Looking to start plasma cutting and wondering if you can get a good quality machine for under 1000 dollars?
Well, I’ve got some great news for you – you absolutely can find one of these machines that will produce a great cut without breaking the bank.
I’ve tested a large number of budget models from the instructions to the first cut and I’ve narrowed it down to a list of 11 for you to choose from.
I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each machine and what you need to know to ensure that you get the knowledge that you need to choose a plasma cutter for your projects.
Best Plasma Cutters Under 1000$ Comparison Table
| Cutter image | Name | Specials | Voltage inputs | Output | Maximum Cut Thickness | Welding Process | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YESWELDER CUT-55DS | Get 10% Off With Coupon: "-10 WELDPROS" | 110V/230V | 55 A | 1/2" cut and 3/4" max severance cut | Plasma Cutting | Check Current Price |
 | Everlast SuperUltra 206Si 200 Amp | 110V/220V | Plasma cutting: 50A, TIG: 200A, Stick: 160A | 3/4″ maximum cut | Plasma/TIG/Stick | Check Current Price | |
 | Weldpro 60 Amp Inverter | 110V/220V | 60 A | 0.787in maximum cut | Plasma Cutting | Check Current Price | |
 | Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp | 110V/120V | 50 A | 1/2 inch clean cut and 3/4in maximum cut | Plasma Cutting | Check Current Price | |
 | Reboot Plasma Cutter Non Touch 50 Amp | 110V/220V | 50 A | 1/2 inch clean cut and 3/5 in maximum cut | Plasma Cutting | Check Current Price |
Best Plasma Cutters Under 1000 Reviews
Most of the machines present below will be excellent for both novice and experienced welders/metalworkers. The price range of about $1000 is quite high, and you should expect decent performance with any machine selling in that range.
Some machines are better, while others are more affordable. But there are gems out there like YesWelder that manage to combine quality and affordability too. So make sure you check out every machine below in order to find a perfect blend of features, quality and cost for you.
1. YesWelder CUT-55DS Plasma Cutter
My best plasma cutter under 1000 dollars choice has to be the YesWelder CUT-55DS. It’s not the cheapest choice in this review but it is the best value. It is incredibly easy to set up and you should be up and running with it in less than a minute!
The dual voltage input is very handy – I like to be certain that you can just plug a product in and rely on it to work. Some cheap plasma cutters only have a single voltage input and may not work everywhere. The less there is to go wrong out of the box, the better.
The Papst Advanced Cooling System keeps the YesWelder machine operating very effectively, indeed, and it’s a very safe model (for plasma cutters) to use too.
I like the fact that it’s a non-touch pilot ARC system that means you can just get the torch into an approximate position to fire the main ARC and you won’t need to adjust things very much at all.
Finally, the really important thing is, of course, the cut, and I found that this will happily slice through 1/2″ of metal cleanly. For this price, you simply can’t go wrong. More on this machine.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Non-touch cutting method
- Dual input voltage for versatility
- Best plasma cutter under 1000 and in its price range in general
- Has a lot of power
- Works on air consumption
- Comes with 13ft pilot arc torch cable, 10ft work lead, air filtration systems (air regulator/ air filter), air hose and consumables
- A smooth cutting process
- Very simple to use at a push of a button with a screen for amp reading
- Comes with a comprehensive instruction manual
- Lightweight and portable
- Works on inverter technology IGBT
Cons
- The display could be bigger in size
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cutting Thickness: metal – 1/2 inch clean cut and 3/4in maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum, alloy steel etc.
- Input Voltage:110/230 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: 55A
- Rated Output: 55 A @ duty cycle 60%
- Weight: 34 lbs.
- Specifications Dimensions: 16 x 6.29 x 11”
2. Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter
Another solid model with lots of positive plasma cutter reviews on Amazon.com is the Lotos LTP5000D. It’s cheap enough that you could buy two of these for $1000 and that’s excellent value.
These plasma cutters are also based on a non-touch pilot ARC system and I think that if you don’t have a huge amount of experience with plasma cutting, you will really appreciate this feature – it just makes cutting so much easier plus it can painted metal or rusty with minimal slag.
You’ll find that this model is easy to set up as well and it supports dual voltage. You can get a 1/2″ clean cut from the Lotos LTP5000D too. The fact that it uses compressed air is a nice touch, it keeps your running costs to a minimum.
The only real downsides of owning this model of plasma cutter are that it’s an older machine (released in 2016) with no direct upgrade path and that there’s no post-warranty support from the manufacturer.
I’m not expecting miracles but I would like a servicing center that you could pay for repairs if anything goes wrong a bit farther down the road. Nonetheless, this is an excellent choice.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Affordable choice
- A lot of power with high maximum cut
- Great duty cycle
- Lightweight and portable plasma cutter
- Pilot arc
Cons
- Older model machine
- Not great support
- Not meant for heavy use
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cutting Thickness: metal – 1/2 inch thick clean cut and 3/4in maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum etc.
- Input Voltage:110/220 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: 50A
- Rated Output: 50 A @ duty cycle 60%
- Weight: 19.4 lbs.
3. Lotos LTPDC2000D Plasma Cutter
This is a combination product that offers more than most plasma cutters, it also has support for TIG and stick welding which justifies the slightly higher price tag in my book.
For the purposes of this review though I’d best stick to the plasma cutter functionality and I like the fact you’ve got a non-touch plasma arc torch and that you’ve got a dual voltage input.
A big selling point of this machine is that you can try with confidence.
Lotos is happy to give you your money back if you buy it and don’t like it, as long as you ask for a refund within 30 days. That’s a really nice touch.
There is also a 1-year warranty but I have to wonder if the post-warranty support is any better on this model than the other one, and I doubt it will be.
You also get most of the consumables that you need in the box and all the functionalities are easy to set up and easy to work with. If you want combo plasma cutters with other forms of welding support – this is the best way to do it.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Affordable choice
- A lot of power with high maximum cut
- Great duty cycle
- 3 in 1 combo machine
- Portable
- Comes with consumables
Cons
- Not meant for heavy use
- A bit heavy
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting, TIG and Stick.
- Cutting Thickness: metal – 1/2 inch clean cut and 3/4in maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum etc.
- Input Voltage:110/220 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: Plasma cutter: 50A, TIG: 200A, Stick: 200A
- Rated Output: Plasma: 50 A @ duty cycle 60%, TIG: 200 A @ duty cycle 60%, Stick: 200 A @ duty cycle 60%
- Weight: 43 lbs.
4. PRIMEWELD CUT60 Plasma Cutter
One of the best-looking plasma cutters that I got to test was the PRIMEWELD CUT60.
Their customer service is also a cut above the rest and if you need to get in touch with them about the quality of cut you’re getting, they’ll be happy to walk you through how to get the most of out this plasma cutter. One of the reasons why it is among the top picks.
Having said that though, if you want to buy consumables, you’re pretty much on your own – their website isn’t great for offering replacements and you’ll need to go elsewhere for them.
This isn’t the end of the world but it would be a nice touch and let you keep your focus on cutting rather than hunting around on the internet.
The IPT-60 torch that they supply is a standard model and it provides a solid cut when you’re working within the limitations of this plasma cutter. The 60 amp power rating will see you slicing through steel at 1/8″ like it was butter.
My biggest criticism is of the instruction manual which is dire, the English used does not make the cut at all. This is a great air plasma cutter under 1000 dollars which is let down by the attention to detail on the small things.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- A lot of power. Not often you see this much power in consumer level cutter
- Great duty cycle
- Dual voltage
- Pilot Arc
- 7 days a week available customer support
- 3 Year warranty
Cons
- Their website doesnt clearly state the specifications
- Poor instruction manual
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum, Steel alloy etc.
- Input Voltage:110/220 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: 60A.
- Rated Output: 60 A @ duty cycle 60%.
5. Razorweld JRWPC45LT Plasma Cutter
If you’re looking for a small plasma cutter then your best bet might well be the Razorweld model. This is one of the most compact machines that you will find at this price point and that makes it very portable. You can grab it and get to work without any issues.
The air compressor’s preset increments for adjustment make it simple to get the right flow of air to the cut. However, I think the 20-45 amp output makes this one of the weakest cutting outputs that I’ve seen in these tests too. This may or may not be a big deal to you, it will depend on the projects you work on.
This is only a 220 Volt input device and if you need to cut at 110 Volts, you’ll need to look for a dual voltage machine.
It’s extremely well made and I am confident you will still be able to cut with it a few years down the line of ownership. However, the consumables seem to have a particularly short shelf life which means if you’re not regularly cutting – you might want to look at some of the other brands out there.
If you’re in the market for a plasma cutter under 1000 dollars, this is a great choice and it will be a good fit for any hobbyist’s workshop.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Great cutting thickness
- Very light and portable
- High quality plasma torch
- In built air regulator
- Made for serious use
- 3 Year warranty
Cons
- Consumables tend to wear out somewhat faster than others
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cutting capacity: metal – 5/8 inch clean cut and 25/32in maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum etc.
- Input Voltage: 230 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: 45A
- Rated Output: 45 A @ duty cycle 30%
- Weight: 20 lbs.
6. Weldpro 60 Amp Plasma Cutter
The Weldpro is among the best plasma cutters for heavy use and it’s a little more expensive than some of the other models in my tests to reflect that. Unfortunately, the worst impression you get of this plasma-cutting device will be the day that you get it out of the box.
The instruction manual is dreadful. It’s really not fit for purpose at all. Fortunately, it’s actually very easy to work out what goes where and to get started and it will cut through thick steel without any issues at all. I’ve cut up to 7/8″ and got a very clean cut indeed while working with the Weldpro.
In terms of build quality, everything in the box feels robust and I’d expect this plasma cutter to last a decent length of time. You can use any air compressor with it as long is it can supply air at 50.7-65.3 psi.
The use of air rather than other gases can save you quite a lot of money over the course of a year assuming that you use a plasma cutter on a regular basis, that is.
If you’re looking to keep your spending under 1000 dollars, then you’ll be happy with the Weldpro for anything from fabrication work to auto repairs. It’s a solid choice.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- A lot of power with a high max cut
- Dual voltage
- High duty-cycle
- Quite simple to use
- HF start with Pilot arc
Cons
- Bad instruction manual
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cutting Thickness: 0.787in maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum etc.
- Power source Input Voltage: 110/220 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: 60A
- Rated Output: 60 A @ duty cycle 60%
7. Reboot Plasma Cutter 50 Amps
You can’t fault the price tag on the Reboot Plasma Cutter, it’s substantially less than 1000 dollars. I’m happy to report that you also can’t fault the instruction manual, it’s much more accessible and easy to use than the majority of manuals.
I found that it went through consumables a bit faster than other plasma cutters but I don’t think you can complain given the cost of the device in the first place.
What you can complain about, however, is the need to reboot the machine every time that you need to restart the pilot arc, that’s a bit annoying though it’s not a deal-breaker, either.
It works with an external air compressor set at 60-70 PSI. As always this use of air allows for a slightly cheaper long-term running cost than using gas.
You may also find this frustrating if you want to cut thick sheets of metal, it handles OK at 1/8″ – 1/2″ but anything more than that and it starts to struggle. The manufacturer says it will cut up to 3/5″ but I couldn’t get a clean cut at that thickness.
If you accept the Reboot Plasma Cutter for what it is – a super budget number where you can buy three of these plasma cutters for less than 1000 dollars and still have change for consumables, you’re going to be very happy with this plasma cutting machine.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Very affordable
- Has a lot of power
- Outstanding dutycycle
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use with a clear to read instruction manual
Cons
- Easy to wear out consumables
- Need to reboot to restart arc
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cutting Thickness: 1/2 inch clean cut and 3/5 in maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum etc.
- Input Voltage: 110/220 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: 50A
- Rated Output: 50 A @ duty cycle 60%
- Weight: 21.6 lbs.
8. Hobart 500564 Airforce 12ci Plasma Cutter
Hobart is a big name in this market and this is a strong entry in my top plasma cutters list. Firstly, it has a built-in air compressor and that’s a nice touch – and it’s going to save money over time on gas as air is always cheaper.
However, the power levels are not as impressive as you’d expect from this manufacturer and the cutting torch doesn’t have the cutting power that I’d have thought it would – you can run at about 3/16″ before the slag build-up becomes problematic.
This won’t be a problem for many hobbyists and there is no doubt in my mind that this is a really top-quality product which will last a long time. However, it’s a bit expensive for what it is. If you really want the Hobart name, that’s what you’re paying for here.
Truthfully, for this manufacturer, their best options are over 1000 dollars, the 500564 Airforce 12i feels like it’s a nod to the budget cutting market but without any of the power to make a mark in it.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Built in air compressor
- Nice choice for DIY enthusiast
- Hobart airforce 12ci is simple to use
- Pilot arc start
- Ventilator on demand
- Quality torch
- USA brand
- Hobart’s 5/3/1 warranty
Cons
- Not enough power for the price
- Medium duty cycle combined with low amps is not good
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cuttable Thickness: Metal– 1/8in clean-cut and 1/4in maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Metal, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum etc.
- Input Voltage: 120 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: single phase.
- Current Type: Direct Current
- Maximum output: 12A
- Rated Output: 12 A @ duty cycle 35%
- Weight: 27 lbs.
- Specifications Dimensions: 17.4 x 6.8 x 12 inches
9. Everlast SuperUltra 206Si Plasma Cutter
This neat model from Everlast is also a combo of TIG and stick welding capacity and thus the price tag is a little higher than some equivalent models. You can cut up to 3/4″ with it at maximum power.
It is dual voltage but at 110 Volt the performance is not great unless you’re cutting very thin material, it doesn’t produce enough power. You should use a higher rated air compressor too than the minimum specs if you want to get the most out of this cutter.
You will need to touch the torch to the metal before the pilot arc engages the main arc, this can be a little harder to control but it’s not the end of the world.
You can’t use the air compressor for TIG welding which is meant to run with an Argon gas supply, instead.
For less than 1000 dollars, this is a great value combo cutting machine but only if you intend to cut thinner materials – otherwise, you might want to select something with a bit more power behind the torch.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Multiprocess machine. 3 in 1 TIG, Stick and Plasma cutter
- Quality build
- Quite lightweight and portable
- Dual voltage machine
- Foot Pedal, Regulator, TIG torch, and Stick electrode holder included in package
- Has quite a lot of power when used on 220V
- Reasonable price
- 3 Year warranty
Cons
- Not enough power when used on 100v supply
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting, Stick and TIG welder.
- Cutting Thickness: 3/4″ maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum etc.
- Input Voltage: 110/ 220 Volts, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: Plasma cutter: 50A, TIG: 200A, Stick: 160A
- Rated Output: Plasma: 50 A @ duty cycle 35%, TIG: 200 A @ duty cycle 35%, Stick: 160 A @ duty cycle 35%
- Weight: 35 lbs.
10. Forney 317 250P+ Plasma Cutter With Air Compressor
This is only a little bit under 1000 dollars, so I’d like to stress that there is a built-in air compressor which explains at least some of the heftier price tag. The drag torch system is, however, one of the best ways to control a torch during cutting that I’ve come across in a budget model.
When you cut with the Forney model, you get a clean cut that represents a significant step up in power when compared to some of the hobbyist models. The air flows well from that built-in compressor through the torch too.
The one thing that I found frustrating about this Forney cutting machine is that there’s a substantial delay from pulling the trigger and starting to cut, it may be the best at cutting when the air is flowing and the power is running through the metal but it’s the slowest to start to cut of any machine in my tests in this buying guide.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Drag torch technology
- Inverter plasma cutter
- In built air compressor
- Clean cuts well
- Integrated consumable storage area
- Works on home 120v outlet
- Not very heavy considering that it has air compressor
Cons
- Not a lot of power at all
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cutting Thickness: 1/8in clean-cut and 1/4in maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum etc.
- Input Voltage: 120 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: 12A
- Weight: 43 lbs.
11. Mophorn 100 Amp Plasma Cutter
The pilot arc on this Mophorn 100 amp model is “no touch” and that means you don’t have to start the cut to start the main arc.
It has enough power to cut up to 1.25″ which is very impressive.
However, the were problems with the unit supplied – it was missing the covers for the power connector and the instruction manual was very difficult to follow.
It took much longer than expected to make the first cut.
For less than 1000 dollars this is a decent value machine but you can do better and if you look at the power of some of the other machines in my tests, they feel like they are a cut above the Mophorn.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Extra powerful machine
- Very high maximum cut
- Very cheap
- Lightweight
- Good wind heating dissipation system
Cons
- Requires 380 input voltage
- Difficult to understand user manual
- Not meant for day in day out use
Specifications
- Processes: Plasma cutting.
- Cutting Thickness: 1-1/3 inch (35mm) maximum cut.
- Cuttable Materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel mild, Aluminum, Cast iron etc.
- Input Voltage: 380 V, 60 Hz.
- Input Phase: 1-Phase.
- Current: DC.
- Maximum output: 100 A
- Rated Output: 100 A @ duty cycle 60%
- Weight: 10 lbs.
Frequently Asked Questions [F.A.Q]
What Is Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter?
A pilot arc plasma cutter functions like this: the main contact inside the power supply unit acts to create a negative voltage on the electrode. At this point, the gas starts to flow towards the torch nozzle.
This forces the contacts in the circuit to close and thus provide a path between the negative and positive electrodes. It is at this point that a generator uses a high-frequency and high-voltage at the area that sits between the electrode and the nozzle of the torch.
This creates an ionization pathway in the gas – as this pathway materializes a direct current arc is created between the nozzle and the electrode; this is known as the “pilot arc”.
At this point, the pilot arc is blown out of the nozzle ( using air compressors) and comes in contact with the workpiece. Once this has been achieved, the main arc replaces the pilot arc which greatly increases the power available for cutting with.
Is Plasma Cutter Better Than A Torch?
Yes and no. It depends on precisely what you want to do. With a plasma cutter, you won’t need to preheat the material you want to cut. You will get a very precise cut and there won’t be a huge amount of mess left behind either.
You can easily cut out shapes, or pierce the surface of the metal, and much more – it’s a very versatile tool. However, you’re going to find that it’s got a limit and you will struggle to cut more than 2 inches in thickness of metal with a plasma cutter.
Oxy-acetylene torches, on the other hand, are messier to work with but they’re going to be able to slice through materials that are up to 2 feet thick! You will also find that a torch is much cheaper than a plasma cutter.
One thing you should make sure to know though is that you can’t work with stainless steel or aluminum with a torch – you can only use a plasma cutter.
Can You Convert A Stick Welder To A Plasma Cutter?
No. Well, in theory, you possibly could convert a stick welder to a plasma cutter if you were a world-class engineer and you had plenty of tools to hand to do it with – the trouble is that it would still be more dangerous and less reliable than a machine that I bought for the purpose of plasma cutting.
Given that the power used in a plasma cutter creates incredible temperatures, this isn’t something you ought to try at home or at work or anywhere else that I can think of, you’d probably burn yourself and your workspace.
What Is The Best Plasma Cutter For Home Use?
Well, a lot depends on how much you want to spend and what your exact needs for a plasma cutter are. The best plasma cutter for you might not be the best plasma cutter for me, but I feel that the YesWelder CUT-55DS is the best plasma cutter under 1000 dollars and thus it would be my top choice for a home-use machine.
What Air Pressure Is Required For Plasma Cutting?
It depends on the machine that you buy but we’ve found that anywhere between 55 and 70 psi is normal. You can find yourself working with low amperages at some points and at this point, you may find you need to reduce the air pressure to create a stable arc.
At this point, you might need to drop to 45 psi or so. You’re never going to work on something at a much lower level of air pressure than that.
Conclusion
If you want a great plasma cutter for less than 1000 dollars – my top choice would be the YesWelder CUT-55DS which balances functionality and price almost perfectly. I found it gave a very clean cut and was truly reliable.
If you want something more suited to a very thin budget, you might choose to cut with the Reboot Plasma Cutter but be warned it won’t cut thick metals.
Finally, if you’re seeking to get a combo machine which can also handle TIG and stick welding then the Lotos LTPDC2000D is a great choice.
