by Peter |
Last Updated: February 8, 2020 Plasma cutters are an important accessory if you want to cut electrically conductive materials. It helps with cutting metals like aluminium, copper to stainless steel. They are useful to electricians and handymen. They normally come with heavy-duty. However, not everyone needs a heavy-duty plasma cutter. If you indulge yourself in DIY, then you might need an affordable plasma cutter unit that will work properly for you. The market is filled with best plasma cutters under 500.
In Hurry? Checkout Our Top Pick Of Best Plasma Cutter.
There are a lot of cost-effective options available. Many manufacturers are realising that people are indulging themselves into DIYs and thus, they are introducing reliable and good quality plasma cutters. The trend has changed in the recent years. Previously, only heavy-duty plasma cutters were found in the market.
The best plasma cutters are mostly lightweight and require lesser energy to operate. At the same time, it is getting easy to find best plasma cutters under $500. Previously, they used to be more expensive. Also, the plasma technology has made it super easy to cut metals easily in modern-day workshops.
We have curated a list of 10 best plasma cutters to answer your questions like what is the best plasma cutter for money and how much does a plasma cutter cost.
Best Plasma Cutters Under $500 in 2020
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc
|
9. 7
|
|
2
|
LOTOS LT5000D 50A Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
|
9. 5
|
|
3
|
CUT-50, 50 Amp Pro. Plasma Cutter With DC Inverter
|
9. 1
|
|
4
|
Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter
|
8. 8
|
|
5
|
PrimeWeld Ct520d 50 Amps Plasma Cutter
|
8. 6
|
|
6
|
Lotos LT3500 35Amp Air Plasma Cutter
|
8. 2
|
|
7
|
Lotos CT520D 50 AMP Air Plasma Cutter With Stick/MMA/ARC
|
8. 0
|
|
8
|
Reboot CUT50 Air Plasma Cutting Machine
|
7 .7
|
|
9
|
PRIMEWELD 50A CUT50DP NonTouch Pilot Arc Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
|
7. 4
|
|
10
|
VIVOHOME 3 In 1 Multi-functional Plasma Cutter
|
7. 2
|
1. Lotos LTP5000D 50Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc
Features
- Compatible consumable sets.
- Easy to Setup, comes with a pre-installed NPT ¼ plug.
- Papst cooling system for stable and durable performance.
- 100v Outer, automatic dual voltage and with dual frequency.
It is a pilot arc plasma cutter. It is efficient in cutting through painted, rough and rusty surfaces. The best part is that it produces minimum amount of slag. It is one of the best plasma cutter as it comes with pilot arc technology. Also, this technology produces minimum amount of slag. It offers a great cutting quality and comes with a longer consumable life. The cutter comes with a handle for portability and convenience.
The Lotos technology has its headquarters in California. They have been supplying welding and cutting tools to small businesses and do it yourself buyers from a very long time. Hence, the quality is guaranteed. It contains compatible consumable sets for convenience.
You can set the plasma cutter within a minute. It is because the cutter comes with a pre-installed NPT ¼ inches industry type D plug and air filter regulator. It has a Papst advanced cooling system which ensures that the plasma cutter has a stable and durable performance. The rated output is 100v, automatic dual voltage is 220/240 v and the dual-frequency is 50/60Hz.
PROS
- Offer 30 days refund if not satisfied.
- There is no hassle to set up the plasma cutter.
- The package includes a power supply, plasma cutting torch, ground clamp etc.
CONS
- The plasma cutter does not have a very long life. Sometimes it stops working after the warranty period has passed.
2. LOTOS LT5000D 50A Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
Features
- Best suitable for home use.
- No Maintenance Cost, and easy to clean
- Easily move torch tiger anywhere.
- Automatic Dual voltage up to 110/220 V.
It is one of the best plasma cutter available in the market as it is suitable for cutting metals like stainless steel, mild steel, alloy metal, aluminium, copper and others. It uses non-hazardous compressed air to cut the metals. This method is safe and cost-effective as well. It is a very compact plasma cutter which has a handle for portability. This model is an excellent choice for DIY home jobs and light duty small business projects.
This particular plasma cutter is designed to withstand extensive use of industrial and construction projects. Although, it is suitable for home projects as well. The best part about this cutter is that you need less cleaning, less noxious gas and lesser maintenance for operation.
It comes with a torch trigger which can be moved for a better and custom fit. The automatic dual voltage is 110/220 V and the dual-frequency is 50/60 Hz.
PROS
- It comes in a very compact package and thus, it is very easy to use.
- The package comes with a plasma cutting torch, ground clamp, cable, air hose connections, and regulator.
CONS
- The machine gets overheated sometimes and thus, you have to be careful.
3. CUT-50, 50 Amp Pro. Plasma Cutter With DC Inverter
Features
- Automatic adjustment and meter Attached.
- Cut any type of steels, metal and aluminium.
- Specially designed for home use.
- Little use of noxious gases.
The CUT-50 Plasma cutter is one of the finest plasma cutters in the industry. This cutter has the auto-voltage system and is also able to automatically adapt to an input power of 100-240V. It has a torch design that makes sure to provide a comfortable and sure grip prepared from the material that is resistant to both head and impact.
The cutter can cut up to 1.0” and has a 50 AMP digital inverter. This plasma cutter can be sued for cutting copper, aluminium, stainless steel, Mild steel, alloy steel, and other metals. The device gives the users a clear, better and cleaner cut and there is little of noxious gases, cleaning, and maintenance and also less fire hazards.
This cutter is has an adjustment and meter is attached to the frontal portion of the machine and there is also a filter which is located inside the machine.
This can cut many types of metals like stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminium, and others. It comes with a power adapter, pressure gauge, air filter and also an instruction manual.
The cutter is designed in such a way that it can be used in home, industrial, construction work and even as hobbies.
PROS
- This has an advanced technology and is very easy to use and it can be digitally used.
- It has high cutting performance and also has a LCD display.
CONS
- It can sometimes face air leaking problems.
4. Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter
Features
- It only requires 1.5 CFM of compressed air.
- Comes with Drag Torch Technology.
- Very light to carry anywhere.
Another one of the best plasma cutters in the market is the Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter. It is a very powerful device and is very easy to use. The device also has the Drag Torch Technology and thus can give smooth and friendly cuts when touched directly to the metal surface. It runs on a 120V outlet. The device can be used in many places like in a farm and ranch, for automobiles, metal art, contractor, et cetera.
This device can be used to cut through stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium. The machine is very easy to use. It only requires 1.5 CFM of compressed air and a power source of 120 volt.
The plasma cutter also has a Drag Torch Technology which allows it to cut through metals smoothly without causing much of a problem. The device is very light to carry and can be easily taken from one place to another without much of a problem.
PROS
- The Drag Torch Technology is a very helpful feature of this device.
- The cutter comes with an extra 13’ cutting torch, a ground clamp of 8’, an adapter of 20A-15A, one additional nozzle, and electrode.
CONS
- Even though it requires an air compressor, it’s not included in the pack.
5. PrimeWeld Ct520d 50 Amps Plasma Cutter
Features
- 3 in 1 machine, Plasma Cutter, Tig Welder, Mig Welder
- Very light and thus can be taken from place to place easily.
- The input frequency of this three in one machine is 50 Hz/ 60 Hz.
- The power efficiency of this machine is 85 percent.
The plasma cutter from PrimeWeld, model number Ct520d 50Amps, is actually a combination of plasma cutter, Tig Welder and a 200 Amps Stick Welder. It tends to numerous cutting and welding functions of the user and is a 3 in 1 unit. It can cut through different types of metals and has a cutting function of 50 Amp. An added advantage of this machine is that it is extremely easy to switch between the DC TIG Welder and DC STICK Welder in this machine.
It is a 3 in 1 machine and serves the purpose of a plasma cutter, a Tig Welder and an Amp Stick Welder. The machine is very light and thus can be taken from place to place easily. The input frequency of this three in one machine is 50 Hz/ 60 Hz. The power efficiency of this machine is 85 percent.
PROS
- It is a three in one machine and it serves all three purposes of a plasma cutter, a Tig Welder and an Amp Stick Welder.
CONS
- This machine does not have a plot arc in the cut mode.
6. Lotos LT3500 35Amp Air Plasma Cutter
Features
- With digital inverter of 35 Amp.
- Best plasma cutter for CNC type work.
- Very efficient cooling system.
- The machine comes with the NPT ¼” industry type D plug
The Plasma cutter from Lotos is a very good machine for light-duty metal cuttings and also for home DIY works. The machine works with a power input of 110-125V and thus can be connected to the wall outlets for normal use. The machine is portable with a weight of only 17.55 pounds but it is also extremely powerful. The package also includes some other things like cutting torch, power supply, ground clamp, air filter regulator and also consumables.
The plasma cutter has a digital inverter of 35 Amp. The plasma cutter is the best suitable for many metals like copper, stainless steel, mild steel. The machine is portable because of its lightweight. It has a very efficient cooling system and also comes in a compact size.
The machine comes with the NPT ¼ industry type D plug. When you connect it to the wall outlet, you can use the coupler on the air compressor to connect to the pre-installed plug in the machine. It is very easy to set up and doesn’t consume much time.
PROS
- The air filter regulator in the machine is pre-installed.
- It is safe, low cost and also makes use of non-hazardous compressed air.
CONS
- It lacks the drag torch system.
7. Lotos CT520D 50 AMP Air Plasma Cutter With Stick/MMA/ARC
Features
- 3 in One Plasma cutter - Stick/MMA/ARC
- High Speed and Low power consumption.
- Using non-hazardous compressed air.
- Comes with inbuilt filter system.
One of the best plasma cutters is produced by the company Lotos. The machine is a combination of a 3 in 1 air plasma cutter, Stick welder and a Tig Welder. It also permits the users to serve all the three purposes from just one machine which is also portable. It can cut several metals lie copper, stainless steel, aluminium, et cetera. The machine also has dual frequency of 50/60 HZ and also dual voltage of 110/220V. It also gives clean and precise cut, which is combined with a low cost.
This is a combination of three machines in one – A Plasma cutter, a Stick Welder and a TIG Welder. The cuts are very precise, done with high speed and is also low cost.
The machine uses non-hazardous compressed air and lightweight makes it easily portable. It has an air filter inside it and the NTP 1/4 industry type D plug, which is pre-installed, makes it easier to set up within a minute.
PROS
- The machine is a three in one machine and serves all three purposes of a plasma cutter, a tig welder and a stick welder.
- It is very easy to set up with the pre-installed NTP 1/4” industry type D plug.
CONS
- It doesn’t come with a pedal and the ground cable is very short.
8. Reboot CUT50 Air Plasma Cutting Machine
Features
- Automatic duel voltage of 110/220.
- High Speed, Easy and Clean
- Best For mild steel and alloy steel.
- Powerful air compressor.
Reboot plasma cutters are a few of the best plasma cutters in the market. They cut through the metal with proper speed and also gives clean cutes. It has a dual voltage system of 110/220 V and the conversion can be done very easily.
The machine has an automatic duel voltage of 110/220 (100 percent at 40 A and 60 per cent at 50 A). It cuts through the metal with high speed and the cuts are also clean.
It can cut through various types of metals like copper, stainless steel, mild steel, alloy steel, aluminium, et cetera. The package also has some added gears like a plasma cutter torch, an electrode holder, an earth clamp, an air pressure valve and also a hose.
PROS
- The machine is easily convertible from 110V to 220V, it has an air pressure of 60 to 70 PSI and gives proper clean cuts.
CONS
- This machine does not have the pilot arc feature.
9. PRIMEWELD 50A CUT50DP NonTouch Pilot Arc Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
Features
- Pilot Arc and is also HF non-touch arc starting.
- Comes with dual frequency of 50 HZ and 60 HZ.
- Air compression control.
- Best for thick and thin steel.
The PrimeWeld Plasma cutter is portable because of its lightweight. It can be carried very easily. It gives clean cuts and can very easily cut through rough, rusty and also painted surfaces. You can change it to the high voltage for easy cutting through of the harder metals. The machine produces a minimal of slag MOSFET Transistor and a uniform output which again enables it to cut thin metals and also the thick ones with the help of the high power. It is no doubt that this is also one of the best plasma cutters under 500 present in the market.
The machine serves great for cutting through metals like stainless, carbon steel, aluminium, copper, aluminium. The machine has a pilot arc and is also HF non-touch arc starting.
The packaging includes a ground clamp, plasma torch, and cable, air regulator and an air hose. The machine has a dual-frequency of 50 HZ and 60 HZ and also dual voltage of 110 V and 220 V.
PROS
- The machine can cut through both thick and thin metals without a problem.
- It has a non-touch pilot arc and is also dual voltage.
CONS
- The plasma cutter often doesn’t have a long life. Sometimes, after a little while using, the device stops working.
10. VIVOHOME 3 In 1 Multi-functional Plasma Cutter
Features
- Built in heat resistant and easy to hold.
- No need of conversion plug.
- Very light in weight.
- Cuts without making any contact.
The VIVOHOME is a three in one machine which can be used as a plasma cutter as well as a welder. It is very lightweight and is a portable machine. With the help of this machine, the user can use it for plasma cutting as well as for TIG, STICK, and MMA. The machine is extremely safe and it can also help in saving energy. It cuts smoothly and also makes sure to make no extra noise.
The machine has a dual voltage system and can work on both 110 V and 220 V. Therefore, there is no need for conversion plug. This machine cuts without making any contact and thus the surface of machine cools quicker than the other machines and thus, is also long-lasting than other machines.
The machine has a handle which is heat resistant and thus is easy to hold. The machine is not very heavy and thus it is easy to transfer from one place to another.
PROS
- The machine is a three in one machine and serves a great service to the users.
CONS
- It only has D/C TIG capabilities, no A/C TIG.
Best Plasma Cutter Buying Guide
There are a lot of plasma cutters in the market. Thus, it becomes a challenge to figure out which one to buy. It is much easy if you know the difference between two products. Hence, we have compiled a buying guide for you which will help you in deciding between two plasma cutters.
Power source
It is important to know about your power source before buying a plasma cutter. The standard power points in houses are of 110/120 volts only. Thus, you will need a plasma cutter with that capacity only.
At the same time, it is important to understand that 110/120 volts is not ideal for cutting a gauge plate over ¼ inches to ½ inches. If you are supposed to cut a heavier gauge plate, then you might need a converter with 220/240 volts. You will have to set it up with the help of your electrician. Hence, this is an important aspect to consider before buying a plasma cutter.
Amperage
Plasma cutters use electrical currents for generating the cutting arcs. They are measured with amperage. It is important for you to measure the amps with the thickness of the metal that you are going to cut. This is because the amperage is directly correlated to the cutting speed.
Inverter
You have to understand that all plasma cutters do not come with in-built converters. The inverter’s job is to take direct current and then feed it to a high-frequency transistor inverter which ranges from 10 kHz to 200 kHz. This adds to its portability as well. Hence, if you want your plasma cutter to be effortless then look for one with an inverter.
Metal thickness
You need to consider the metal you are going to work on as well. Understand that 25 amps will work with a metal of ¼ inches while a plasma cutter with 50 amps will be able to cut a metal with thickness of ½ inches. In the same way, a cutter with 80 amps will suffice a metal with thickness of ¾ to 1 inch.
Duty cycle
You will have to check the duty cycle of a plasma cutter as well. The best plasma cutter under 500 is one which has more amperage output as it will offer higher duty cycle. You need to buy this one if you want to work for longer spans.
Controls and Indicators
Buy a plasma cutter that has controls and indicators. Normally, plasma cutters have LED indicators located in the front panel so that you can read the signals from the machine. You might want to take a plasma cutter with this feature as it will make the cutting process easy for you.
Plate gauge to cut
The plate size that you are cutting is also very important to determine before buying a plasma cutter. If the plate is thicker then you need a plasma cutter with more power. Now, you need to understand that you should not purchase a cutter with the maximum cut size which is as same as the one that you want to cut.
It is important to understand that the maximum gauge a plasma cutter can cut should be a size larger. Only then it can offer a clean cut. It is not a good idea to buy a plasma cutter that will struggle to cut your plate. This is because it will take a lot of time and you will not even get clean edges. On top of that. It will take more time to clean everything as well.
Hence, it is important to choose the best plasma cutter wisely. Always opt for a cutter which will help you in cutting the metal easily and smoothly. For example, if a particular plasma cutter’s cut size is ¾ inches then, you will be able to cut plates with ½ inches of size smoothly. You will have to understand this ratio and based on that buy a plasma cutter for yourself.
Different torches to consider before buying a plasma cutter.
Standoff torch
This a torch which comes at the end of nozzle. It basically enables a proper distance between the nozzle and the metal. It also helps in avoiding double arcing at the contact point which lies between the tip and metal.
Also, when the second arc is done, it will stick with them both together. This can lead to slide issues. The standoff will be an excellent choice in such situations. It will make sure that the cut is smooth and consistent.
Touch start
Touch start basically resonates with the same type of technology that a TIG machine has. The cutting with touch start begins by the touch of the nozzle to the metal. Although, it is important to understand that you need to keep the torch slightly lifted to keep it from double arching between the nozzle and the metal.
This one works well. It is very easy to produce and thus, plasma cutters with this technology are cost-effective as well. Although, there is a trick to use touch start. You need to master that or else you will end up having a rough cut.
Drag technology
This is a great torch as well. It will replace the standoff technology by letting the nozzle touch the metal. The good part is that it does all this without double arcing. The drag technology frees the torch completely so that it can slide smoothly with the metal while cutting. However, it can make the nozzle dirty and damage it easily as well. Also, it is important to understand that it is not as consistent as the standoff technology.
Cut finish
This is one more type of torch that the best plasma cutters use. This one is suitable for notching letters and pictures out of plates. It also helps in cutting artistic shapes for decorations. It is used in higher quality of plasma cutters as they give a neater finished look. Also, you have minimal amount of clean up after you use this type of plasma cutters. This one is especially used when you want a top-notch finishing.
Frequently Asked Question
Why should you buy an affordable plasma cutter?
You have to understand that you will have to buy a plasma cutter based on your needs. Do not randomly buy a plasma cutter because you like its features or design. You will have to look in to what you will be doing with it. Plasma cutters that are expensive have more features and they are mostly manufactured for tailor-made uses.
If you do not have to work on metals on large or commercial scale, then you must look for a cheaper model with limited amount of uses. It might not have additional and premium features but, it is definitely suitable for home use or occasional use. Also, the plasma cutters mentions in this article are great. They are suitable for beginners and people who do not have much knowledge on plasma cutters. At the same time, if you are just exploring with plasma cutters, then buying a cheap one is always a good idea.
Is a cheap plasma cutter reliable?
If you have to do the bare minimum work, then cheap plasma cutters are perfect. They get the job done easily and are perfectly reliable. Although, you need to understand that you cannot use these plasma cutters for a longer span. Then, there might be a problem. Although, if you use it for small amount of span, then they can be proper for years.
How much shall I spend after a plasma cutter?
If you want to use the plasma cutter for your house or office, then you must spend around $500 for your plasma cutter. Spending more than that is not a very good idea as you do not need all the additional or extra features for the same.
What all can I do with my plasma cutter?
There are various things that can be done with a plasma cutter. This is because they are one of the most versatile tools that one can own when it comes to metals. Plasma cutters can tackle various tasks and they will save you a lot of time as well. Some of the things that you can do with your plasma cutter includes: cutting metal to specific lengths, mobile car dismantling, cutting metal sections to repair cracked trailer frames, building custom fences, building trailers, custom BBQ building and a lot more.
How hot can a plasma cutter get?
Plasma cutter can get very hot. In fact, it is hotter than the interior of the sun. It is almost around 15 million degrees Kelvin. This is also hotter than any temperature ever on earth. The temperature of the plasma is around 20,000-degree centigrade. Also, the velocity of the plasma cutter can actually approach the speed of the sound.
What is the best plasma cutter under $500?
Lotos LT5000D is the best plasma cutter that is available in the market. You can read its review mentioned above in the list. It gives value for money with a lot of convenience and added features to the consumers.
What is the best cheap plasma cutter?
Zeny cut 50 is the cheapest plasma cutter in the market. It will cut the metals efficiently. Apart from that, you can use it for a considerable amount of time.
Conclusion
These were some of the best plasma cutters available in the market under $500. Lotos LT5000D is our top pick as it has additional features in it. It offers a broad range of plate thickness as well. It cut is also smooth and sharp regardless the surface.
The rest of the plasma cutters are also really good. If you want to work on DIY projects or try your hands at metal cutting, then you can literally buy any one from the list. All of them are really good for that purpose.
Make sure to read the buying guide section properly. It will surely help you to make an informed choice. We have compiled all the important factors that you need to consider before buying a plasma cutter. We understand that there is nothing more confusing than having a heap of options. Thus, you will find reviews with pros and cons mentioned in this guide. Besides that, remember to install the machine properly. Also, read the instruction manual thoroughly before using the plasma cutter. Make sure to be safe and thus, wear the right equipment while working with the best plasma cutter.