Best PLASMA CUTTERS Under $500 (Reviews) – How To Choose

2. AMICO Cut-50: Plasma Cutter Under 500

With the Amico 50Amp pro plasma cutter, you can cut stainless steel, copper, alloy steel, and other metal material. The machine has a meter attached to the front and a filter within. This plasma cutter is an advanced one made for high cutting performance, convenience, and easy cleaning.

It is ideal for small business projects and minor cutting jobs. An LCD style is included alongside a plastic handle for easy handling. It weighs about 31pounds and can be moved around the workspace. You can, now, work better, having less cleaning and maintenance to do.

3. SUNGOLDPOWER: Best for the money  

The SUNGOLDPOWER cut50 plasma cutter is an advance and superior machine with IGBT technology. It is stable and effective at high voltages, it switches speed comfortably, forwards resistance and temperature drift, and has the required heat dissipation level.

The machine is suitable for cutting carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, copper, aluminum, and other metallic surfaces whether rough, painted, or rusty. It is easy to operate, having an overcurrent and air pressure light indicator to keep you informed on the machine’s operating system.

4. Mophorn: Best Budget Plasma Cutter

Name a machine with a longer consumable life and excellent cutting quality, name Mophorn plasma cutter. This plasma cutter embedded with the non-touch pilot arc efficiently cuts through painted, rough, and rusty surfaces while producing minimal slag.

It is easy to set up, handle, and move around due to its compact size and portability. A wide range of applications is another advantage this plasma cutter has over others. It is suitable for sheet metal fabrication, automotive, repairs, site work, light industrial use, and maintenance services.

5. PRIMEWELD 3-in-1 50Amp Plasma Cutter

Here is unique multipurpose welding and cutting plasma machine. Its plasma cutter and welding stick work on a variety of metals and functions. PRRIMEWELD plasma cutter is reliable, cost-effective, safe, and user-friendly. Its 200 Amp welder consumes less energy and its plasma cutter does not make use of any flammable constituents that are hazardous. 

6. Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Handy System

This Hypertherm Powermax45 XP cutter, though expensive, is a quality plasma cutter. It’s a great machine that has earned a lot of accolades dues to its immense value and great output. It is worth the price since it cuts through metals easily as a hot knife cuts through butter.

Amazingly, it comes with a detailed instruction manual that gives information and guides on how to work one metal type and different thickness levels.

7. SUPER DEAL DC Inverter Plasma Cutter

The Super Deal plasma cuter is made exquisitely with the help of modern technology to provide the best experience when cutter metals on a professional level. This unit features a handy handle, slick design, continuous current regulation, and ease of usage.

Also, it’s high performing and durable plasma cutter. It has a digital display screen, an eco-friendly operation, and low energy consumption. This plasma cutter has a pilot arc system that helps you get a clean cut.

How To Choose The Best Plasma Cutter: Buying Guide

Plasma cutters are an efficient way to cut through metal sheets and aluminum with precision because they burn through the metal with plasma. With so many specifications and features of the plasma cutter in the market today, it can be tedious work trying to pick the best plasma cutter.

• Air compressor

Your needs are a priority when picking one of the best plasma cutters. When choosing a plasma cutter, you want a top-notch machine. Your need for a plasma cutter to manage smaller jobs will make you choose one with a built-in air compressor. The air compressor is what creates the plasma. It could be an external supply in contrast to the built-in air compressor. They both work well, choose that which is convenient for you.

• Pilot Arc

The latest brands and developments on the plasma cutter have featured a pilot arc. The pilot arc aids cutting without the tip of the torch striking the metal. It provides a stable cutting arc. However, this is not present in all plasma cutters. For convenience pick the plasma cutter with a pilot arc. However, plasma cutters without the pilot arc feature are relatively cheaper.

• Thickness of Metal

An important thing to note when picking one of the best plasma cutters is the thickness of the metal sheet that a plasma cutter can cut through. Only go for a machine that can cut through the maximum thickness you might have to cut through.

You’ll need a plasma cutter that can work productively for longer hours without overheating. Time will be wasted if you have to wait on a machine to cool off now and then. Therefore, consider the duty cycle of the plasma cutter before purchase.

• Voltage

The available voltage option is another point to note when picking the best plasma cutter. There are three voltage types: 120V, 240V, or a dual voltage. The 120V, being the smallest, it’s particularly useful for beginners and low scale cuttings say at home. The 240V would require a generator as opposed to the 120V that can be used in a standard power outlet. A plasma cutter with a dual voltage option would give you the luxury of switching between the plugs of both 120V and 240V.

• Portability

For portability, the weight of the machine matters. Its torch is an important aspect too. If your job requires constant mobility from one location to another, you might want to consider a light weighed plasma cutter. However, the heavier the machine, the more work it gets done. A lighter machine would not cut through a metal sheet as thick as a heavier machine would.

• Length of Torch

Consider the length of the torch too. A short torch in a large workspace would give unnecessary stress with moving the heavy machine here and there. With a longer torch, you can work in different areas of your spacious workspace without carrying the plasma cutter around.

• Cost

Finally, Note the cost and make sure it penny counts. The cost of purchase, maintenance, and operation. An expensive plasma cutter should have your desired features, quality, and merits. Plasma cutters with lower operating costs are great investments since the consumption rate is low: this saves you money.

How Does A Plasma Cutter Work

A plasma cutter works by sending an electric arc through a gas: oxygen, nitrogen, or argon. This gas passes through a sheet of metal or stainless steel to cut it open. The electric arc elevates the temperature of the gas to a state called the plasma, whose electrical conductivity is transfer to the metal to be cut. The nozzle through which the cutting gas passes is narrow, hence an increase in the speed of the passing air. This high-speed gas cuts through the molten metal sheet to create the designed opening. 

As a recent innovation, there is a pilot arc between the nozzle and the electrode that ionizes the gas to generate plasma before the arc transfer.

In simpler terms, a plasma cutter works by directing plasma through the creation of a circuit from the electrode to the metal sheet. The process of plasma cutting works only on electrically conductive materials using hot plasma.

How To Use A Plasma Cutter

A plasma cutter requires a petty level of technical skills. It is easy to operate. Having a suitable workspace and table or grate is relevant. This is to check for first before working. It allows for freedom of movement while cutting the metal. Ensure that the plasma cutter is plug into a power source. Check the built-in air compressor or attach the external one to avoid a decrease in the pressure of the gas while in the middle of work. Have I mentioned that a ground clamp is necessary? Attach the ground clamp and then turn on the plasma cutter.

Now, the plasma cutter is ready to be used. Select a desirable current where options are available. Be sure to keep the plasma cutter close enough to the metal while you activate the device using its trigger. All safety measures must be put in place to protect yourself from harm and hazards. Also, turn off the machine, disengage all extensions, wind up the hoses, and keep the machine in a safe place after use.

Final Verdict

Having gone through the eight plasma cutters and observing their relevant features and incredulity. There is no need to search any further. One of these could be the best plasma cutter for you. The detailed explanation has made it easier to choose from. Our favorite of the eight best plasma cutters were the LOTOS LTP5000D 50Amp Arc plasma cutter. With a 10-50Amp cutting range, a non-touch pilot arc, 110/220v, and a cut of up to 12” thickness alongside a considerable price, it wins the heart. It’s impressive, though not as perfect and heavy-duty as others, it is our favorite low-cost plasma cutter.

The PRIMEWELD 3-in-1 50Amp plasma cutter, being one of the best plasma cutters for professional cutting, is a shocker. It is a heavy-duty 3-in-1 cutter, incorporating a welding stick alongside a plasma cutter. This unit is rugged, durable, and versatile, yet portable, compact, and mobile. The higher the price, the more the quality seems to be right about this set. Though indeed expensive, it is a sure one-time investment that would yield you good fortunes. With all said, we hope you now have clarity and wouldn’t be confused the next time a plasma cutter purchase is to be made.