If you want to cut through steel like a hot knife through butter, a plasma cutter is the best tool you can use. They can do so for many metals. It includes stainless steel, aluminum, brass, steel, and many others. By burning through metal with plasma, these tools can cut through metal with stunning precision and speed.
They’re nothing new. Thanks to recent advances in the underlying technology, modern models have much more to offer than older models. It’s particularly in terms of portability and ease of use.
Summary
We tested various products, and it became clear that the best plasma cutter for the money is Lotos LTP5000D. However, it’s important to recognize its limitations.
Here’s an overlook of our category winners:
- Best plasma cutters for the money: Lotos LTP5000D
- Best high-end plasma cutter: Hypertherm Powermax 45
- Best medium-budget plasma cutter: Hobart 500564 Airforce 12ci
Why you can trust us & how we picked
We’ve written extensively about welding and plasma cutting on this website, which is why we think you can trust us and our product selection. We’ve picked plasma cutters at many different price points to have something for all consumers that want to cut metal.
Table of Contents
- Why you can trust us & how we picked
- Best plasma cutters for the money
- 1. Hypertherm Powermax45
- 2. LOTOS LTP5000D
- 3. Hypertherm Powermax30 XP
- 4. Hobart Airforce 12CI
Best plasma cutters for the money
Now that you have an idea of what to look for, it’s time for you to go over what’s available in the market. With so many manufacturers fighting for market share dominance, there are many good choices for every type of tool.
1. Hypertherm Powermax45
If you’re looking for a tool designed for true professionals, the Hypertherm Powermax45 delivers on many fronts. This model has all the essential features of a good machine and more.
It comes with a dual-angle design that allows you to use the torch’s consumable tips for long stretches, helping you save on energy costs. The torch handle has a natural grip, so much so that it feels like an extension of your hand. The controls are so straightforward even novice craftsmen will feel like a pro in no time.
Boasting 45 amps of power output, the Powermax can cut through any metal that’s up to 16mm thick. Coupled with its Hypertherm torch technology, this machine helps you produce precise and high-quality work.
It can cut metal 1.5 times faster than normal oxyfuel cutters. By offering an option to switch between two consumables, the Powermax 45 is one of the most versatile options within its price range.
This model has a lot to offer in terms of durability. Made of top-grade materials, this remarkable machine is meant to be used for heavy-duty projects. It’s even great for the long term. If you want to use it in a metal shop or out in the field, the Powermax has the hardware.
Last but not least, this unit is easy to set up and transport. It is pleasantly surprising for a unit that packs a lot of power.
Specs
| Weight | 37 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16.75″ x 6.75″ x 13.7″ |
| Input | 200/230 V |
| Output | 20-45 A |
| Duty Cycle | 50% at 45 Amps |
Pros
- Fast and precise
- Easy to use
- Portable and lightweight
- Ergonomic and long torch
- Powerful enough to handle most jobs
- High durability
Cons
- A bit expensive (although the price is more than justified)
- Precision work takes some time to get used to.
2. LOTOS LTP5000D
The LOTOS LTP5000D has become almost like a household name in the arena because of its amazing capability and affordable price. Running at 50 amps, this machine packs a lot of power and is rated at ½ inch steel.
It also allows for faster and more precise work than most other models you would compare it to. This unit can run on both 110V and 220V with the help of a pigtail adapter, allowing you to use it almost anywhere.
This machine uses an amazing pilot arc technology, allowing you to make cuts without touching the torch’s tip to the workpiece. This dramatically reduces the production of slag. It results in cleaner, smoother results.
Thanks to its lightweight build and portable design, this model goes from job to job without breaking a sweat or straining your arms. It can easily fit within the trunk of your car and won’t take up a lot of space in a small workshop.
Specs
| Weight | 19.4 pounds |
| Dimensions | 15″ x 16″ x 12″ |
| Input | 110/220 V |
| Output | 10-50 Amps |
| Duty Cycle | 60% at 50 Amps |
| Severance Thickness | 3/4″ |
Pros
- The amazing ability for something as cheap as this model is
- Affordable price
- Minimizes slag
- Powerful
- Lightweight and portable
- Inexpensive consumables
Cons
- Some of the components, such as work clamps, are made of flimsy material.
- The ground system clamp could be longer.
3. Hypertherm Powermax30 XP
For its small frame, the Hypertherm Powermax30 XP packs some serious power. If coupled with its remarkable FineCut feature, this unit is not only capable of working on thick materials.
It can also produce smooth, detailed cuts. This same feature contributes to its versatility, so much so that it can go through up to ⅝” of metal. It can also be used on various metals, including stainless steel and more. Moreover, it can cut flawlessly through painted or rusted steel.
Those still learning how to use these machines won’t have a hard time with this machine. The unit is easy to set up with an intuitive interface, and the controls are straightforward.
Specs
| Weight | 21.4 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14″ x 6.6″ x 12″ |
| Input | 120/240 V |
| Output | 15-30 Amps |
| Duty Cycle | 35% at 240V |
Pros
- Powerful even for its affordable price
- Auto-voltage technology allows the unit to run on both 110V and 220V currents.
- The remarkable ability of its price point
- FineCut feature allows for high-precision work
- The ergonomic Duramax LT torch is resistant to heat and impact
- Can get through up to ⅜” steel
- Portable and lightweight
Cons
- It goes slow when the material is at least ½” thick.
- A bit on the pricey side
4. Hobart Airforce 12CI
The Hobart Airforce 12CI is a spectacular choice if you prioritize portability. This lightweight, compact machine sports an inverter-based design and comes with a built-in compressor. It makes it a cinch to take anywhere from job to job.
This unit’s redesigned XT12R torch is so ergonomic, so much so that you can work with it for hours on end without feeling slight discomfort.
The Hobart Airforce 12CI may be small, but it packs a lot of power with 12 amps output. While it won’t cut through 1-inch thick metals but it’s more than serviceable enough to handle low-duty and medium-duty jobs.
To top it off, this unit comes with thermal overload protection. It ensures that you’re protected if things get too hot.
Specs
| Weight | 27 lbs |
| Dimensions | 13″ x 7.5″ x 10″ |
| Input | 120 V |
| Output | 12 A |
| Duty Cycle | 35% at 12 Amps |
| Severance Thickness | 1/4″ |
Pros
- Inverter based design
- It has a built-in air compressor.
- Portable and lightweight
- Ergonomic torch
- It comes with thermal load protection.
Cons
- It runs only on 120V.
- Not capable of going through thicker metals
- Slag may build up.
Factors to consider
But before we get there, here’s a rundown of factors to consider before choosing the right plasma cutter for you.
1. Air compressor—built-in or external?
You can’t create plasma without compressed air. The tool uses either a built-in air compressor or an external tank air compressor to compress air. A tool with a built-in compressor might be best for you if you value portability. If you plan on doing heavy-duty work, one with an external air compressor will suit you better.
2. Pilot Arc
The pilot arc is an important feature because you need to have a stable and consistent arc through long cutting stretches. Because of it, you can cut metal even if the torch’s tip isn’t touching it. It means you won’t have to do any cleaning. This can prove helpful when working with rusty materials or painted materials. You’d also want a pilot arc working with expanded steel.
3. Cut rating
When buying one, you need to consider the thickness of the materials you’re going to cut with it. Suppose you’re cutting thicker materials and your model has a poor rating. You won’t be able to get the quality results you want, much less make a successful cut. Or maybe you can, but you’ll have to work harder and spend more time doing it. Before you choose, measure the thickest piece you’re going to work on and choose a unit with a good rating to pull it off.
The three different ratings are:
Quality: The rating recommended for cutting thicker metals.
Rated This is recommended for high quality and precision work.
Sever: For use on very thick materials. These are slower and require more cleanups.
4. Precision
If you’re going to cut metal, you might as well do it with precision. You don’t want to cut something to make the final product appear sloppy and unrecognizable. If you want cleaner and smoother cuts, you need to have one with excellent quality.
Many factors determine the quality of the work. It includes the torch type, torch alignment, gas pressure and Flow, and Arc Voltage, among many others. Make sure to check the specs sheet for them before making a decision.
5. Portability
You want a portable and lightweight model if you’re going to bring it with you all the time. Preferably, you’d want something that doesn’t weigh over 50 pounds. But there’s a catch: most lightweight tools don’t have enough power to perform heavy-duty jobs. Having a more portable model can come in handy even if you work in industrial settings. It’s always nice to have something more lightweight when you have to perform small or moderately heavy-duty jobs.
The design and build of your tool also matter as far as portability is concerned. One that’s too bulky and heavy is a pain to carry. It also tends to get in the way.
6. Torch length
Cutting torches vary in length, and the recommended length depends on the types of projects you’re working on. If you want a torch that can perform common cutting jobs, you’d want something shorter. But if you’re working on jobs where you want to keep a safe distance from the workpiece, a longer torch is always ideal.
7. Input power
Last but not least, you want to get one with enough input power to get the job done. A typical model either uses 110 volts or 220 volts. You also want to pick one that meets the minimum requirements of the electrical outlet you’re planning to use.
