Best Plasma Cutters of 2021 [Buying Guide , Reviews & Top Picks]

If you’re run a Small Workshop, then So you may need a plasma cutter at some point. So Hereabouts We Find the Best Plasma Cutters out there in the market and Compile a List Using their rating, sales, Prices, and Features. This List of Plasma Cutter Helps to Save your Precious Time for Choosing your Desire Plasma Cutter.

Cutting the metal and making new designs out of the raw metal sheets and articles is necessary for our daily lives. We cannot imagine a world where there are no metal objects, so o mold the ideas in a concrete form, we need equipment like plasma cutters.

The Best plasma cutter is to fabricate the metal into some useful pieces that can then be joined or designed to make articles. Several contractors rely on the plasma cutters for various purposes, like mechanical, operating, and maintenance issues. Even if you need to install an HVAC system at your home or office, you need a plasma cutter to design the entire system. Sometimes the metals are not easy to cut, and the traditional tools to cut them will not work, but the arc cutting machine is a or, and if used right, it can do wonders, as it is time effective.

The plasma cutting machine can cut and repair the following.

• Brass
• Copper
• aluminum
• steel and stainless steel
• titanium
• alloys of copper and brass
• cast Iron

TOP 6 PLASMA CUTTERS – COMPARISON TABLE

 

#1. Hypertherm 088079 America Edition Hand: Best Plasma Cutter

If you want to flourish in welding and mechanical works, this can be your best plasma cutter; it comes with a complete package, including a carrying case, eye shields, standard and fine cut consumables.

You do not need to worry about the voltage as it can automatically adjust between 11 to 250 volts. The Torch is also very ideal; you will not feel any issue is handling it as the edges are fine and user-friendly. It comes with high power capability and can cut thick metals, making the welding and designing process easier.

Using it will not be a toll on your pocket, as it can work with cheap and affordable gasses; there are no such restrictions while using this product.

Features:

• Automatic voltage changes between 120 to 240V.
• Comes with all the needed accessories.
• A two in one design.
• The Duramax LT can bear heat and temperature.
• Rugged 4.5m Torch.
• Weighs 9.8kg

---

#2. Lotos 50Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter

This machine is ideal; it will only take a few minutes to set and start the plasma cutter machine. Unlike the regular plasma cutter, this machine’s output is in DC, which means high speed and smoothness. Accompanied by it is the PAPST cooling system, which will ensure that the cutter’s temperature after a session is normal, and it will ultimately increase the work seed and potential.

You can choose between the two amazing voltage input options; the dual voltage input can make the work even easier, enabling them to pick the metal’s exact and required voltage.

Sometimes, when the technicians are only going to the same metal all day, they can set the machine at a single voltage, but the arc cutter can be tuned for the automatic voltage control when it varies.

Features:

• 50 Amp Inverter
• PAPST cooling system.
• Dual voltage Input.
• NPT type D Plugs.
• Comes with a power supply and Torch.

---

#3. Forney Easy Weld 251 budget-friendly Plasma Cutter

This budget-friendly plasma cutter is perfect for mild and narrow clean cuts; it will cut with a ¼ inches cut, making it a clean and accurate space. The only thing needed to make this arc cutter work is a 120V current supply and a 1.5 CFM of air.

Another amazing feature is the generator friendly use; you can use this product in remote areas as long as you have generators. It is not a regular arc cutter, only for the DIYs but also for the field and site. Carrying it to a new site is also very easy; it is lightweight, and the metal body is rugged and sturdy.

The 13 inches cutting Torch and the 8 inches ground clamp works fine with the drag through technology. You can regard it as a complete package with all the basic tools, like the adapter and the clams.

Features:

• Works on 120V.
• 13 inches cutting Torch.
• Comes with additional nozzles, adapters, and ground clamps.
• Dimensions of the plasma cutter 15.125″ x 8.125″ x 12″
• Weighs 9.75 kg.
• Drag Torch technology.

---

#4. Hobart 500566 Plasma Cutter 240V

It is a user-friendly arc cutter machine giving the fine cuts for mild metal with the cut space of 7/8: no need to think about the painted, tinted, or coated surfaces.

The Airforce40i plasma cutter can easily cut down all types of metals, from thick to thin. This very product is for long term use because the internal tools will not get damaged; the wind tunnel technology keeps the internal parts clean.

You do not need to troubleshoot the machine before every use, as most of the technicians will find it time-consuming; it is an all set machine ready to work. Please read the manual and set it once it works like magic.

Best for beginners because the automatic, self indicator lights will inform you about each and everything. You can also learn to use the product.

Features:

• 240V input.
• 50% duty cycle.
• XT4Rtorch consumables.
• 400V wind tunnel technology.
• Weighs 34.3 pounds.
• 17 x 18.25 x 11.63 inches.

---

#5. Miller Plasma Cutter

This plasma cutter may look small in size, but it cuts the metal like a hot knife; you will not feel it is taking longer than necessary. It can cut minimum metal thickness with a 1/8 inches thickness and maximum to 5/8.

The required input to make this machine work is 240V DC; no, do not worry about the DC as it is an automated inverter plasma cutter.  The 12ft cutter torch is an easy to handle tool; you can work without even bothering about the work stress. The Torch is easy to move around the object to cut complex designs as well.

The work clamp will ensure that the arc is of high temperature. Otherwise, you will not get the desired results. Miller electronics have ensured that the consumers are getting all the required accessories, like cords, consumables, and adapters.

Features:

• 240V DC input.
• Series spectrum 625 X-treme.
• 12ft handheld Torch.
• 20ft work clamp.
• Psi 90.
• Weighs 0.160 ounces.

---

#6. SUNGOLDPOWER Portable Plasma Cutter

For low switching losses, this plasma cutter is so far the best, as it comes with the IGBT, where the current depends on both the electron flow and holes. It starts on a higher voltage, but the drop-down is not very low to make the machine useless, while you still need to cut some more metal.

The auto-adaptive current and frequency will make the work smoother and easier. The current range is 110V to 220V, while the frequency can work in between 50 to 60Hz.

It is best for young workers who do not want to read miniature readings on a manual meter. It comes with the LCD to read the readings of temperature, current, and frequencies. You can use it anywhere you want, as it is a complete, user-friendly package with the 120V adapter to make it work even at home through regular switches.  However, to get started, you need to watch YouTube videos, as the manual is in Chinese, and only people knowing the Chinese can understand that.

Features:

• IGBT technology.
• Weighs 25 pounds.
• Automated current and frequency change from 110V to 220V.
• 10-50AC output.
• ½ inches to ¾ inches cut.
• It is shielded for electric current.
• Duty cycle 60%.

---

Buying guide for plasma cutters

Plasma cutters are essential for aspiring for a great future in welding and technical or mechanical works related to engineering and house maintenance.

Just like all other technical equipment, the plasma cutters also need your attention, and a wise buyer will always think to pick the best plasma cutter.

Why must we do this research?

Well, before you skip down, let me mention the importance of a plasma cutter. A plasma cutter will cut the metallic sheets for you and help you design some metallic bodies.

From the installation of HVAC systems to the repairing and remodeling of your house, there is a long list of tasks that are impossible to do without the plasma cutters. You can cut almost any metal while maintaining the perfect alignment with an exceptional plasma cutter.

This article will help you to understand the features you need to check before buying a plasma cutter.

The following are the main features that make the plasma cutters work.

• The torch, to create the plasma after combing the ionized gases, the torch will be the outlet from which the electrically charged and heated compounds will cut and melt the metal.
• The supply nozzle, the piece to channel the plasma.
• Diffuser, it will maintain the air-flow.
• Buffer to maintain the pilot arc.

Things to check in a plasma cutter:

Never buy a plasma cutter without checking all these features.

1. Air compressor

The air compressors are essential for the plasma cutters to work. The compressed air is actually the ionized gas that will cut the metal into pieces.

If the air compressor is not up to the mark, there is no point in getting that plasma cutter. You don’t need to get an air compressor with the plasma cutter; you should check the price in that case.

Many people would think about how much should be the size of the air compressor? Well, the bigger, the better. A compressor that can work on higher than 4CFM and 90Psi is best, with the option to change the pressure when needed.

The ideal weight for a regular air compressor is 30 to 40 gallons, which will come with a plasma cutter. Those bought separately definitely needs to be bigger than this.

2. Reliability

Several companies are manufacturing the plasma cutters, but the best are millers, Hypertherm, Lincoln, and ESAB. To check the reliability of a plasma cutter, you must check the company and read reviews about it.

A new company needs to sell the best product, so along with the reviews, you should also check the product descriptions for each plasma cutter to pick the best.

Another thing that counts in the product’s reliability is its material, the cutter’s body, and the specs, like the torch’s length, etc. If all these are made up of some durable material, it can be counted as the best product.

3. Voltage

Suppose you are looking for a manual voltage plasma cutter with a range of voltage, and you need to adjust it as per need. In that case, the one with the 115V or 120V is suitable for you. on the other hand, if you are a professional mechanic or electrician, who works for varying projects, you must buy the one with adjustable voltage.

While checking the voltage of a plasma cutter, you should also check if you can provide the required input. If you have bought a 250V plasma cutter, you need a generator to make it work because the regular household electricity input would not make it work.

4. Pilot arc

For a fine cut, you need a great pilot arc. The pilot arc functions as support because the technicians do not need to touch the metal’s torch. The pilot arc’s working depends upon the frequency of the plasma cutter.

The high frequency-high voltage plasma cutter will have a great pilot arc. You must also check the nozzle size, the torch length, and the flow-rate of gasses along with the voltage and frequency. All these features will make the plasma cutter a fine metal cutter to cut the metal in pieces.

5. Duty cycle

The duty cycle of any machine shows the percentage of its time-period when it is working. So, as in the plasma cutter, the more the duty cycle, the faster the work pace will be.

For a higher duty cycle, you need a low voltage plasma cutter. However, if you want fine cuts with high-speed work, you can compromise on the duty cycle.

6. The length of the cutting torch

The cutting torch is the main article in a plasma cutter, and its length plays a crucial role. The best plasma cutter comes with a length of 7-10ft.

The longer the cutting torch, the easier it will be for the technician to work hard to work-places. Imagine you are working at a place where the electric plugs are far away from the metal objects, then at such a place, you need a longer cutting torch.

8. Cut-rate

In the market, there are three different types of cut.

• The rated cut
• Quality cut
• Sever cut

The best among these is cut-rate at 10 inches per minute, which is possible with the rated cut, and the worst one for a thin metal is Sever cut. The Sever cut is slower than the rest, and the cut will be relatively rougher. The quality cut is best for the thick metal pieces.

8. Easy to carry

The plasma cutter cart should be portable otherwise, as the technical and mechanical works would need the repairer to go out and fix the metal pieces.

While buying a plasma cutter, you should also check its weight and the accessories that come with it, like the carry-bags.

9. Operating cost

To operate the plasma cutter, you need electricity and consumables. While purchasing, you must check the operation cost; for this purpose, you need to check the price for consumables and the voltage required to make the machine work.

No one wants to use a plasma cutter, for which he needs to spend a lot of consumables and electricity, and then pay higher than expected bills.

The take-away

You can buy any popular plasma cutter, but the best for you will be the one bought after situational and product analysis. You cannot buy the one that does not suit your situation; if you do not have a generator at your shop or home, you should not buy the one with higher input.

The first thing to do before purchasing a plasma cutter is a proper need and situational analysis. Say, you have just started working on a low-budget, so buying a cutter with a higher operational cost would not be a wise decision.

Frequently asked questions:

This section deals with the most asked questions about the plasma cutters.

What are plasma cutters?

Plasma cutters are the machines used by welders, and people do work with metal and metallic articles. The plasma cutters are used to melt the metal with a heated ionized electric arc of gasses.

The workpiece works as an anode during the plasma cutting process, and the plasma cutter is the cathode. The electric arc temperature is too high, almost around 20000 degrees centigrade, ultimately melting the metal.

How much does a plasma cutter cost?

The price for a plasma cutter can vary depending upon the technology; for example, if you think of buying an IGBT arc cutter machine, it may cost you more than 250 dollars. Similarly, the price can also increase according to the accessories. If the plasma cutter is a complete package, it may cost you around $400 or more. The range is between $200 to $500.

How to set up a plasma cutter?

The setting up of a regular plasma cutter requires some time, first. If you need to connect the Air supply, make sure that you have already bought one, or the package must contain one. While you do this, make sure that you have already read the manual.

Now set the current and ampere value; it will depend upon the cut depth you are thinking of and the metal’s thickness. Test the working clamps and their working capacity. Otherwise, the cutter will not work.

Set the Torch and position it at 90 degrees so that you may cut without disturbing the alignments. Now, when everything is on point, you can easily cut the metal.

VIDEO FOR REFERENCE

HOW TO USE PLASMA CUTTING FOR BEGINNERS

Final Words:

This article reviewed the best plasma cutters for the money and discussed what makes them worth purchasing. Plasma cutters are essential to do several mechanical and electrical works, so it is better to understand the market worth of plasma cutters and the accessories that come with them.

The prices for each plasma cutter vary according to the package’s accessories and the technology installed. Lastly, to buy the best plasma cutter, you need to do a situational analysis to understand your need.