Why Plasma Cutting
Whether you are a novice or a master cutter, Plasma cutting is superior for cutting thinner metals creating a faster cut. Best plasma cutter allows the operator more control of the piece and cutting speed with the least amount of oxidization. Plasma cutting is faster, cleaner, and with more precise cuts.
The Technology Behind Plasma Cutting
A high-velocity jet of ionized gas emitted (plasma) conducting electricity from the torch of the plasma cutter to the piece of metal. The best plasma cutter heats the metal, thus melting the material at a precise point. The steam from the ionized gas blows the molten metal away, leaving a clean cut free of debris.
Plasma cutting is best when cutting steel and non-ferrous metals 1 inch or less, although many cutters are built to cut thicker metals up to 1-7/8 inches.
BEST PLASMA CUTTERS OF 2017
1. Hypertherm Powermax 45 Plasma Cutter
Editor’s Rating:
- 45 Amps
- 37 Pounds
- $$$
Hypertherm 088016 Plasma Cutter Quick Review
Amps – 45 amps of cutting power
Portability – 37 Pounds. Weight Dimensions: 16.8” x 6.8” x 13.7”
Power Source – AC/DC – No batteries required
Cutting Ability – Easily has the cutting power of cutting 1/2 inch thick metal up to 1 inch.
Reliability – Customers customer providing plasma cutter reviews rated this product on a scale of 1 to 5 as a 4.9. Cutting performance is superior to other plasma cutters. Ease of use rated outstanding and remarked as being top-notch. Tips withstand extensive usage and provide clean precise cuts over an extended period of usage.
Cutting technology relies on several factors such as the quality of the cut, performance of the unit and multi-purpose capabilities. The Hypertherm has high-performance abilities and plasma cutter reviews report the performance of the Hypertherm 088016 outperforms competitive units with equal performance reports.
2. Lotos LTP 5000D Plasma Cutter
Editor’s Rating:
- 50 Amps
- 21 Pounds
- $
Lotos LTP 5000D Plasma Cutter Quick Review
Amps – 50 amps
Portability – 21 pounds. Dimensions: 18.8” x 16” x 11”
Power Source – AC/DC
Cutting Ability – Fast cuts with ease of cutting ½ inch thick straight cut, circle, arch, etc. Cuts are fast, clean, and accurate. Plasma cutter has been timed at cutting 3” per minute of a 1” thick piece of steel. The maximum thickness of metal is 1-½ inches.
Reliability – Customers view this product on a scale of 1 to 5 as a 4.7 rating. Designed and constructed for extensive use in an industrial environment, yet usage for home projects it is the perfect tool for plasma cutting of metal and design of metal sculptures. With dual voltage, this unit adapts to construction voltage usage and home standard voltage.
The Lotos LTP5000D is suited for stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminum, copper and mild steel and other metals. The unit comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.
3. Hobart 500566 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter
Editor’s Rating:
- 40 Amps
- 36 Pounds
- $$$
Hobart 500566 Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter Quick Review
Amps/Volts – 40 amps
Portability – 36 pounds. Dimensions: 14” x 8” x 11”
Power Source – 230 Volts
Cutting Ability – Easily cuts 1/4 inch to 1″ thickness with ease.
Reliability – The unit has wind tunnel technology eliminating abrasive dust from damaging internal components. This unit is equipped with diagnostic LED lights for troubleshooting power and pressure problems. Equipped with a Pilot Arc Controller managing the torch arc capability of cutting through thick dense metals. Startup ability does not use a high frequency which protects computers and other electronic equipment from electrical interference.
The newly added Pilot Arc Controller expands the use of the unit with the auto re-fire technique keeping the torch consistently running throughout the process where several restarts would normally be required.
The “Fan On Demand” cooling system that runs when needed keeping unwanted particles from entering the unit and excessive usage of electrical power.
Editor’s Rating:
- 30 Amps
- 29.8 Pounds
- $$$
Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 XP Quick Review
Amps – 30 amps
Portability – 29.8 pounds Dimensions: 16.5” x 7.7” x 13.1”
Cutting Ability – Perfect for mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Used for cutting intricate shapes, such as very thin kerfs, to gouging cuts, the Hypertherm Plasma Cutter surpasses other cutters. The flush cutting capability of the Hypertherm easily removes lugs, pad eyes and temporary weld supports. Also great for rat hole cuts in I and H beams, bolt and rivet washing, cutting post tension cable tails and other particular cutting where these applications are required.
Reliability – Designed for thick metal cutting, but surprisingly manages the thinner range of metal cutting with ease mild steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Cutting process time is reduced considerably during FlushCutting vs. the Oxyfuel process.
The care of your plasma cutting unit has had extended life added to the consumable parts. The process of cutting will begin to slow as the consumable parts begin to wear. It is advisable to pay close attention to the quality of cuts you are receiving and replace consumables parts when needed to prevent unnecessary wear on equipment.
5. Everlast PowerPlasma 100 Plasma Cutter
Editor’s Rating:
- 20-100 Amps
- $$$
Everlast PowerPlasma 100 Quick Review
Amps – 20-100 amps
Portability – Dimensions: 24” x 11” x 24”
Power Source – 120/240 Dual Voltage
Cutting Ability – Performs extremely smooth, clean cuts. Will cut thick metal up to 1-7/8 inches thick smoothly and efficiently. This product is exceptional when heavy-duty service is needed. Built to withstand daily use of cutting 1-1/4 inches thick plate metal and will perform clean cutting up to 1-1/2 inches.
Reliability – The automatic pilot arc improves performance, especially when cutting on dirty, rusted or painted metals. Plasma cutter is equipped with a warning/diagnostic light that will shut the equipment down when overheating occurs, allowing the issue to be resolved.
The Everlast 100 offers a 5-year warranty on parts and labor. This model fulfills most requirements for commercial or home use at a maximum power of 100 amps, although not all usage requires 100 amps.
