If you’ve previously used any plasma cutters or have some know-how about these helpers, you must be knowing what an air compressor is and what benefits does this provide.
Some plasma cutters come with a built-in air compressor feature which is more favourable for processing convenience whereas many others require air coming from an external air compressor.
A built-in air compressor is probably the best adaptation the manufacturers have made into plasma cutters. A built-in air compressor also provides you control over airflow while managing the reliability, weight, and portability of the plasma cutter.
The top pick for today is Hypertherm 088096 Powermax 30 AIR Hand System which has got a lot of impressive properties including lightweight, small size, 120v 240v dual voltage, and many other which are all great to have in a plasma cutter.
For your ease, here are some top picks for the best plasma cutters with a built-in air compressor, have a look to make a wise decision.
| Product | Features | Price |
| Hypertherm 088096 Powermax 30 AIR Hand System | Easy to set up and use Perfect and comfortable grip Dual 120V or 240V plasma cutter | 1000$ |
| Hobart 500564 Airforce 12ci Plasma Cutter | Built-in compressor 120-volt power Easy arc start | 800$ |
| Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter | Low-cost energy work Lightweight and portable Drag Torch technology | 650$ |
| Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i Plasma Cutter | Easy voltage switching Flexible for a variety of projects Fan on Demand | 500$ |
Hypertherm is a well-known brand for launching the best cutting technologies trusted by users. There is no wonder why the cutters by Hypertherm are highly appraised and the reason is, it solely focuses on quality and efficiency.
Features:
The 088096 Powermax30 comes in an ergonomic and compact size that is also lightweight at 35 pounds, to add more portability.
The Hypertherm Powermax30 is capable of producing enough amps to provide high capacity for precisely cutting even 1/4-inch thick plate of steel on 120V.
Furthermore, it’s offering dual 120/240 volt power input with auto-voltage technology.
Adding on, it also features a rugged torch made with high-quality material that can offer high resistance for heat and impact and cuts precisely and smoothly for the best of the expected results.
The features that make it most appraised plasma cutter include precise cuts, smooth edges, and high rating of inches per minute figures.
Now you can do more in less time. With the facility of a built-in air compressor, you’re always ready to work. Just plug, attach the work clamp, and you are all set to cut.
Verdict:
Hypertherm succeeds at providing the most efficient metal cutting through Powermax30 AIR plasma cutter. This cutter has got a lot of impressive properties including lightweight, small size, 120v 240v dual voltage which are all great to have in a plasma cutter.
Pros:
- Impressive cutting results
- Easy to set up and use
- Perfect and comfortable grip
- Dual 120V or 240V plasma cutter
- Storage case included
Cons:
- Home grade plasma cutter
Hobart 500564 Airforce 12ci Plasma Cutter
The Hobart is among well-established names in the professional welder’s market. The Hobart Airforce 12ci is known for great efficiency, quick cutting speed, heavy-duty cycle, and wonderful reliability.
Features:
The Hobart Airforce 12ci is conveniently lightweight and hence, portable. It’s highly efficient for households and workshop crafts as well as for professionals needs.
This cutter is capable of operating at 120 volts and comes equipped with an onboard air compressor that resolves the complexity of the operation.
Adding on, the Post-flow air control features help in flowing cool air over the cut while still saving the power.
The rated output of this Airforce 12ci is 35% duty cycle with 12 amps at 110VDC and a maximum of ¼ inch cutting capability.
The torch design is also ergonomic for keeping it aligned at the cutting angle to minimize the risk of errors and the operator’s fatigue.
The fine torch can cut 3/16-inches thick plate with ease and the 12-foot torch lead ensures the finest cuts with narrow kerf. Other than this, it offers a pilot arc startup with the auto-refire technology to help you in convenient cuttings.
Verdict:
Above mentioned features are more than enough to give you an idea about how conveniently favourable this plasma cutter is for the beginner and non-industrial use. It undoubtedly is a great plasma cutter to be included in the list of best plasma cutters with built-in air compressors.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor
- 120-volt power
- Easy arc start
- Post-flow air cooling after cuts
- Ergonomic torch design
Cons:
- Some complaints of low pressure
Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter
Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P plasma cutter is continuing the legacy of its manufacturer with its unmatched features. This cutter introduces Drag torch technology and is really small in size. Its functionality and extremely precise cutting enhance user experience.
Features:
Forney Easy Weld 251 plasma cutter comes with convenient features including a 13-inch cutting torch, 8inch ground clamp, and 1 additional electrode. This uses 1.5CFM of compressed air from the built-in air compressor.
It weighs only 21.5lbs making it easily portable and even easier to handle and operate. This machine is generator-free and operates on standard 120V making cutting really easy, efficient and smooth.
This machine uses Drag Torch Technology permitting to drag cutting tip in direct contact with the metal for smooth clean cuts. It is made entirely of metal making it really durable and indestructible.
It consumes relatively low energy making it’s operationally very low-costing on energy.
This can cut the different sheets up to ¼ inches thick, and aluminum sheet up to 3/16 inches thickness with a 35% duty cycle.
Verdict:
Quality is a thing that one must never compromise on while finding their desired products. This Forney plasma cutter with its exceptional characteristics and amazing features justify every cent you are going to spend while buying this. You must get this little plasma cutter for doing a whole bunch of things as per your requirement.
Pros:
- Low-cost energy work
- Lightweight and portable
- 12 months warranty
- Drag Torch technology
- Compact design
- User-friendly
Cons:
- No proper pilot arc
- No dual voltage capability
Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i Plasma Cutter
The Hobart Airforce 27i is another classical plasma cutter that comes up to the reputation of its manufacturer. It is capable of running at 120V to 240V power within its compact size. The high-trust, power, and reliability are its core markers.
Features:
Hobart Airforce 27i is a superior-level cutter for any plasma shop or the garage and is rightly sized at 32.1 pounds.
It provides the most convenient usability and comes as a ready-to-use unit that can cut through 3/8 inches thick sheets in just one pass.
This welder includes multi-voltage plug MVP that can connect to 120V or 240 volts power input and ensures easy finding of plug locations, and a quick change system that doesn’t require any tools.
Fan-On-Demand is another important feature of this plasma cutter that saves a lot of power by running only when needed.
Now you can get most precise cuts with a thinner kerf and very less slag that let you work without any stress. Also, the 12 feet long XT30R torch let you work favourably.
Verdict:
The Hobart Airforce 27i is surely an efficient welder one could ever own. It manages the maximum arc performance with its infinite wire feed control system that provides complete control over speeds for relatively less spatter. A great deal for so many good features!
Pros:
- Easy voltage switching
- Flexible for a variety of projects
- Fan on Demand
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Not for industrial use
A detailed Buying Guide:
A machine that claims the finest cut should have the ability to blast the plasma away from the cut, and for this, it requires a quality air compressor.
Plasma cutters with built-in air compressors are a bit expensive than others but surely worth it. Let’s see what a plasma cutter with a built-in air compressor should have to offer the finest cuts.
Power Source: If you’re planning to use a plasma cutter for general and small tasks, one with 120-volt power would be enough that can fairly cut up to 3/16-inch thick plate of steel. For heavier tasks, you can go for higher voltages or for dual voltage provider.
Duty Cycle: Duty cycle defines the continuous period of time for which a cutter can cut uninterruptedly. Again, it depends on need and usage. For an idea, let’s say, a 35% duty cycle would offer over 3 minutes of steady cutting and then it’d need to cool down.
Warranty Length: Warranty matters a lot when you are buying an appliance that may not work the way you expect it to do. A longer warranty usually demonstrates the manufacturer’s trust in its product. For the plasma cutters with built-in compressor, a warranty of 2 or 3 years is fine although some brands are offering even longer warranties. Also, check for the details of a warranty for the areas it is covering. Moreover, some manufacturer’s also offer extended warranty and know that spending extra dollars on the warranty is always worth it.
Advanced Technology: Some features are worth spending on whereas some are totally a waste to pay for. This is why you should carefully choose the selection of advance features according to the price and need. For instance, Drag cutting technology facilitates you with the automatic dragging of the torch to start the arc. This feature resolves the difficulty associated with handling and setting the torch. Going for more automatic or smart settings would always add convenience but the limit would be defined by you.