The plasma cutting is the process of using electronically ionized gas i.e., plasma to cut through electrically conductive materials. This technique can be used to cut through metals like copper, aluminum, stainless steel, brass and iron. The plasma cutters prove to be excellent productivity boosting tools.
It can be a daunting job to pick a plasma cutter with perfectly fulfills your needs. There may be various considerations for choosing a plasma cutter. You can take a look at the three basic aspects as discussed below:
- Material Construction: Ideally, a plasma cutter is built to last longer. It is essential to check the materials used in the making of such tools. Generally, decent quality plasma cutters are made up of steel or iron or metal construction. These materials ensure long-lasting use and also make sure you need not replace it frequently. The solid construction ensures great versatility and durability.
- Power Source: Generally, the plasma cutters are designed to work on an AC input power source. They can work at AC 110V/120V or 110/220V. Some models come equipped with automatic dual voltage power source. It is easy to switch input power based on power needs. This switching of power allows plug and play in different environments
- Duty Cycle: The plasma cutters can perform under a specific load for a particular period. A lower duty cycle ensures optimal performance for a limited duration. However, for heavy-duty projects, a plasma cutter with a 50-60% duty cycle is enough.
Apart from the above factors, you should also consider consumables included, portability, safety gears, accessories, versatility, durability, and price. You can go through our “Buying Guide” for a detailed understanding of these factors.
Read the details of the best plasma cutters discussed below:
Best Plasma Cutters
7 Best Plasma Cutters Reviews
1. S7 Plasma Cutter
CUT50 plasma cutter is a powerful tool known for effortlessly cutting through metal. It uses advanced technology to easily cut through metal up to 20mm thick.
This plasma cutter gives a smooth cut, so you don’t need to smooth it out after. It has a simple interface and lightweight, portable design increase its attractiveness and guaranteeing mobility and ease of use. Whether you’re experienced in metalworking or just getting started, using the cutter is simple. Just follow a few straightforward instructions to set it up and begin cutting.
Using this tool requires being careful and following safety rules like wearing the right protective gear, making sure there’s enough fresh air, and following the safety instructions.
What We Liked About It
- Powerful cutting ability through various metals.
- Precision leading to a smooth cutting finish.
- Easy setup and use, suitable for all skill levels.
- Reliable and durable, passing rigorous testing.
- Overall efficient and user-friendly experience.
What We Didn’t Like About It
- Emphasized need for strict safety precautions during use.
2. Lotos Plasma Cutter
LTP5000D Plasma Cutter is strong, reliable, and easy for people to use. This can cut easily even if the surface is not smooth or has paint or rust. You don’t have to touch the metal directly for it to work.
It makes cutting objects simple, and the cutter lasts a long time, so you don’t frequently need to buy replacement components. In the long term, that saves you money.
The gauge and controls at the front help you set the air just right, which is important to cut things accurately and cleanly.
This cutter is good for all kinds of cutting jobs. It can cut metals like stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, copper, and aluminum. It’s like a multi-tool for cutting different stuff.
What We Liked About It
- 25% more cutting power.
- Non-touch pilot arc for easy cutting.
- Quick setup within a minute.
- Front-mounted regulator for control.
- Versatile cutting abilities.
- Comprehensive warranty.
What We Didn’t Like About It
- Specify additional features.
3. HEROCUT Plasma Cutter
HEROCUT CUT35 110V Plasma Cutter blends power, reliability, and user-friendliness. It easily cuts through many materials with a strong 35A current and clean 6mm thickness, making it a versatile tool for many uses. Notably, this can achieve a maximum cutting thickness of 10mm, showcasing its versatility.
The design of the Plasma Cutter focuses on making it easy for users to set up and use. This has a display showing the current and an air gauge right on the panel, making it easy to watch and get precise cuts.
It is easy to carry and move around because it’s small and light, which makes it even more appealing. It’s good for people who want a reliable and efficient plasma-cutting experience.
What We Liked About It
- Experienced in industry.
- Efficient IGBT technology.
- Versatile cutting capacity.
- User-friendly and portable.
- Monitoring features included.
- Solid warranty support.
What We Didn’t Like About It
- Clarify warranty details.
- Highlight additional features
4. Reboot Plasma Cutter
Reboot is a versatile plasma cutter to cut a wide range of materials.It can work with different types of power (110V or 220V), so it’s good for many places. This cutting thickness of 1/2″ (12mm) on 220V and 3/8″ (9mm) on 110V positions it as a tool for various cutting applications.
Plasma Cutter has a screen that shows important information. It helps you see and control the cutting process better, making sure you get accurate cuts. Furthermore, its compact and lightweight design allows for convenient transportation and maneuverability.
It is used for many things, like cutting metal for cars or fixing things. This tool embodies adaptability and power, making it an ideal choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its ease of use and portability are a bonus, adding to its appeal for a broad spectrum of cutting needs.
What We Liked About It
- Versatile option – can be used for cutting a wide range of materials
- Dual voltage support
- Rated duty cycle of 60% at 50A and 100% at 35A
- Great value for money
- Long warranty period
What We Didn’t Like About It
- Have to turn the machine off and back on to restart the arc
- User manual is not clear
5. Bestarc Plasma Cutter
Bestarc, a plasma cutter is powerful, dependable, and easy for users to all about delivering the best.
The pilot arc function in Cutter is a feature. It lets you start cutting without touching, reducing contamination risk and making your parts last longer. The digital screen display enhances user convenience, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment during the cutting process.
This is easy to handle, being light and portable. No heavy lifting, easy to move around your workspace! It is a jack-of-all-trades, ideal for working with sheet metal, fixing cars, or sprucing up your home.
Stay safe and get the best from this tool by wearing safety gear, keeping your material clean, using the correct torch parts, and cutting carefully.
What We Liked About It
- Enhances efficiency and consumable life.
- Allows real-time monitoring for precise cuts.
- Ensures powerful and efficient cutting.
- Lightweight, portable, and easy to use.
What We Didn’t Like About It
- None mentioned in the provided information.
6. Hynade Plasma Cutter
Hynade’s Plasma Cutter is a testament to offering control and performance for professionals. Its dual voltage input (115/230V) offers versatility, compatible with a wide array of power sources. The cutting sparkles without touching, which keeps it clean and makes the cutter last longer.
The lightweight and portable design amplifies its usability, allowing for easy movement and application in various workshop settings.It is a versatile tool, perfect for various tasks like working on metal sheets, fixing cars, or doing home improvements.
The combination of dual voltage input, high-frequency arc starting, and portability renders it capable of handling a spectrum of cutting tasks.
What We Liked About It
- Compatible with various power sources (115/230V).
- Enables cleaner cuts and prolongs consumable life.
- Lightweight and portable, ensuring easy use and mobility.
- Ideal for sheet metal fabrication,
- automotive repair and home projects.
What We Didn’t Like About It
- No specific drawbacks mentioned.
7. Flaring Plasma Cutter
If you are looking for a tool that can work on DIY plasma cutting projects, then go for this Flaring Plasma Cutter. It is famously recognized as a non-touch cutting tool as it cuts through the metal without touching it. The power efficiency is excellent and the cutting process is flawless.
Made up of steel, this Flaring Plasma Cutter offers great durability. Even after many years of use, there is no severe effect on its build quality. It works on AC 110V & 220V, 50Hz/60Hz power source, thanks to its IGBT based inverter technology. The duty cycle is 60% at max amperes on all processes. The tool boasts 80% power efficiency.
Depending on the input AC supply, the DC Output current varies from 10A – 50A for 220V input and 10A – 35A for 110V input.
Generally, it is recommended for use on carbon steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminum but can be used on rusted and painted surfaces as well. The maximum thickness of the metal depends on the input
With the help of this 50A plasma cutter, you can create short work of different metals up to 0.5-inch thickness. Due to low energy consumption, there is a reduction in the operation cost.
What We Liked About It
- The excellent power efficiency of 80%
- Weighs 22 lbs. so great portability
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Safe and user-friendly operation
- Set up is easy and quick
What We Didn’t Like About It
Things To Consider Before Purchasing The Best Plasma Cutter
Before proceeding for the purchase of a plasma cutter, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at the below section:
1. Power input
The plasma cutters usually work on an AC input power source. Most of them can work at AC 110V/120V or 110/220V. In some plasma cutters, you may find the automatic dual voltage power source. It becomes easy to change the input power depending on the power needs. Consequently, with the effortless switching of power, you can operate a plasma cutter in plug and play method.
Before purchasing, make sure your workshop has 110V or 220V outlets. Moreover, you must make sure your breakers have enough amps to endure the amperage of the unit as well as the compressors.
2. Duty cycle
The duty cycle is one of the most important aspects you need to keep in mind for the plasma cutter. In simple terms, it denotes the ability of the plasma cutter to perform under a specific load for the specific time duration.
For purchasing a high-performance plasma cutter, you need to look at the average thickness that it could cut. For example, an efficient plasma cutter can make a 0.25-inch cut. Pushing beyond this limit may make you compromise on the accuracy and the neatness of the separation.
Generally, a lower duty cycle suggests optimal performance for a limited time duration. Once this duration is complete, the performance may degrade and it will take more time to complete your project. On the other hand, for heavy-duty projects, a duty cycle of 50-60% will be enough. In the above discussion, most plasma cutters come with a duty cycle of 60% at 50 Amp.
3. Consumables
A standard plasma cutter system utilizes five different consumables. They are the shield, swirls ring, retaining cap, electrode, and nozzle. The shield protects the rest of the consumables from molten metal and sparks. In case you don’t have much experience with such machines, go for a drag shield. The retaining cap retains the consumable stack collectively.
The nozzle focuses the plasma arc. The nozzle’s size plays a key role in focusing the arc. The electrode can conduct the current from the torch to the plate. Moreover, they complete the electric circuit. The swirl ring steers the gas in different directions from the plasma cutter and takes it down to the torch. It is known that this consumable prevents the combustion of the nozzle.
4. Portability
The need may arise to use a plasma cutter in different locations. It implies that mobility is a necessary feature that you must look for in a plasma cutter. Certain aspects significantly impact the portability of a unit. One of the most influencing aspects is the weight. Make sure your chosen plasma cutter is not too heavy.
Most manufacturers mention weight in the product specification of the plasma cutters. In addition to weight, you can also look for the inclusion of shoulder straps or built-in handle. They enhance the portability and let you use the tool with great convenience.
5. Accessories
Your chosen plasma cutter must come with the appropriate accessories that allow you to work easily and safely. While working on a plasma cutting project, you definitely need a proper helmet to protect your eyes. The gloves protect your hands. In the absence of these accessories, you may hurt yourself while working.
When working on plasma cutting projects, it is important to wear a leather jacket. It protects your clothes and skin against sparks. If you do not put on thick leather then all your clothes will have holes developed inside. A head beanie is a useful accessory that protects you from burning the top of your head. A cart is a useful accessory when you want to frequently move your plasma cutter.
6. The versatility of cutting
Before proceeding for the purchase, get enough details on what can a plasma cutter cut through. Most plasma cutters can cut through any electrically conductive materials. The reason is there needs to be a complete electric current returning to the unit through the ground clamp and the work piece.
A decent quality plasma cutter can flawlessly cut through stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, etc. The versatility of cutting helps you to use the same plasma cutter for different projects. Furthermore, you also need to keep an eye on the thickness of the material it can cut through.
Plasma Cutter – FAQs
When deciding to invest in a plasma cutter for your shop or garage, it is essential to look at a few essential things. The decent quality plasma cutters are recommended to ensure flawless cutting experience on different metals. The problems with cheap plasma cutters are they do not deliver the efficient output and may break after a few uses. Though it may be a bit expensive to buy a quality plasma cutter, it ensures saving in time, money, and physical efforts.
Plasma cutting is a method of cutting through metal. It is an effective cutting method that is being adopted by people working in industries and construction sites. Even a DIY enthusiast or small construction business holder finds plasma cutting useful in their workshop. This cutting method ensures flawless cutting on different metal with different thicknesses.
Every plasma cutter benefits you with versatile cutting, efficiency, speed, and precision. You can cut many different metals with varying thickness. t is always worth adding a plasma cutter to your tools and equipment set. Generally, the running costs of these tools are low. So, it is good to invest in such tools, chiefly if you are a professional. Some plasma cutters can even work as welding tools.
A plasma cutter may be used for cutting metal sections to mend cracked trailer frames, cutting metal to specific lengths, building trailers, custom BBQ building, building custom fences, metal sculptures, cutting tubing for custom roll cages, mobile car dismantling, and many more.
One of the largest limitations of plasma cutters is they cannot be used for cutting non-conductive materials like plastic and wood. Whenever there is no electric current returning to the unit from the workpiece, no power is available for the plasma stream. One more reason why plasma cutters cannot be used for plastic or wood is that the heat that these tools generate can damage the non-conductive materials.
It is advisable to buy a high-end plasma cutter to derive the long-term value. If you buy a cheaper cutter then you cannot get optimal quality, power, and durability. The choice for cheap plasma cuter depends on your unique needs. For example, if you require a machine to cut two inches of a 0.25-inch sheet once a week then it is fine to buy a cheaper plasma cutter. But in case you want to use it extensively and regularly then cheap plasma cutter is not a good option.
Conclusion
When choosing a suitable plasma cutter, not just the efficiency of cutting but the versatility and durability too matters a lot. These discussed plasma cutters are equipped with the capability to cut different metals with different thicknesses. Their versatility makes them famous.
The Coral plasma cutting machine is well-known for premium quality construction, superb cutting thickness, portability, and wide applications. The Lotos Plasma Cutter excels in terms of multipurpose functionality, durable metal construction, effortless cutting mechanism, and quick cutting process.