7 Best Plasma Cutters for the Money in 2023 with Buying Guide
Clear and precise cuts with less heat production and less energy consumption make the best plasma cutter for cutting and welding metals. Inverter technology in plasma machines has been increasing the value and range of plasma cutters lately. Plasma cutters cut thick metals with high precision and neatness. They are more efficient than most good welding machines and cutters.
As the production of machines rises, it becomes more and more sophisticated to choose the best out of them. You may not want to spill your money and not find the best possible choice. Without spending a lot of fortune, you can still have the best plasma cutter you can use confidently. This well-researched and detailed guide will help you quickly get a good plasma cutter.
Top 7 Best Plasma Cutters
There are hundreds of plasma cutters out there in industry, but what makes some of them stand out depends upon certain factors. If you are looking for the best plasma cutter according to your project requirements, we have curated a list based on their specific features. Give it a read and figure out what works best for you.
Comparison Table
| Image | Name | Weight | Input Voltage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
PRIMEWELD CUT 60Amp | 21 Pounds | 120/240 Dual Volt | Check Price |
 |
Lotos Technology LTP5000D 50Amp | 19.4 Pounds | 110/120 & 220/240 Volts | Check Price |
 |
Eastwood Versa Cut 40 Amp | 37.9 Pound | 120/240 Dual Volt | Check Price |
 |
YESWELDER CUT-55DS | 22.4 Pounds | 110/230 Dual Volt | Check Price |
 |
Hobart AirForce 40i | 21 Pounds | 120/240 Dual Volt | Check Price |
 |
Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 | 2.2 Pounds | 120/240 Dual Volt | Check Price |
 |
Lincoln Electric Plasma Cutter | 20 Pound | 115 Volts | Check Price |
01. PRIMEWELD CUT 60Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Torch Plasma Cutter
Best Plasma Cutter Overall
PRIMEWELD CUT 60Amp
The Primeweld Plasma Cutter CUT60 is a dual voltage cutter that adds a lot of fabrication power to your shop. The PrimeWeld CUT60 is the best plasma cutter for money. It is ideal for CNC applications.
The maximum power rating of 60 amps cuts steel up to 7/8 inches thick. At 20 amps, this plasma cutter can cut sheet metal as thin as 22 gauge. Like every PrimeWeld welding machine, it is designed to withstand harsh conditions in real-world workplaces.
This plasma-cutting machine has a dual-voltage input that accepts 120-volt and 240-volt power. It comes with a standard 3-pole 240-volt power cord and a 120-volt adapter. Its portability allows you to tackle even the most demanding cutting jobs, whether you have commercial power or want to plug it in at home. It has a duty cycle of 60% at 40amps.
CUT60 is a good plasma cutter that is lightweight and portable, allowing you to take it wherever you want, from the job site to home workshops and beyond. It’s an excellent cutting tool that can quickly and easily connect to generators and welders. This feature is also available in some of the other best TIG welders. The continuous Pilot Arc can quickly cut expanded, rusted, and painted metals.
Plasma cutters that use high-frequency technology to start the arc can interfere with digital electronics like computers and cell phones. Welders can’t use them with a computer-controlled CNC plasma cutting table. With a blowback pilot torch, this 60 amp plasma cutter also solves that problem.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Specifications
02. Lotos 50 Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter Machine
Ideal Machine for Most People
Lotos Technology LTP5000D 50Amp
The Lotos LTP5000D Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter provides powerful cutting performance in a small footprint. The pilot arc feature is handy for continuous cutting on rough or dirty metal surfaces.
An optimized design based on cutting-edge MOSFET/IGBT transistors delivers high power output for thick metal cutting and consistent outcomes for thin metal cutting.
The Lotos LTP5000D generates 50 amps of power and a 60 percent duty cycle at an affordable price. This cutter has a no-touch pilot arc starting and can cut up to a 58-inch stainless steel plate. The Lotos LTP5000D only weighs 26 pounds, making it highly portable. It comes with a one-year warranty.
The machine’s dual voltage capability allows it to run directly on 220 V 50/60 Hz or 110 V 50/60 Hz power via a pigtail. The cutter quickly cuts through rough, painted, and rusted surfaces with little slag. A plasma torch and consumables ensure more precise cutting, longer consumable life, and lower usage costs.
The LTP5000D is excellent for light-duty small business and home DIY projects. With pilot arc technology, you can cut without touching the metal’s tip. The ideal plasma cutter is portable and has a handle and cuts stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, copper, and aluminum with non-hazardous compressed air. There are some best welders for aluminum that you should check out on our blog.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Specifications
03. Eastwood Versa Cut 40 Amp Metal and Fabrication Plasma Cutter
Best Cutter for Price Ratio
Eastwood Versa Cut 40 Amp
With a 40-amp adjustable output, this portable and good plasma cutter can cleanly slice through steel from 24-gauge to 3/8-inch thick.
You can use Eastwood Versa Cut on stainless steel and aluminum. The Versa-Cut 40 weighs only 24 pounds which makes it highly portable. It requires only 5-7 CFM of compressed air and can be powered by a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. This is the top plasma cutter, an extremely versatile and portable unit that can be taken anywhere.
On 120v power, it can cut almost 1/8-inch thick metal, which is sufficient for thin-gauge metal sheets and not a dense fabrication. This plasma cutter is lightweight and portable. It weighs less than 24 pounds, making it easy to transport or plug into a generator. The Versa Cut has a Trafimet CB50 torch and a 20-foot cable for maneuverability while creating intricate cuts that mechanical cutters cannot match.
A 60% duty cycle provides enough time to complete long cuts. The 3-year warranty, 90-day return policy, and lifetime tech support demonstrate our confidence in the quality and performance of this machine. Superior arc stability and plasma cutting power are provided by inverter technology in this best-value plasma cutter. When cutting rusted or expanded metal there is an embedded pilot arc system that allows direct arc strike. It is very easy to use.
The moisture separator inside the cutter ensures that clean and cool air reaches the torch, providing consistent results. The updated cutter in Versa-Cut 40 features 2T/4T modes for smoother long cuts, a breaker switch, a digital amperage readout for increased precision, and modern IGBT Inverter Technology. Furthermore, it is lighter and more portable than ever!
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Specifications
04. YESWELDER CUT-55DS Non-Touch Pilot Arc Air Power Plasma Cutter
Best Bang for your Buck
YESWELDER CUT-55DS
Although it’s small in size, the YESWELDER CUT-55DS packs a punch. The Non-Touch Pilot Arc feature is handy for continuous cutting on rough or dirty metal surfaces.
There is an embedded Post Flow system. When you cease cutting, the air blows on for a short time to cool the torch’s consumables and extend its life. It even has dual voltage. This best-budget plasma cutter allows connection to 110- or 220-volt receptacles without the use of tools. Portable in the shop or on the job site at 13 lb, it is easily moved from one location to another.
The 13 lb Yes Welder Digital Air Inverter Cutter can cut up to 3/4″ thick. It is designed for heavy industrial and building work, home welding for beginners and cutting, and hobby use. With this top plasma cut, you have less tough work and a nice, cleaner amount with less cleaning, maintenance, toxic gasses, and fire hazards.
An optimized design of Cut-55DS is based on cutting-edge IGBT transistors that provide high power output for thick metal and consistent output for thin metal. YesWelder is among the famous brands specialising in making the best plasma cutter and multi-process welder. The compact Cut55DS cutter cuts mil, alloy, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper with non-toxic compressed air. This welder has a pilot arc torch that cuts through dexter, old rusted, and painted, surfaces with less waste spread around.
The technology of the pilot arc enables you to slash without touching the metal’s tip. It has an improved cutting quality and extended consumable life. The maximum rated clean-cut thickness is 5/16 inches at 110V and ½ inches at 220V.
Cut-55DS has a handle for portability. It cuts alloy, mild and stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, with non-toxic compressed air. The machine has a dual voltage function that allows it to work on 110 V i.e., 50/60 Hz, or 220 V, i.e. 50/60 Hz power with a normal adapter.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Specifications
05. Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter
Best Portable Cutter
Hobart AirForce 40i
It’s easier to transport to work because it’s 30% lighter – only 21 lbs. The cutter is more adaptable because of the addition of MVP technology, which allows connection to 120 V and 240 V input power.
Enhanced comfort is provided by ergonomic trigger safety, more efficient cooling, and cost-effective replacement cutting tips with 0ne of the best plasma cutters 2023, Hobart Airforce 40i.
The best arc plasma cutter has a pilot arc controller that enables you to cut cloven and expanded metals and paint, cement coated surfaces without retrigging the torch. The cooling system is fan-on-demand. It will only operate when necessary, reducing power consumption and contaminants drawn into the machine.
The built-in adapters control the amount of air or gas used and the flow of air or gas. Also, If you want the best gas for welding, you can check out our blog section. Cutter begins without a high frequency which protects the unit by not interfering with or causing damage to the controls or computers. An extra accessory LED light is an impressive addition for quick troubleshooting of pressure, power, and cup situations.
A fantastic thing in Airforce 40i is the circuitry for power factor correction(PFC). Compared to the competition, it draws up to 30% less amperage for the same cutting range of plasma cutters. PFC extends the operator’s work area with an extension cord while reducing the number of circuit breaker trips caused by voltage drops.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Specifications
06. Hypertherm Powermax30 XP Building America Edition Plasma Cutter
Best Industrial Plasma Cutter
Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30
The newest member of the Powermax family is the best-value plasma cutter, Powermax30 XP. It is the Powermax 30’s exact replacement. High performance is provided by the new Powermax30 XP plasma cutting system in a compact, portable design.
The system is a two-in-one design that combines FineCut consumables for precise, thin metal cutting with high-power cutting on thick metal. The Powermax30 XP is a perfect cutting tool for metals. It can cut up to ⅝ inches wide.
Powermax 30XP offers 50% more cutting power than its predecessor and also features a newly designed torch. With the help of included plug adapters and Auto-Voltage technology, it can be plugged into any 120 or 240-V power source. This plasma cutter works more quickly than most competitors. It would be best to have less edge preparation for this machine because patented consumable designs produce better cuts.
This 30-amp top plasma cutter can gouge metal. It can also cut any conductive metal, such as aluminum, mild steel or stainless steel. Dual-voltage capabilities are a strength of the Powermax30 XP. You can use it as a 120 V plasma cutter by plugging it into a regular household outlet in addition to 240 V.
For a lower cost of cutting, the consumable life is doubled, and efficiency is typically 70% higher. Powermax is a robust and trustworthy plasma cutter. The new Duramax torches are built to withstand high heat and impact. A sturdy carrying case protects the system of machines and equipment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Specifications
07. Lincoln Electric P20,20AMP 115V Plasma Cutter
Professional Portable Model
Lincoln Electric Plasma Cutter
The portable Tomahawk 625 plasma-cutting devices can be brought to any job site. You must fasten the air hose before you pick up the torch, and start cutting.
Tomahawk 625 plasma-cutting device can be easily handled by one person. The continuous output control allows you to focus the arc for various material thicknesses. You can easily cut through ½ inches of thick conductive metal with a power output range of 10-40A, or you can choose to make a maximum cut of ⅚ inches.
The Lincoln Electric Tomahawk 625 is a best-value plasma cutter. It only operates on 220V. However, cutting-edge technology permits the 208V minimum power input. When working at a remote job site, you can also utilize a generator to power it. Any material that can conduct electricity, including brass, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel, can be cut with Tomahawk 625.
Tomahawk 625 has a touch start system with high frequency. This top-rated plasma cutter is used for fast cutting through gaps and expanding metal with the Rapid Arc Restrike. Setting the air flow rate with the front panel purge control is simple without starting the plasma arc, making it the best arc plasma cutter. The efficient operation and lasting consumable span of the new electrode and nozzle designs make long-term financial savings possible for you.
The Parts-in-Place cutter system can identify consumable and torch installations that are done correctly. It is the best advancement in plasma cutter brands for a user’s safety by Lincoln Electric. On CNC plasma cutting tables, a machine plasma torch is available that is optionally accessible. You can use this top plasma cutter for automotive construction, general and marine fabrication, and repair.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Specifications
Things to Consider While Buying a Top-Rated Plasma Cutter
The descriptions above might have made up your mind about which machine is the best match for you. But, still, there are factors you need to consider while buying the best-rated plasma cutter. Here is a buying guide for you to solve this issue instantly.
01. Why use a plasma cutter?
There are many advantages of using a plasma cutter. Use it once, and you will get addicted to it. It is easy to use, portable, and works faster than mechanical cutting. Some benefits that make a plasma cutter the best choice include the following:
Using a best-budget plasma cutter is as easy as using a knife for cutting. You do not always need to be an expert or professional to operate the blades. There are no technical setups or safety precautions as well. But you should use welding safety equipment during welding and cutting, such as the best welding helmet, welding gloves, and welding clothes.
02. Why do you need a plasma cutter?
It would be best to clarify why you are heading to buy a top-rated plasma cutter. Do not just be fancied by the rapid use of them in industry. If you want to cut simple metal sheets, you can buy more straightforward tools than a plasma cutter.
If there is a maximum thickness of ⅝ inches you want to cut, a plasma cutter is what you need. In our opinion, you can not create clean cuts with a plasma cutter with a thickness of more than ⅝ inches. Remember that it solely depends on your needs.
03. Your budget
Your budget is a significant factor. Although you can buy a good plasma cutter at a moderate price, there are still expensive machines. If a reasonable price machine can fulfill your need, go for it.
You do not need a fancy, heavy, and pricey product if your work is simple. For industrial use, a fine plasma cutter like Hobart Airforce 40i and Yes Welder Cut 55 DS can be the best option for you.
04. Input and Output Voltage
110/220 v is a standard input available at home. You always need to be careful if you want to buy a cutter as a hobbyist or for some home repairs. Some machines have dual voltage and can operate on standard home electric supplies and generators.
You can switch them as per your need.
The best arc plasma cutter, which has an input of more than 220, will need an extra generator to operate. If you are ready to drag the generator around, or your work is serious and can not be done with 110/220 v, you can go for a cutter with more input voltage.
05. Duty Cycle
The duty cycle represents a welding and cutting machine in the best MIG welders and cutters. An ideal choice is a machine that can provide maximum output with minimum input. If a device is labeled 60%, it will continuously work for 6 minutes. After that, it will require 6 minutes to cool down before starting to work again.
People who often buy plasma cutters prefer cutters with at least a 50% duty cycle. But if you need to cut more continuously, a five minutes span will be less for you. Buying a machine with 60% or more duty cycles will help.
06. Warranty
The lengths of warranties in best-value plasma cutters can range from some months to many years. The warranty provider must stick to the word while offering prompt assistance. Some brands provide quick turnaround thanks to their extensive dealer networks, while others can need shipping from abroad or have just one service center nationwide.
Always verify whether you are responsible for the expense of returning any tool to the constructor or if the provider will cover it. In verification, you can ensure the safety of your money in case you want to return it.
07. Advanced Features
There are some advanced features for plasma cutters, like extra accessories. You are spilling your money if you have to buy a plasma cutter and no necessary accessories come with it. Some consumables you should search for in the required extra kit may include:
A retaining cap is necessary to hold the consumables. You have to fix it on the top of the stack-up. You will need less cleaning if you have this feature.
An electrode is very important for carrying the current safely from the torch to the metal plate. It will save you from electric shocks and other possible hazards.
Nozzle shapes the arc you are going to create on any metal. If you do not use a nozzle, there is no sure whether you can make a clean and precise cut.
The swirl ring directs the gas provided to the
machine in the best possible directions.
It would be best to buy a shield to protect your eyes, hands, and dress from molten metals. It also helps to cover extra consumables.
FAQs about Best Plasma Cutter
Conclusion
In our verdict, PrimeWeld CUT60 is one of the best plasma cutters for money. People prefer the 50% duty cycle the most. The CUT60 Dual Voltage has 110v/220v input and 60 Amp output. It adds a lot of fabrication power to your shop. It is designed to withstand all the harsh conditions of cutting and welding.
The next best choice can be Lotos LTP5000D. This is the best arc plasma cutter that provides powerful cutting performance. The pilot arc feature and an optimized design based on cutting-edge MOSFET/IGBT transistors deliver the best cuts for thick metals.
However, none of the cutters in this list of best plasma cutters 2023 will fail you. Depending on your unique requirements, they’re all excellent options. You can buy any cutters with trust if you are educated about your needs and budget. But If you want to learn more about welding, so you have to choose the best welding school. Have the best product!
