Best Plasma Cutters of 2017
Plasma cutters are versatile cutters that can cut just about anything and thus save you the stress of having to rummage through your tool box to find the appropriate tool for a task. These cutters are precise, smooth and maintain clean edges after cutting.
The early versions of plasma cutter productions were expensive and unaffordable for possession in regular homes and workshops. Now, these devices have become cheap and affordable. In addition, there have been many added features to the best plasma cutters to improve users’ experience. Plasma cutters are very handy tools and in these plasma cutters reviews, we aim to inform you about the best plasma cutters on the market.
Top Six Best Plasma Cutters
We took time to research the best plasma cutters on the market. We did this by reading lots of users and professional reviews, putting into consideration features like reliability, price, power and efficiency. Therefore, we recommend the following six plasma cutters.
6Ramsond CUT 50DX Plasma Cutter
This brand of plasma cutters is in its fourth generation already and it is more reliable than earlier models. If you need an inexpensive plasma cutter for odd jobs around the home, then this product is a good choice.
Features
The Rasmond CUT 50DZ Plasma cutter is an automatic Dual voltage and dual frequency of 110/220V and 50/60Hz. It has a digital display, which shows the current ins Amps and pressure gauge. It weighs 19lb with a dimension of 14.2 inches by 6 inches by 9 inches. Its use of digital inverter technology makes it light in weight.
This product has a Duty cycle of 60% and a maximum severance thickness of 1 inch. A maximum cut thickness of 3/4 inches gives you a clean and smooth cut. It requires an external air compressor. There is no other Plasma cutter, which offers as much quality for the same price as the Rasmond CUT 50DX Plasma Cutter.
- It can operate on two voltage levels
- It has a duty cycle of 60%
5Miller Plasma Cutter, Inverter, Spectrum 375
The Miller brand is a top-notch and versatile with lots of power. It’s a portable plasma cutter with automatic and smart features suited for cutting metals.
Features
The Miller Plasma Cutter is a 30 A rated output plasma cutter with an input voltage of 208/240V. It has a cutting thickness of 3/8 inches at 18 IPM. Its duty cycle is dependent on the amount of input voltage. It offers a duty cycle of 35% for an input voltage of 240V. An input of 120V at 20A gives a duty cycle of 20% and 35% for 120V at 15A.
An auto-line circuitry present in it ensures that this device auto adjusts to the power source. The plasma arc has an automatic re-fire design thus saving you a whole lot of time and stress. This unit is compatible with setups of 50/60Hz and receptacles of 115/230V.
- The automatic re-trigger design saves your time and energy.
- Its trigger head has an ergonomic design to help you cut with precision.
- It compensates for fluctuations in air pressure.
- It makes up to 15% of voltage spikes or drops.
- It is highly portable.
4Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Plasma Cutter
The Lotos LTP5000D Plasma cutter is one of the best Plasma cutters in the market. This cutter improves the life span of its consumables and gives good quality cuts.
Features
This Plasma cutter also operates as an automatic dual voltage and dual frequency unit. The use of a pigtail allows you to use this device on an input voltage of 220V for 50/60Hz or 110V for 50/60Hz. It gives a maximum cut thickness of 1/2 inches and maximum severance thickness of 3/4 inches.
This plasma cutter can cut copper, Aluminium and steel including stainless, mild and alloy steel. Its Non-touch Pilot arc technology cuts material without the device touching the material. This product is a top pick in many Lotos Plasma cutter reviews.
- It operates on two voltages for light and heavy-duty works.
- It has a cooling system.
- It is very portable.
- It comes with the necessary accessories to get you started.
32016 AHP Alphacut Plasma Cutter
This is a Plasma cutter with an impeccable quality and smart features. It is affordable and fits a DIY profile for light works.
Features
The 2016 AHP AlphaCut Plasma cutter provides a cutting power of 60A. At this amperage, it has a duty cycle of 60%. This plasma cutter operates on a dual voltage of 110V or 220V. It allows you to cut up to 3/8 inches when you operate it on 110V. An operation of 220V, on the other hand, gives you up to 1-inch cut.
Its Pilot arc has a blowback start technology. It gives a continuous pilot arc, which produces smooth cuts on expanded and painted metals.
- It operates on dual voltage.
- It is compact and portable.
- It is simple to use.
- This brand has a good customer service.
- It comes with the needed accessories.
2Hobart 500566 Airforce Plasma Cutter
Hosbart plasma cutters have a reputation of providing a solid service and this product is one of such. It is reliable and convenient for usage.
Features
The Hobart 500566 Airforce Plasma Cutter works on 220V input. It has an air compressor that is built-in and thus eliminates the need of keeping it next to a compressor. Its 50% duty cycle allows a maximum cutting thickness of 1/8 inches. For less warping, it has a small heat affected zone. You can conveniently tune the flame but the gas pressure settings are unavailable.
The pilot arc in the cutting arc starts small and does not require contact with the material. It has LED which alerts users on temperature, power and torch.
- It has a built-in air compressor.
- It is lightweight and portable.
- It is compatible with standard electrical feeds.
1Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 Plasma Cutter
This is an absolute beast of a machine, which can easily cut through steel. Once again, Hypertherm exhibits their sense of innovation with this plasma cutter.
Features
The Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 Plasma Cutter is an automatic machine that is compatible with any voltage level between 110V to 240V input using plug adapters. This allows you to use this plasma cutter for both light and heavy duty. It comes in a hard carry case with accessories like gloves, plug adapters, eye shields, shoulder straps and consumables. It provides as much as 5/8 inches cutting thickness.
It weighs 9.8Kg with a carry strap for easy portability. With its Duramax LT Torch design, this unit can thus withstand heat and impact.
- Its consumables are cheap.
- It is easy to operate.
- It is compatible with any standard electrical feed.
- Its cutting technology is top grade.
How To Buy The Best Plasma Cutter Under 500
Buying a plasma cutter can be a big investment. Therefore, it is important that you choose the right one. Here are the basic crucial features to consider when buying one.
Duty Cycle
This determines the period a plasma cutter can operate safely in an hour. It depends on the amount of amperage the tool draws and is expressed in percentage.
Consumables
Consumables wear out regularly and it is important to take their cost and lifespan into consideration. Some plasma cutter use consumables that wear out quickly than others. These types of plasma cutters are usually cheaper but are not cost effective because you will eventually spend more money at the end. It is better to choose plasma cutters, which utilises consumables efficiently throughout its lifespan.
Cutting Power
This has to do with the material thickness and speed of the plasma cutter. The power ratings of plasma cutters differ. Choose a plasma cutter that conforms to the task you intend to use it.
Kerf Width
The Kerf width has to do with the capability of a plasma cutter to produce fine cuts regardless of the size or location of the material. The best plasma cutters can suitably cut into small orifices.
Bevel
The bevel of a plasma cutter determines the smoothness and straightness of its cutting edge. Choose a plasma cutter with a good bevel to provide you with consistent and quality straight cuts.
Conclusion
The Plasma cutters reviewed above are unique cutters, which are consumers’ favourite with many recommendations. They can guarantee you amazing service and use. The best Plasma cutters are always handy to have, especially with the availability of cheap and good quality ones. They are cutting tool investments that are sure to last you a good number of years with quality service.
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