The Best Plasma Cutters
Cutting through metal can be a tricky undertaking without the proper tools. If your hobby or trade calls for consistent, accurate cuts into sheet metals, there are few tools more adept at tackling that challenge than the plasma cutter. By utilizing air and electricity, these machines excite electrons in compressed gas to create plasma, a state of matter that can slice through metal like butter. Here, we've rounded up the best plasma cutters on the market to help turn those exhausting tasks into an walk in the park.
Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Non-Touch Plasma Cutter
Slice and dice
The Lotos LTP5000D is a top performer for quick and accurate cuts in the realm of mid-duty metalworking jobs. When choosing a plasma cutter, the duty cycle is your key metric. Higher amperage translates to longer duty cycles, meaning you can get more work in before having to take a break to let things cool off. Better yet, the LTP5000D’s 50amp duty cycle is robust enough to efficiently slice through half-inch alloy steel thanks to the pilot arc technology. If you’re working metal for industrial art projects or reclaiming steel, you can’t go wrong with Lotos’ Non-Touch Plasma Cutter.
Pros:
- Small enough to easily fit on a workshop cart
- US-based company
- Spare nozzles and electrodes included
- Does not eat through consumables quickly
- Even cuts through lightly rusted metal
Cons:
- Awkward trigger placement
Lotos LT3500 35Amp Air Plasma Cutter
The cutting edge
If you’re looking for a low- to medium-power plasma cutter to use for scrap metal, the Lotos LT3500 fits the bill perfectly. Plasma cutters will rarely exceed half-inch thick cuts without breaking the bank, and doing so will usually bring you close to maximum power output. The LT3500’s severance cut, or maximum thickness that can be cut when starting on an edge, is 0.6 inches. That’s a truly remarkable feat, given its small stature. And, in addition to impressive power output, the LT3500 plugs into standard wall outlets. It boasts a robust cooling system, making it accessible to newbies just dipping their toes into the realm of plasma cutting.
Pros:
- The standard Type D plug means it’s compatible with nearly every air compressor
- At less than 20 pounds in weight, you can transport this option easily
- The pre-installed air filter to get you started in record time
Cons:
- The included ground cable is short, which can limit mobility
PrimeWeld CT520D Portable Plasma Cutter
Cut to the chase
Metal fabrication projects are rarely limited to cuts alone. Chances are high that you’ll eventually need to fuse together all that metal you’ve been gleefully cutting apart. So instead of purchasing several costly machines for all our metalworking needs, you might want to score this portable plasma cutter from PrimeWeld. The CT530D is a big hit for autobody shops and home repair tasks alike because of its easy setup, longevity, and versatility. For example, the unit can be switched to welding mode in mere minutes, allowing you to continue your project even more efficiently than with more expensive models.
Pros:
- Can weld continuously for approximately 10 minutes before overheating
- Can perform TIG welds for more precise joinings or stick welds for quick jobs
- The built-in inverter makes the unit great for jobs on the road
- The operation guide is easy to understand
Cons:
- No pilot arc included for rusty cuts
Reboot RBC-5000DL Plasma Cutter
Steel yourself
Plasma cutting can seem like a dangerous hobby to the uninitiated, and given the sheer force of the tool, it’s an understandable worry. Fortunately, Reboot’s RBC-5000DL Plasma Cutter is as safe (and powerful) as they come. This option is reinforced with hard plastic padding to prevent damage from bumps or falls and is securely packaged for accident-free delivery. Furthermore, the pilot arc makes cutting used metal a breeze. Instead of initially making direct contact with the surface, the plasma is blown from the nozzle to the metal in question. By not having to rely on the sheet of metal to start the cutting process, you’ll both save your nozzle from damage and enable cuts through rusty or otherwise dirty materials.
Pros:
- Includes pressure regulator, air hose, and earth clamp
- Can be easily converted from 110 volts to 220 volts for maximum thickness cuts
- Convenient PSI cutting guide included on the front plate
Cons:
- The unit may damage standard household outlets if used for too long
Hobart 500564 Airforce Plasma Cutter
Compact commercial cutting
Depending on your environment, lugging a heavy cutter around can be tedious and, in some instances, impossible. The Hobart 500564 Airforce Plasma Cutter is a brawny machine that you can take wherever the job calls. The 500564 is innovative in that the air compressor comes built-in, meaning all you need to worry about are your torch’s consumables and your accuracy. While Hobart can’t help with a shaky hand, the cutter features a much smaller head, meaning less of your torch is subjected to high temperatures, and your cuts come out much more precise than with larger, clunkier cutters.
Pros:
- No need to fine-tune air pressure settings
- Generates less slag while cutting, meaning less cleanup
- Reputable company
- Much quieter when compared to other plasma cutters and air compressor pairings
Cons:
- It’s a light-duty machine, so it won’t cut through thick steel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important factors to consider when purchasing a plasma cutter?
Determining the maximum cut thickness is arguably the most critical specification of a plasma cutter. Excluding higher-end models found in professional workshops, retail plasma cutters will max out around half an inch for severance cuts. That means, with the right amount of power, you can make some rough cuts through half an inch of steel.
Why should I purchase a plasma cutter with a pilot arc?
Pilot arcs are incredibly versatile tools that make plasma cutting significantly easier. Traditional torches need to physically be in contact with the plate you’re cutting to function. A pilot arc, by comparison, creates self-contained plasma within the torch and uses the attached air compressor to force the ionized air against the plate. If your torch is being worn down from slag or you find yourself cutting into rusted or painted metal frequently, the pilot arc cutter is a great alternative.
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