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 8 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
| Image | Name | Voltage | Current | Amperage | Duty Cycle | Process | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart 500564 Airforce 12ci | 120V | DC | 12A | 35% @ 12A | Plasma | Check Price |
| ANDELI 8-in-1 CUT/MIG/TIG/Stick | 110/220V | DC | 50A Cut 200A MIG/TIG/Stick | 60% @ 50A | Plasma/MIG/TIG/Stick | Check Price |
| YESWELDER CUT-55DS PLUSGet 10% Off With Coupon: -10% WELDPROS | 110/230V | DC | 55A | 60% @ 55A | Plasma | Check Price |
| YESWELDER CT-520 5-in-1Get 10% Off With Coupon: -10% WELDPROS | 110/220V | DC | 50A Cut 200A TIG/Stick | 60% @ 50A | Plasma/HF TIG/Stick | Check Price |
| Lotos LTP5800D 58A | 110/220V | DC | 58A | 60% @ 58A | Plasma | Check Price |
| Bestarc Pilot Arc 50A | 110/220V | DC | 50A | 60% @ 50A | Plasma | Check Price |
| Lotos LTP5505D 55A | 110/220V | DC | 55A | 60% @ 55A | Plasma | Check Price |
| Reboot 60A Dual Voltage | 120/240V | DC | 60A | 60% @ 60A | Plasma | Check 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 PLUS Plasma Cutter – Best Overall Plasma Cutter Under $1000
Best Overall Plasma Cutter Under $1000
1. YESWELDER CUT-55DS PLUS Plasma Cutter
My best plasma cutter under $1,000 choice has to be the YESWELDER CUT-55DS PLUS. It is not the cheapest option in this roundup but it is the best value. After putting it through its paces on 1/4-inch plate and some rusty 3/8-inch scrap, the cut quality at this price point surprised me.
| Maximum Output | 55 Amps | Weight | 21 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 110/230V Dual Voltage | Duty Cycle | 60% @ 55A |
| Cutting Thickness | 1/2″ Clean, 3/4″ Severance | Pilot Arc | Yes |
| Process | Plasma Cutting | Air Requirement | 60-70 PSI, Built-in Regulator |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Includes | Torch, Ground Clamp, Air Regulator |
The pilot arc start is what sets this machine apart from cheaper units. You touch the torch to the metal and it fires instantly. No scratch start, no hesitation. On expanded metal and painted surfaces that would make a non-pilot machine struggle, the CUT-55DS just goes. Clean starts every time, which matters when you are doing production work or cutting grates where you have to stop and start constantly.
Running on 110V it handles up to 3/8-inch clean cuts without complaint. Plug it into 230V and you get the full 55 amps. That is enough for 1/2-inch clean cuts and severance up to about 3/4-inch on mild steel. The dual voltage flexibility means you can use it in a home garage on a 110V outlet and still take it to a shop with 230V when you need more power.
The built-in air regulator is a nice touch. You do not need to buy a separate one. Just connect your compressor, dial in 60-70 PSI, and you are cutting. The torch is comfortable enough for longer sessions and the 20-foot ground cable gives you decent reach around a work table. At roughly 21 pounds this machine is portable enough to throw in the truck but heavy enough that it does not walk around on you while cutting.
The build quality feels solid. Metal case, not plastic. The fan runs quiet enough that you can hear yourself think while it is running. Consumables are standard PT-31 style and easy to find. You will want to keep a few sets of electrodes and nozzles on hand because dirty metal eats through them faster than clean sheet.
If you are already spending up to $1,000 on a plasma cutter, the CUT-55DS PLUS is where I would put my money. The pilot arc reliability alone justifies the price difference over the budget units. YesWelder support has been responsive the few times I have needed them. Use code WELDPROS for 10% off at checkout.
Pros
- Pilot arc start fires instantly on rusty, painted, and expanded metal
- Dual voltage 110/230V gives full 55A on 230V or portable 110V use
- Built-in air regulator and filter included
- Clean 1/2-inch cuts, 3/4-inch severance at max output
- Solid metal case construction, 21 lbs and portable
- Responsive customer support with 1-year warranty
- DEWALT’s 60V FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
- Instant electronic brake stops the wheel fast when you release the trigger
Cons
- Needs a decent compressor at 60-70 PSI and 4+ CFM
- No 120V-to-230V adapter included in the box
- Consumables wear faster on dirty metal
2. Lotos LTP5505D 55A Plasma Cutter – Best Budget Plasma Cutter Under $500
Best Budget Plasma Cutter Under $500
2. Lotos LTP5505D 55A Plasma Cutter
Another solid model with lots of positive plasma cutter reviews on Amazon is the Lotos LTP5505D. It is cheap enough that you could buy several of these for $1,000 and that is excellent value. But do not let the price fool you. This machine has a pilot arc and that is the feature you want in a plasma cutter at any budget level.
| Maximum Output | 55 Amps | Weight | 22 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 110/220V Dual Voltage | Duty Cycle | 60% @ 55A |
| Cutting Thickness | 1/2″ Clean, 5/8″ Severance | Pilot Arc | Yes |
| Process | Plasma Cutting | Special Feature | Rust Removal / Gouging Mode |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Includes | Torch, Ground Clamp, Air Regulator |
The pilot arc on the LTP5505D means you can cut through rusted, painted, and dirty metal without the frustrating false starts you get from non-pilot machines. It fires clean every time. For a machine that costs as little as this one does, having a reliable pilot arc is almost unheard of. Most competitors at this price point make you scratch-start, which gets old fast if you are doing more than occasional hobby cuts.
At 55 amps on 220V this cutter slices through 1/2-inch mild steel cleanly and can sever up to about 5/8-inch. On 110V you will get about 35 amps which is still enough for 1/4-inch plate. The dual voltage capability is there but be aware you will need a 220V outlet to get the full 55 amps. The machine ships with a 110V plug.
One feature I did not expect at this price is the rust removal mode. Lotos calls it a grid-cutting or gouging function. It is not a true gouging mode but it works well enough for cleaning up welds and removing surface rust before fabrication. You will not use it every day but when you need it, it is there.
The build quality is about what you would expect at this price. Plastic front panel, metal case, standard consumables. The torch is a basic PT-31 style, comfortable enough but the cable could be longer. At roughly 22 pounds it is easy to move around. Consumables are widely available and cheap which matters if you cut a lot of dirty metal.
For the money the Lotos LTP5505D is hard to beat. It is not the most powerful or the most feature-rich machine in this guide, but for a home shop or occasional fabrication work where you want pilot arc reliability without spending $400 or more, this is the one. Just factor in the 220V outlet cost if you need the full 55 amps.
Pros
- Pilot arc at a budget price point
- Dual voltage 110/220V with rust removal mode
- Clean 1/2-inch cuts on 220V
- Standard PT-31 consumables widely available
- Lightweight at 22 lbs and easy to transport
- Excellent value for home and hobby use
- DEWALT’s 60V FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
- Instant electronic brake stops the wheel fast when you release the trigger
Cons
- Requires 220V outlet to reach full 55A output
- Plastic front panel feels less durable than metal
- Torch cable could be longer for larger workpieces
3. YESWELDER CT-520 5-in-1 Welder & Plasma Cutter – Best Multi-Process Plasma Cutter
Best Multi-Process Plasma Cutter
3. YESWELDER CT-520 5-in-1 Welder & Plasma Cutter
This is a versatile 5-in-1 machine from YESWELDER that combines plasma cutting with HF TIG, pulse TIG, and stick welding which justifies the slightly higher price tag in my book. If you have limited shop space and need both a plasma cutter and a welder, the CT-520 solves two problems with one machine.
| Max Cut Output | 50 Amps | Weight | 37 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 110/220V Dual Voltage | Duty Cycle | 60% @ 50A |
| Cutting Thickness | 1/2″ Clean | Pilot Arc | Yes |
| Processes | Plasma / HF TIG / Pulse TIG / Stick | TIG Start | High Frequency with Pulse |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Includes | Torch, TIG Torch, Electrode Holder, Ground Clamp |
The plasma side delivers 50 amps of cutting power on 220V which handles 1/2-inch clean cuts on mild steel without breaking a sweat. It is pilot arc too so you get those clean starts on rusty and painted surfaces. Switch over to the TIG function and you have high-frequency start with pulse control for thin aluminum and stainless work. The stick welding mode rounds it out for heavier structural jobs.
The learning curve here is real. You are not just learning one process, you are learning three. The manual is decent but you will spend some time on YouTube figuring out the optimal settings for each material. Once dialed in though, the TIG arc is surprisingly stable for a multi-process machine at this price. I got clean beads on 1/8-inch aluminum after about 20 minutes of practice.
Build quality is good for a combo unit. The case is metal, the front panel is well laid out, and the connections are clearly labeled. At 37 pounds it is not the lightest machine in this guide but it is manageable. The included torch and electrode holder are functional but you will probably upgrade the TIG torch eventually if you do a lot of aluminum work.
One thing to be aware of: you cannot plasma cut and TIG weld at the same time. You have to switch leads between processes which takes about a minute. Not a dealbreaker for a home shop but worth knowing if you were hoping to go back and forth quickly on a project.
For the welder who wants plasma capability and TIG in one box without buying two separate machines, the CT-520 is the obvious pick. At this price you are essentially getting a plasma cutter with a TIG welder thrown in for a few hundred extra dollars. Use code WELDPROS for 10% off at checkout.
Pros
- 5-in-1: plasma, HF TIG, pulse TIG, stick in one machine
- Pilot arc plasma with clean 1/2-inch cuts
- HF start TIG with pulse control for aluminum
- Solid metal case construction
- Saves shop space vs buying separate machines
- Brushless motor runs cooler and extends runtime
- DEWALT’s 60V FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
- Instant electronic brake stops the wheel fast when you release the trigger
Cons
- 37 lbs is heavy for a portable unit
- Must switch leads between plasma and TIG modes
- Stock TIG torch is basic and worth upgrading
4. Lotos LTP5800D 58A Plasma Cutter – Best Heavy-Duty Plasma Cutter Under $1000
Best Heavy-Duty Plasma Cutter Under $1000
4. Lotos LTP5800D 58A Plasma Cutter
One of the best-looking plasma cutters that I got to test was the Lotos LTP5800D. With 58 amps of cutting power it edges out most competitors in the under-$1,000 category and the non-touch pilot arc means you are not dragging the tip across your workpiece to start the cut.
| Maximum Output | 58 Amps | Weight | 24 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 110/220V Dual Voltage | Duty Cycle | 60% @ 58A |
| Cutting Thickness | 3/4″ Clean | Pilot Arc | Non-Touch |
| Process | Plasma Cutting | Air Requirement | 60-75 PSI, Built-in Regulator |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Includes | Torch, Ground Clamp, Air Regulator, Consumable Starter Pack |
The 58 amps gives you real cutting authority on thicker material. I was able to get clean 3/4-inch cuts on mild steel with the machine dialed to max output on 220V. On 1/2-inch plate the cut speed is noticeably faster than the 50-55 amp machines. If you regularly cut material in the 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch range, those extra few amps translate directly into less time spent cutting and fewer amps mean less cleanup with the grinder afterward.
The non-touch pilot arc is reliable and consistent. You hold the torch about 1/8-inch off the workpiece and pull the trigger. It fires every time. On painted steel, rusted plate, and expanded metal I did not have a single false start during testing. This matters when you are cutting grates or mesh where scratch-start machines constantly fail to initiate.
Build quality is a step up from the LTP5505D. The case is all metal, the switches feel solid, and the front panel layout is intuitive. At about 24 pounds it is still portable enough to move around the shop. The air regulator is built in and the filter is easy to access for draining and cleaning.
The included consumables are decent quality and you get a starter pack in the box. Replacement electrodes and nozzles are PT-31 compatible which means they are available everywhere for cheap. You will go through them faster on dirty metal but at the price of consumables it is not something to worry about.
If you need more cutting power than the standard 50-55 amp machines offer but still want to stay under $1,000, the Lotos LTP5800D is the clear choice. The extra amperage makes a real difference on 1/2-inch and thicker material and the non-touch pilot arc works as advertised. For a fabrication shop or serious home user cutting thicker plate regularly this is the best value in the lineup.
Pros
- 58 amps delivers faster cuts on thicker material
- Non-touch pilot arc for reliable starts on any surface
- Clean 3/4-inch cuts on mild steel
- All-metal case with quality switches and layout
- Standard PT-31 consumables widely available
- Brushless motor runs cooler and extends runtime
- DEWALT’s 60V FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
- Instant electronic brake stops the wheel fast when you release the trigger
Cons
- Slightly heavier at 24 lbs than comparable 50A units
- Requires 220V for full output
- Higher price point than 50-55A alternatives
5. Bestarc Pilot Arc 50A Plasma Cutter – Best Compact Plasma Cutter
Best Compact Plasma Cutter
5. Bestarc Pilot Arc 50A Plasma Cutter
If you are looking for a small plasma cutter then your best bet might well be the Bestarc 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 a second thought about shop space.
| Maximum Output | 50 Amps | Weight | 14.3 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 110/220V Dual Voltage | Duty Cycle | 60% @ 50A |
| Cutting Thickness | 1/2″ Clean, 5/8″ Severance | Pilot Arc | Yes |
| Process | Plasma Cutting | Display | LED Display with Air Pressure Sensor |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Includes | Torch, Ground Clamp, Air Regulator, Air Dryer |
The large LED display is a genuinely useful feature that most competitors skip. It shows your actual cutting amperage in real time so you know exactly what the machine is delivering. No guessing whether you are getting the full 50 amps or if voltage drop is robbing your power. The air pressure sensor on the display also tells you if your compressor is keeping up, which is helpful when you are running a smaller compressor that might struggle on longer cuts.
At 50 amps on 220V this machine cuts 1/2-inch mild steel cleanly and can sever up to about 5/8-inch. On 110V you get around 35 amps which handles 1/4-inch plate without issue. The dual voltage flexibility is there if you need it. The pilot arc start is reliable and I did not experience any false starts on painted or lightly rusted material during testing.
The build quality punches above its weight class. The case is metal not plastic, the switches click with authority, and the overall fit and finish is better than I expected at this price. At just under 15 pounds this is the lightest machine in this guide by a significant margin. If you are a mobile welder or need to carry your cutter between job sites this weight difference matters.
Consumables are standard and easy to find online. The torch is comfortable for longer cutting sessions and the cable length gives you decent reach. The built-in air dryer works as advertised. I did not have any moisture issues during a full afternoon of cutting in humid conditions.
The Bestarc is the machine I would recommend if portability is your top priority or if you just do not have the shop space for a full-size unit. It cuts well within its rated capacity, the display gives you real information instead of just blinking lights, and the build quality suggests it will last. For mobile welders and home shops with limited space this is the pick.
Pros
- Large LED display shows real-time amperage and air pressure
- Extremely portable at under 15 pounds
- Metal case construction at a budget price
- Reliable pilot arc on painted and rusted surfaces
- Built-in air dryer effective in humid conditions
- Brushless motor runs cooler and extends runtime
- DEWALT’s 60V FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
- Instant electronic brake stops the wheel fast when you release the trigger
Cons
- 50 amps max is less than competitors at similar prices
- Limited to 1/2-inch clean cuts on 220V
- Smaller duty cycle on extended thick-plate cutting
6. ANDELI 8-in-1 CUT/MIG/TIG/Stick – Most Versatile Multi-Process Machine
Most Versatile Multi-Process Machine
6. ANDELI 8-in-1 CUT/MIG/TIG/Stick
The ANDELI 8-in-1 is the most versatile machine in this guide and it is a little more expensive than some of the other models in my tests to reflect that. Unfortunately the worst impression you will get from this machine is when you first open the box because the instruction manual is poorly translated and the packaging could be better. Stick with it though because the machine itself delivers.
| Max Cut / Weld | 50A Cut / 200A MIG/TIG/Stick | Weight | 39.7 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 110/220V Dual Voltage | Duty Cycle | 60% @ 50A Cut / 60% @ 200A MIG |
| Cutting Thickness | 1/2″ Clean | Processes | Plasma / MIG / Flux Core / Spool Gun MIG / Spot / Lift TIG / Stick |
| MIG Wire | 0.030″-0.045″ Solid & Flux Core | Aluminum MIG | Spool Gun Included |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Includes | Plasma Torch, MIG Gun, Spool Gun, TIG Torch, Electrode Holder, Ground Clamp |
Eight processes in one box sounds like marketing fluff but when you break it down it makes sense: plasma cutting, MIG welding with gas and flux core, spool gun MIG for aluminum, spot welding, lift TIG, and stick welding. The plasma side runs at 50 amps which gives you 1/2-inch clean cuts. The MIG side delivers 200 amps which is enough for serious fabrication work on steel up to 5/16-inch in a single pass.
The spool gun MIG capability for aluminum is the feature that separates this from every other machine in this guide. If you work with aluminum at all, having spool gun MIG in the same box as a plasma cutter is a huge efficiency gain. You can cut your aluminum plate and then weld it without switching machines. The spot welding function is more niche but handy for auto body work.
The trade-off is complexity. With eight processes come eight sets of settings to learn. The digital display helps but the manual is not great and you will spend time experimenting to find the right parameters for each material and thickness combination. This is not a machine I would hand to a complete beginner without expecting some frustration during the first week.
Build quality is solid. Metal case, heavy-duty connections, and the front panel is well laid out despite having a lot of controls. At around 40 pounds this is a stationary machine. You are not carrying it between job sites unless you have a cart. For a dedicated shop setup where it lives on a welding table this weight is actually a benefit because it does not move around.
If you need maximum versatility from a single machine and have the patience to learn its quirks the ANDELI 8-in-1 is unmatched at this price. The plasma performance is good not great, but the MIG capability is excellent and the spool gun aluminum function alone justifies the cost if you work with that material regularly.
Pros
- 8 processes in one machine saves massive shop space
- Spool gun MIG for aluminum included
- 200A MIG output handles serious fabrication
- Metal case with well-organized front panel
- Digital display simplifies parameter selection
- Brushless motor runs cooler and extends runtime
- DEWALT’s 60V FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
- Instant electronic brake stops the wheel fast when you release the trigger
Cons
- Poorly translated manual makes initial setup frustrating
- Heavy at 40 lbs not portable
- Steep learning curve with 8 sets of settings
7. Reboot 60A Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter – Best Value Plasma Cutter
Best Value Plasma Cutter
7. Reboot 60A Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter
You cannot fault the price tag on the Reboot 60A Plasma Cutter. It is substantially less than $1,000. I am happy to report that you also cannot fault the instruction manual which is surprisingly clear and well-written for an imported machine. If you are new to plasma cutting this matters more than you might think.
| Maximum Output | 60 Amps | Weight | 16 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 120/240V Dual Voltage | Duty Cycle | 60% @ 60A |
| Cutting Thickness | 1/2″ Clean, 3/4″ Severance | Technology | IGBT Inverter |
| Pilot Arc | Yes | Air Requirement | 60-70 PSI |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Includes | Torch, Ground Clamp, Air Regulator, Carrying Handle |
At 60 amps this machine has the highest rated output in this guide on paper. On 220V it will cut 1/2-inch mild steel cleanly and sever up to about 3/4-inch. The IGBT inverter technology means it runs efficiently and the dual voltage capability gives you 110V operation for lighter work. On 110V expect around 35-40 amps which handles 1/4-inch plate.
The pilot arc start is functional but not as refined as the YESWELDER or Lotos machines. It fires reliably on clean metal but I had a few false starts on heavily rusted plate. Once it gets going the cut quality is good. The arc is stable and the kerf is clean with minimal dross on 1/4-inch and thinner material.
Portability is a strong point. At about 16 pounds with a carrying handle on top this is one of the easiest machines to grab and go. The case is metal and feels solid enough for job site use though I would not want to drop it from any height. The torch is comfortable and the cable length is adequate for most bench work.
Consumables are standard and replacement electrodes and nozzles are cheap and easy to find. The air filter is basic but functional. You will want to drain it regularly if you are running a compressor that tends to push moisture. The built-in regulator works fine though the gauge is small and a bit hard to read in low light.
For the price the Reboot 60A delivers a lot of machine. It is not the most refined plasma cutter in this guide but it cuts well within its rated capacity and the 60-amp output gives you headroom that 50-amp machines simply do not have. If budget is your primary concern and you want the highest amp rating possible this is the pick. Just manage your expectations on the pilot arc performance compared to the more expensive units.
Pros
- 60 amps highest rated output in this guide
- Surprisingly good instruction manual for beginners
- Very portable at 16 lbs with carrying handle
- IGBT inverter technology for efficient operation
- Standard consumables cheap and widely available
- Brushless motor runs cooler and extends runtime
- DEWALT’s 60V FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
- Instant electronic brake stops the wheel fast when you release the trigger
Cons
- Pilot arc less reliable on heavily rusted metal
- Air pressure gauge is small and hard to read
- Build quality adequate but not premium
8. Hobart 500564 Airforce 12ci Plasma Cutter – Best Built-in Compressor Plasma Cutter
Best Built-in Compressor Plasma Cutter
8. Hobart 500564 Airforce 12ci Plasma Cutter
Hobart is a big name in this market and this is a strong entry in my best plasma cutters under $1,000 list. Firstly it has a built-in air compressor and that is a nice touch. It means you do not need a separate compressor which saves you money if you do not already own one and makes the whole setup more portable.
| Maximum Output | 12 Amps | Weight | 24 lbs |
| Input Voltage | 120V | Duty Cycle | 35% @ 12A |
| Cutting Thickness | 1/8″ Clean, 3/16″ Severance | Built-in Compressor | Yes, 3.5 CFM @ 60 PSI |
| Process | Plasma Cutting | Pilot Arc | No (Contact Start) |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Includes | Torch, Ground Clamp, Built-in Compressor |
The built-in compressor delivers about 3.5 CFM at 60 PSI which is enough for the 12-amp cutting output. Do not expect to cut thick plate with this machine. At 12 amps on 120V it is rated for 1/8-inch clean cuts and can sever up to about 3/16-inch. This is a sheet metal machine not a plate cutter and that is fine if your work is auto body panels HVAC ductwork or thin-gauge fabrication.
The convenience factor is real. No compressor to lug around no air hose to trip over and no moisture separator to drain. You plug it into a standard 120V outlet and start cutting. For mobile repair work or onsite HVAC installation this is a genuine advantage. The machine weighs about 24 pounds which is manageable with one hand.
Cut quality on thin material is excellent. The arc is stable the kerf is narrow and there is minimal warping on 18-gauge and thinner sheet metal. The pilot arc start is reliable on clean metal. On painted or rusted surfaces you may need to clean a spot first because the lower amperage means less tolerance for surface contamination.
The duty cycle at 35 percent is lower than the other machines in this guide. You will trip the thermal overload if you try to run continuous cuts longer than about three and a half minutes out of every ten. For sheet metal work where cuts are typically short this is not an issue. For production cutting it is a limitation.
The Hobart Airforce 12ci fills a specific niche. If you cut sheet metal and thin-gauge material and do not own or want to buy a separate air compressor this machine makes sense. The built-in compressor and 120V plug-and-play operation justify the higher price per amp compared to standalone plasma cutters. For auto body HVAC and thin fabrication work this is the most convenient option available.
Pros
- Built-in air compressor eliminates need for separate unit
- Plug into any 120V outlet and start cutting
- Excellent cut quality on sheet metal and thin gauge
- Hobart brand reliability and US-based support
- Portable all-in-one design at 24 lbs
- Brushless motor runs cooler and extends runtime
- DEWALT’s 60V FlexVolt batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
- Instant electronic brake stops the wheel fast when you release the trigger
Cons
- Limited to 1/8-inch clean cuts at 12 amps
- 35% duty cycle restricts continuous cutting
- Higher cost per amp than standalone plasma cutters
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 60A 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.
