The 6 Top Rated Plasma Cutters You Can Buy – 2022 Reviews & Comparisons

Cons

One of the biggest cons of owning a plasma machine is the fact that they are specialized machines. If you don’t do a lot of material cutting, you may not be sure if buying one is the right option. If you saw through metal, say, once every two months, the cost and effort of choosing, buying, and setting up a machine with a single function may not be worth it.

Another con is the fact that it can be expensive equipment. If you do a lot of metal cutting, however, this initial cost can be spread out over the long term, especially since consumables are typically affordable and long-lasting. In fact, in the long run, they may work out to be more affordable than grinder or hacksaw blades.

When you cut through metal, the torch tends to create a warmth-affected region, which may harden the edges of the cutting surface. The heat also forms dross when molten metal re-solidifies around the perimeter of the cut. With basic add-on equipment, however, you will be able to get rid of any dross easily.

If performance is what you need, look no further than the Powermax45. This unit can cut through 1/2” steel at 20 inches per minute without ever needing a cool-down period. This high-quality machine provides you with complete torch control while making neat and precise metal cuts.

According to reviews, buying this model is a long-term money saver, despite its high price tag. The Powermax45’s saving grace is the fact that it is incredibly economical in terms of consumables. The consumables themselves are also much more affordable than those of most other units.

This torch is ideal for projects across the entire spectrum of applications. It features three primary modes: continuous pilot arc, non-continuous pilot arc, and gouging for punching holes. Whether you are a serious handyman or professional metal fabricator, the Powermax45 will get the job done.

Want to learn more? Check out our full review here.

This lightweight falls within the same price category as the Powermax45. There are some differences that you should take into consideration, however.

Firstly, the Miller 625 is fitted with auto re-fire, which means that you can cut grates and perforated materials. You also get a cutting thickness of 5/8″ which is a little more than the Powermax45’s ½”. It also weighs 21 lbs, which is 16 lbs lighter than the Powermax45.

Many users noted that one of the drawbacks of this otherwise high-end unit is that it goes through consumables at a higher rate than the first model on our list. The cuts it produces, however, are neat with almost no dross.

This highly portable product is perfect for the light metal fabricator on the go. This 120v unit can cut metal with a width of up to 1/8” and features high-end inverter technology to maximize performance. Another big plus is the fact that the 12ci doesn’t require an air compressor.

As you can see, the 12ci’s appeal is that you can take it anywhere. Although it’s not as powerful as the other products listed here, it is perfect for precise and small jobs. People that have been using this model for some time generally agree that the 12ci provides excellent value for money.

Want to learn more? Check out our full review here.

The 40i brings a wide range of appealing features to the table. If you are in the business of cutting thicker steel sheets, this is the plasma machine for you.

This unit can cut steel widths of up to 5/8”. According to some reviewers, if you are willing to spend more time, you can increase this to around 7/8”. At a thickness of 5/8”, your duty cycle is 50%, rendering it an excellent system for the industrial steel fabricator.

Concerning project time, you can expect this plasma cutter to work through 14 inches per minute if the sheet is ½” thick. This unit is comparable to the Miller 625. If you don’t need the auto re-fire and portability, however, the 40i may offer you better value for money.

If you are looking for a high-quality, affordable machine capable of performing clean and precise light metal cuts, consider the LTP5000D. This unit from Lotos has an array of features, rendering it a high-value addition to the home workshop.

This solid plasma cutter is fitted with a pilot arc, allowing you to cut dirty or rusty steel with a thickness of up to ½”. For optimal portability, it is fitted with a comfortable handle and weighs a mere 26 lbs. You also get a dual voltage capability of 110v and 220v, which means you can use it almost anywhere.

Many novice reviewers found the LTP5000D easy to set up and use, so if you are a hobbyist or casual metal worker, this torch cutter may be ideal for you.

If your business is looking to upgrade your existing steel cutting equipment, consider this phenomenal product from Hypertherm: a popular 65A plasma torch with the ability to cut through a thickness of 1” and a severance ability of 1 ¼”.

Since the Powermax65 has high-quality cutting abilities and immense power, it is perfect for industrial and heavy-duty applications. In fact, you can find this model in use at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Of course, many reviewers have found it to be the best addition to their home workshops as well.

This plasma system weighs 65 lbs and is not as portable as the other units on this list. Since it offers a 25-foot range, chances are you will be able to use it anywhere in your workspace without ever having to move the unit around.

The power you need from your plasma cutter depends on the type and thickness of the metal that you want to cut. A unit’s power output is significant in determining its cutting ability and cut quality. Power output also affects the model’s duty cycle.

Run of the mill units that you may typically find in home workshops run off standard 120v, 15A outlets. High-performance or industrial torches, however, require 20A or even 50A and 220v to perform efficiently.

The first step in determining your power needs is to consider the thickness of the metals that you typically work with. While plasma machines can cut anything conductive from copper to stainless steel, there are some things to consider in purchasing. A 25A plasma torch will work perfectly for anything up to ¼”. For metals up to ½” thick, don’t go below 40A, and when it comes to cutting 1” sheets, buy a machine with an amperage of 60A or more.

The next step is to ascertain what type of power you have available in your workshop or home. To cut metals that are ½” or thicker, you may need a 220v outlet. Consult with your electrician to ensure that your power infrastructure will be sufficient to support a plasma cutter.

Power output determines the unit’s input power. Although it is important that you buy a cutter with sufficient power for your needs; overspending on too much power may be unwise.

Finding the balance between cost and value can be a challenge. You don’t want to spend more than you have to. On the other hand, you also don’t want to end up with a product that you can’t use effectively.

As a general rule, it is important to determine what you specifically need from your plasma cutter. Then, make a list of models that meet and maybe even exceed your requirements to a small extent. This will ensure that you are never limited in terms of performance without going overboard.

Compare similar systems with each other and try to eliminate unnecessary features and accessories that add to the price. For example, if portability is not a priority to you, don’t pay more for an expensive, lightweight unit. In the same vein, hobbyists typically use their cutters for shorter periods of time and should opt for 35% duty cycles rather than more expensive 50% models.

It is important to remember that initial costs should not be the only consideration. The rate at which a machine wears out consumables can contribute to running costs. To save money in the long run, it may be worth your while to pay more up front for a system that uses consumable economically.

As a novice steel fabricator, your needs may differ from those of industrial entities. If you are a hobbyist, artist, or DIY enthusiast, chances are that you will never need a high-performance model with an amperage of 80A or more. If you do, it is important to determine this beforehand.

Again, it is critical that you evaluate your needs and unique requirements before buying a unit. Buying something on impulse can cause you to end up with a cutter that is complex and difficult to use. Even if you have the means to pay a premium price, remember that a product that is too far over the top may be just as difficult to use as a poor-quality or underperforming unit.

For a beginner, there are mainly two aspects to consider.

• First, check the machine’s power output. This will ensure that you can cut the metal types you want and that you have sufficient width cutting ability.
• Also, make sure that you buy a high-quality torch that is durable. Beginners often make the mistake of thinking they don’t have to prioritize quality. Purchasing a plasma machine with a long lifespan will ensure optimal value for your money and can be incredibly rewarding in the long haul.

Consumables are all the parts of your unit that wear out with time. There are mainly five consumable components that contribute to plasma cutting:

• the electrode,
• shield,
• retaining cap,
• nozzle and
• swirl ring.

The shield is a consumable that protects the other consumables from molten metal and sparks.

The retaining cap keeps the consumable stack in place, and the swirl ring directs the gas from the machine through the torch.

The nozzle and electrode are the consumables that wear out the fastest. The nozzle concentrates the plasma arc and funnels the gas flow. The electrode current completes the electric current from the torch to the plate.

Every model has its own combination and types of consumables and accessories, each with their own cost. It is, therefore, important to ensure that the unit you are considering is compatible with consumables that are readily available and affordable. If possible, choose a cutter that wears consumables out at a reasonable rate.

An air compressor is another part that you require for the cutting process. Some systems have a compressor included, but if this is not the case, you have to add an external compressor.

Compressed air flow forms the essence of a plasma cutter’s mechanism. A high-quality air compressor will ensure that your cuts are neat and that your consumables last longer. It is just one of a number of accompanying accessories to improve you plasma cutter.