Plasma cutters have become a staple today in all welding industries which is why we have compiled this list so you can find the top-rated plasma cutter that fulfils your needs.
If you don’t have the time at the moment to actually go over this review at the moment of our 5 picks, we recommend that you take a look at the Hobart 500566 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter which is ergonomic and has wind tunnel technology.
If this isn’t enough to convince you, we recommend you keep reading to make the best decision and before you start reading, take a look at out our handy comparison chart as this will inform you regarding the basic features of each product.
| Top Rated Plasma Cutter | Features | Price |
| Hobart 500566 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter | The fan runs on Demand | 1200$ |
| Hypertherm Powermax30 XP Hand Plasma System | Rotating Torch Cap Holder | 1050$ |
| Miller Electric 907529 Plasma Cutter | Plasma Standoff Roller Guide | 800$ |
| Hypertherm Powermax 65 Hand System | Automatically adjust gas pressure | 750$ |
| LOTOS LT5000D 50A Air Inverter Plasma Cutter | Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology | 650$ |
First up on today’s list we have the Hobart 500566 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter which comes from a wide range of powerful and reliable Hobart models. This one guarantees a maximum cutting range of mild steel at 7/8 at a 50 per cent duty cycle. This might be a reason why this cuts way faster than oxy-fuel.
There is a cool feature in this product known as the Auto-Refire Technology and this basically allows the user to cut a number of different kinds of materials including coated surfaces and perforated ones. It works on 240 V input power and has a cool on-demand feature for its fan which only operates when it is needed. This is great for the overall health of your device as it will pull in less dirt with each run.
A feature that is seriously ignored by most handheld tools is the comfort as most welders and professionals will be using these for longer periods of time. This is why the ergonomic trigger safety feature in this device is much appreciated. This device also ensures more efficient air consumption and since it is a very versatile device, the Airforce 40i plasma cutter works just as well for personal usage as it does for heavy industrial users.
As we mentioned earlier, the on-demand fan feature is aided by the Wind Tunnel Technology that makes sure that all rough dust is kept away from internal components so that they are not damaged.
Pros:
- Faster than oxy-fuel
- Auto-Refire Technology
- The fan runs on Demand
- Ergonomic trigger safety
- Wind Tunnel Technology
- 240 V input power
Cons:
- None really
Hypertherm Powermax30 XP Hand Plasma System
The Hypertherm Powermax30 XP Hand Plasma System is up next on our list and it is a very versatile device as it is a very portable plasma cutting system which can handle quite a few kinds of tasks. It has a dual function design that ensures a high-quality capability to cut the thickest of metal and also comes with FineCut consumables that are just as good for intricate detailing of thinner metal. The 30 amp system is really versatile as it makes use of air or nitrogen to do all its cutting and works just as well on aluminium, stainless steel or electrically conductive metals which might be a bit trickier and potentially dangerous to work with.
This device comes equipped with a Circle Cutting Guide which lets the user do an easy setup of the plasma cutting torch and ensures a diameter of about 20-inch precise circles. The kit also contains many additional accessories which include an 11-inch arm, 4 suction cups, a plastic carry case, a rotating torch cap holder, a magnetic base, 2 metal wheels and adjustable axles.
The best thing about this device is that it has been engineered to ensure that it can withstand great amounts of impact and heat. It is also a great device for more inexperienced users as it is super user friendly and easy to use. It is also quite a lightweight device which not only makes it easy to take along anywhere you go but also makes it comfortable to use over time. It can cut almost all kinds of metals including even rusted and painted kinds and is made from really sturdy materials which can withstand any type of rugged environment.
Pros:
- Circle Cutting Guide
- Rotating Torch Cap Holder
- 2 Metal Wheels
- Adjustable Axles
- Magnetic Base
- 4 Suction Cups for Non-Metallic Material
- Plastic Carry Case
- Portable and lightweight
- Dual usage
Cons:
- No
Miller Electric 907529 Plasma Cutter
Next up we have the Miller Electric 907529 Plasma Cutter which is better known as the Spectrum 375 and this device is all about convenience as it is hooked up with a 12 feet long cord that allows the user to work around their workspace with ease and freedom of mobility. The longer cord will mean that the entire control of movement and your work is within your own hands and you won’t even have to worry about getting it tangled up or stuck.
When we meant convenience we were talking about how this device comes with variable plugs that allow you to change to your desired voltage as per your need so you can switch from 110 or 220. This can be done without having to manually adjust the wires again and again. This is a feature which allows you to save time as you work.
There is also a feature in this device known as the Auto Line Technology feature which allows the device to adapt itself automatically across a wide range of voltages. This, of course, means that instead of manually having to readjust the wires, you can just do it automatically.
However as the most buyer will agree, one of the best facts about this device is that it comes with the most range of additional and necessary accessories which include a swirl ring, 5 tips, a silicone grease, a 0 ring, 5 electrodes, a 10 compartment plastic storage box, an X-Case carrying case, a retaining cap, a Plasma Standoff Roller Guide, an Adaptor cord and an Xt30 torch.
Pros:
- 12 feet long cord
- Variable voltage plugs
- Auto-Line Technology
- 110 to 220 Volts
- Time-saving features
Cons:
- None really
Hypertherm Powermax 65 Hand System
Next up on this list, we have the Hypertherm Powermax 65 Hand System which is one of the most technologically advanced devices on this list as it makes use of something called a Smart sense Technology feature which automatically adjusts the gas pressure within the device.
This allows the device to harness insane amounts of power which helps you to accomplish a lot. There are not one but seven Duramax torch styles present with this design to allow for more versatility and to enable users to have that range to match up with the specific kind of project requirement.
As mentioned earlier, Smart Sense technology allows the cutter to automatically adjust gas pressure so that it matches the total length of the torch lead in a way that it suits the cutting mode. This is a sure-fire way to ensure that the performance is the best it can be at any given time.
However, that is definitely not all as the Hypertherm Powermax 65 is also famous for its Boost Conditioner. Now what this basically does is that it works to fix issues with power including fluctuating currents and low line voltage that comes up from a motor-generator.
A plasma cutter is known by its cutting ability and the Powermax 65 comes with a diverse thickness cutting range which is what allows it to cut from 1 inch all the way down to a thickness of 1.25 inches.
The Hypertherm Powermax 65 plasma cutter comes equipped with 4 lead styles and that is precisely what makes it such a great option for both industrial and domestic applications as it can handle both mechanized and handheld operations.
The only real downside we see to this device is that it is definitely on the more expensive end of products in its price range.
Pros:
- Amazing cutting ability
- Boost Conditioner
- Seven Duramax torch styles
- Automatically adjust gas pressure
- Smart Sense technology
- Various cutting ability
Cons:
- On the Expensive side
LOTOS LT5000D 50A Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
Lastly, on this list, we have the LOTOS LT5000D 50A Air Inverter Plasma Cutter, which is one of the strongest and most durable devices on this list especially as it is capable of providing users with both an affordable and compact package along with superior cutting performance.
The design on this innovative new model can be compared to the state of the art MOSFET transistors and it also is pretty good at providing a higher power output especially when it comes to thicker metal cutting but is equally as stable for the most intricate thin metal cutting.
It makes use of the powerful Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology which basically works by the main inverter power supply which generates powerful DC welding currents that get the job done.
While there are other more heavy-duty products on this list, the LT5000D is definitely more of a lightweight in the sense that it is made for home-based jobs and less demanding small business projects.
This air plasma cutter comes hooked with high speed and precision-based cuts that make it a lower cost option which of course makes it excellent again for small scale usage. This device is best for alloy steel, copper, aluminium, stainless steel, mild steel, and other metals regardless of whether they are painted or not. There is no denying that plasma-based cutting is more efficient and is also safer when compared with oxyhydrogen cutting.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Cuts all kinds of metal
- Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology
- State of the art MOSFET transistors
- Safer and more affordable
- Perfect for home users and smaller businesses
Cons:
- No
Buying Guide:
Now that you have given a good look over each of the 5 products that we chose to list out for you, the next step is to go through this list of important factors that must be taken into consideration when actually making your purchase.
Power Source:
As with any device, the kind of power source is very important and plasma cutters usually make use of either electricity or air pressure to get the job done. In order to figure out which kind it gets, you have to check what kind of jobs you will be doing.
Cutting Speed:
Most plasma cutters offer various kinds of cutting speeds so that you can have control as you work. With higher speeds, you may cut through the metal in one swift stroke and this, of course, makes your job faster. On the other hand, a slower speed will require more passes but will be more detailed.
Duty Cycle:
Next up we have what is called the duty cycle and this lets the user know you how long the plasma cutter can be used without it becoming potentially detrimental to your health. A factor like this depends on the amperage of the welder and you will generally find it on the box in the form of a percentage format.
Cut Quality:
Last but definitely not least you have to always consider the quality of the cut! This is important because this will allow you to work without having to eventually buff out the edges with a sander. The saddest part is that while most users keep the cutting abilities in mind, they usually do not even factor in the kind of cut quality that their device will provide them with. An easy way to look into this is to always buy a machine with higher amperage.