact and very easy to use. So, The LOTOS LT5000D 50A plasma cutter is an excellent choice for home DIY jobs and light duty small business projects.  

If you get this plasma cutter, It includes these components: Power Supply, Plasma Cutter Torch, Air Filter Regulator, Ground Cable.

#2: Hypertherm Powermax 65

This Hypertherm plasma cutter is a top-rated product. It is expensive, but it comes with great features for the money. The Hypertherm Powermax 65 can be used in a wide range of applications with various metals. It delivers faster-cut speeds (actually very very fast), improved cut quality, and longer consumable life.

The Hypertherm Powermax 65 is a heavy-duty plasma cutter that is designed to clean-cut 3/4″ metal plates. But, it allows cutting maximum up to 1″ sheet metal.

The Powermax 65 is a 65A plasma cutter that works with both single-phase and three-phase current.

You can find the latest technological innovation in this Hypertherm plasma cutter 65, such as Smart Sense technology. It allows adjusting the gas pressure automatically while using it. So, users no need to worry about air pressure any more.

This comes with 25 feet hand torch lead. If you need more length torch lead you need to get it separately from their 50 or 75 feet lead.

The Hypertherm Powermax 65 is a rugged & most reliable plasma cutter. We recommended this plasma cutter for the users who are working in harsh environments. It is very easy to setup & work. If even beginners can work with it very easily.

#3: Hobart Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter

The Hobart Airforce 40i is a powerful plasma cutter, ideal for small shops, automotive garage, and fabrication shops. This is faster than oxy-acetylene cutting torch.

Generally, this plasma cutter is excellent for light to heavy industrial use.

The Hobart AF40i is an economical plasma cutting system for all conductive metals. It has inverter-based design and reliable technology. It has a compact design and packs a lot of performance into it.

It needs 240V and 40 amp current to work. The Hobart AirForce 40i is designed to clean-cut up to thickness 5/8″ and sever cut 7/8″ Steel, 3/8″ Stainless Steel, 3/8″ Aluminum, 3/8″ Galvanized, 1/4″ Brass and 3/16″ Copper

It has not built-in air compressor. So, you have to supply to it, compressed air (clean & dry) rate of 4.8 CFM (136 L/min) at 90 – 120 PSI (621-827 kPA).

The Hobart AirForce 40i is a lightweight plasma cutter (Weighing only 31 lbs.). It is very easy to setup and easy to use. You can quickly adjust the amperage on the front of the machine with the single knob design.

#4: Amico Power CUT-50 Plasma Cutter

Are you looking for the best budget plasma cutter? The Amico Power CUT-50 is a budget-friendly plasma cutter, designed for both demanding industrial and construction work, or home and hobby use.

It is a dual voltage 50 amp plasma cutter. It can automatically adapt to 100-240V input power. It uses advance inverter technology and provide high cutting performance.

The Amico Power CUT-50 is designed to the clean-cut steel thickness of 3/4″, and the max severance thickness is 1″.

The CUT-50 plasma cutter is lightweight, portable & compact.

This plasma cutter comes with the excellent protection features, and We are highly recommended it.

#5: Hypertherm Powermax30 XP

This is another great Hypertherm plasma cutter, ideal for light & heavy industrial use. The Powermax30 XP is a highly portable plasma cutting system that can handle a wide range of applications.

A unique ‘two-in-one’ design provides high-power capability for thick metal cutting, as well as the fine cut consumables for detailed, thin metal cutting. The versatile 30 amp system uses air or nitrogen to cut electrically conductive metals, such as mild steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

The Powermax30 XP is a dual voltage plasma cutter that can able to automatically adapts to 110V – 240V input power.

It comes with all other components such as hard carry case, eye shields, gloves, shoulder strap, standard consumables and Fine Cut consumables. So, you can start the cutting immediately.

The Powermax30 XP plasma cutter is straightforward to use. Its Duramax LT torch provides a sure, comfortable grip made from heat and impact-resistant material.

#6: SUPER DEAL DC Inverter Plasma Cutter

This Super Deal Dc plasma cutter provides more stable performance & high duty cycle result in less power consumption. It provides great speed and more economical cutting performance than traditional cutting machines.

This plasma cutter is designed for the clean cut 1/2-inch thick metals with ease.

It made of the heavy duty iron & it has solid material construction.

This powerful plasma cutter is suitable for a wide range of applications including sheet metal fabrication, light industrial use, site work, automotive, ducting work, repair and maintenance services.

So, Super Deal Dc plasma cutter is perfect for the both DIY users and professionals.

This is a dual voltage plasma cutter. So, it can be used both 110/220V.

Other than, Super Deal Dc plasma cutter comes with great built-in protection features such as cooling fan, over-heat protection, over-voltage protection, under voltage protection and over heat protection and lack of compressed air pressure protection.

#7: Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter

The Forney Easy Weld 20 P is a powerful and easy to use plasma cutter. It is designed for clean-cut up to 1/4″ sheet metals such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, brass and copper.

To function this plasma cutter, you have to give 120 volt power source and 1.5 CFM of compressed air supply.

This plasma cutter also features Drag Torch Technology, which allows you to drag the tip directly on the surface of the material for smooth and precise cuts.

The Forney Easy Weld 20 P is the ideal choice for auto body, farm & ranch, contractor, metal art, and do-it-yourself projects.

#8: SUNGOLDPOWER 50A Air Plasma Cutter

SUNGOLDPOWER CUT-50 is one of the best plasma cutters for the money. It designed to clean-cut thickness 1/2 inch metals such as Stainless steel, copper, iron and aluminum etc.

This is a dual Voltage plasma cutter. It can automatically adjust the Voltage / Frequency that allows running the machine directly on 220 V 50/60 Hz power, or on 110 V 50/60 Hz.

To run CUT-50 plasma cutter, you have supply compressed air supply of 0.3MPA

#9: PRIMEWELD 50A CUT50DP NonTouch Pilot Arc

The PRIMEWELD CUT50DP 50A is a inverter plasma cutter designed for the clean-cut 1/2 inch sheet metals like stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, copper, and aluminum.

Pilot arc torch efficiently cuts through rough, painted, and rusty surfaces and produces minimal slag.

This is dual voltage plasma cutter, hence machine can directly connect both 220V 50/60 Hz power, or on 110V 50/60 Hz. MOSFET transistor produces a uniform output to enable cutting of thin metal and can reach high power output for cutting thick metal.

This package come with the plasma torch, ground clamp and cable, air regulator, air hose, and air hose connections.

#10: SUNCOO CUT 50 Plasma Cutter

The SUNCOO Plasma Cutter is a powerful high-speed cutting machine can be used for a wide range of applications such as all kinds of machinery & metal structures manufacturing, installation and maintenance, for medium, thin sheet cutting, drilling, Wabu, open groove cutting, industrial CNC applications, small hobbyist shops, etc.

The SUNCOO Plasma Cutter allows cutting stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, cast iron carbon steel, and other metal cutting. It provide 1/2 inch clean cut for the steel.

This is 50 amp dual voltage plasma cutter, hence it works with both 110V and 220V.

It operation is very simple and very easy to work even beginners.

We recommended this SUNCOO CUT-50 as best plasma cutter under $500

Final Verdict

Plasma cutter is the fastest method for cutting metals in a quick time. Also, it provide clean cut than regular gas cutters.

What is the best plasma cutter for your job? It is simple to identify. Collect all of your data, such as metal thickness, voltage, amp, & your budget and choose best suit plasma cutter for you.

We recommended getting high-end plasma cutter such as Hypertherm Powermax 65, Because it allows you to cut more thickness metal sheets easily & quickly.