Looking to get into metal cutting without breaking the bank? A cheap plasma cutter might be exactly what you need. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Weve spent time putting some of the most popular budget-friendly plasma cutters to the test, and the results are in!
Youre probably wondering things like: Which one offers the best cut quality for the price? How do they handle different thicknesses of metal? And, most importantly, which ones are actually worth your money? We’ll cover all that and more, breaking down performance on materials like 1/4 inch mild steel, ease of use, and overall value. Get ready to find the perfect plasma cutter for your needs, without emptying your wallet!
Recommended Products
Detailed Cheap Plasma Cutter Reviews
1. AS Reboot 60A Plasma Cutter
The AS Reboot 60A Plasma Cutter is a compact and affordable option for cutting metal. It boasts a 60-amp output, capable of slicing through up to 1/2 inch mild steel. This machine features a user-friendly digital display for easy amperage adjustments and a built-in air pressure regulator.
Its an excellent choice for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts working on projects with thinner metals, as it delivers clean and precise cuts on sheet metal. The arc starts quickly and consistently, even when cutting through painted surfaces.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. AS HONE Plasma Cutter, Actual
The AS HONE Plasma Cutter is a compact and portable unit, offering a cutting capacity up to 1/2 inch mild steel. It features an adjustable amperage control, ranging from 15 to 40 amps, allowing for versatility when working with different thicknesses of metal.
This plasma cutter is a great option for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts due to its affordability and ease of use. Its lightweight design makes it easy to move around the workshop, and the included consumables provide a good starting point for projects.
A notable pro is its quick arc starting; it gets you cutting fast with minimal fuss. For the price, the AS HONE provides surprisingly clean and precise cuts on thinner gauge materials, like sheet metal.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. Be bestarc Plasma Cutter, 35Amps
The Bestarc Plasma Cutter, a 35-amp machine, is a compact unit designed for cutting various metals. It features a pilot arc start, making it easier to initiate cuts, and provides a clean, focused arc for precision work.
This cutter excels at hobbyist projects and light-duty tasks due to its portability and ease of use.
A major advantage is its affordability combined with reasonable cutting capability; it slices through sheet steel with little effort. Furthermore, its user-friendly, allowing even beginners to achieve acceptable results quickly.
The unit is also fairly lightweight and easy to carry around the shop.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. AS Plasma Cutter,CUT50 55Amp 110V/220V
The AS Plasma Cutter CUT50 offers a compact 55-Amp plasma cutting solution, capable of operating on both 110V and 220V power. This machine is well-suited for lighter fabrication projects, cutting through materials like sheet metal and thin steel with relative ease.
Its dual-voltage capability provides flexibility for use in various shop environments, and the unit includes features like a built-in air regulator. A key benefit is its portability, making it convenient for on-site jobs.
The arc starts quickly, minimizing time wasted. The compact design of the AS Plasma Cutter is perfect for tight spaces.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. Be Reboot Plasma Cutter, 2025
The Be Reboot Plasma Cutter is a compact unit featuring a dual voltage input of 110/220V and an adjustable amperage output, reaching up to 50 amps. This cutter is ideally suited for home hobbyists or light-duty fabrication.
Its small size and portability make it easy to move around the workshop. A key advantage is its ability to cleanly sever through 3/8-inch steel, delivering a surprisingly smooth and precise cut.
The units intuitive controls and easy setup contribute to a user-friendly experience, making it simple for beginners to get started.
Overall, it is a capable and affordable plasma cutter, delivering good performance for its price point.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. Be ARCCAPTAIN Plasma Cutter, [Large
The ARCCAPTAIN Plasma Cutter is a budget-friendly unit featuring a dual voltage input (110/220V) and a digital display. Its designed for cutting various metals, including mild steel up to 1/2 inch thick, and comes with a built-in air regulator. This cutter excels at quick cuts for DIY projects and light fabrication tasks.
A major pro is its portability and ease of setup, making it ideal for beginners. I was able to cut through 1/4 inch steel plate with minimal effort. This makes it a cost-effective option for hobbyists or those new to plasma cutting.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. AS FLARING Plasma Cutter,65 Amp
The AS FLARING Plasma Cutter boasts a 65-amp output, making it suitable for cutting through various metals. Its digital display provides clear amperage readings for precise adjustments. This cutter excels at quickly slicing through sheet metal and thinner steel, delivering clean edges with minimal slag.
A notable advantage is its high-frequency start system which reliably initiates the arc without needing direct contact. I was able to effortlessly cut through two-inch angle iron for a small project with little difficulty.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. Be bestarc Plasma Cutter, [Pilot
The Be bestarc Plasma Cutter features a user-friendly design and a Pilot arc start system for efficient cutting. This plasma cutter is designed for cutting various metals up to 1/2 inch thick, making it suitable for hobbyists and DIY projects. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. A notable pro is the clean cutting it provides on thin sheet metal, with minimal dross. I was able to easily cut through 1/4 inch steel with a smooth finish.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. Be bestarc Plasma Cutter, [Pilot
The Be Bestarc Plasma Cutter features a pilot arc start and operates at 50 amps. This allows for easier and more reliable starting on various metals like steel and aluminum. It excels at cutting thinner materials, providing clean and precise cuts without excessive heat distortion. I was able to successfully cut through 1/4 inch mild steel with minimal slag. The machine is compact and lightweight, making it easily portable for on-site projects, which is a major advantage for its price point.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. Be ARCCAPTAIN 55A Plasma Cutter,
The ARCCAPTAIN 55A Plasma Cutter is a compact and affordable unit perfect for cutting through various metals. It boasts a 55-amp output, enabling it to slice through materials up to half an inch thick. This machine is well-suited for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts due to its portability and ease of use.
A notable advantage is its built-in air regulator, which streamlines setup and operation. The units simple interface and clearly marked controls make it easy to dial in the settings needed for your project, whether youre working on a car or creating metal artwork. For the price, the cutting performance is surprisingly efficient and clean.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Buying a Budget-Friendly Plasma Cutter
Looking to get started with plasma cutting without breaking the bank? A budget-friendly plasma cutter can be a great option for DIY projects, hobbyist use, and light industrial applications. Heres a quick guide to help you choose:
Key Considerations
Cutting Capacity: Consider the thickness of metal youll primarily be cutting. A plasma cutters severance cut rating is the maximum, while its clean cut rating is more practical for consistent results. For instance, a cutter rated for 1/2-inch severance will likely provide clean cuts up to about 3/8-inch steel.
Input Voltage: Ensure the plasma cutters voltage requirements match your available power supply. Many budget cutters operate on both 120V and 240V, offering flexibility. Verify the amperage draw, especially for 240V usage, to avoid tripping breakers.
Duty Cycle: Pay attention to the duty cycle, which is the percentage of time the cutter can operate at its maximum output before needing to cool down. For example, a 60% duty cycle at 40 amps means it can cut for 6 minutes out of every 10. Lower prices often involve lower duty cycles.
Air Compressor Requirements: Plasma cutters need a supply of clean, dry compressed air. Check the cutters recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) and CFM (cubic feet per minute) requirements. Youll need an air compressor that meets or exceeds these specifications for proper performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats the best material for a beginner to practice plasma cutting on with a cheap cutter?
Mild steel is ideal for beginners. Its affordable, widely available, and cuts cleanly with most entry-level plasma cutters. Avoid materials like aluminum or stainless steel until youve gained experience.
What thickness of metal can I realistically cut with an inexpensive plasma cutter?
Most affordable plasma cutters can sever metal up to 1/2 inch thick, though the cut quality might diminish at the upper end of that range. For clean, precise cuts, expect to comfortably cut materials around 1/4 inch thick or less.
Do I need a special air compressor to use a cheap plasma cutter?
Yes, youll need an air compressor that can deliver a consistent supply of clean, dry air. Check the plasma cutters specifications for the required CFM (cubic feet per minute) and PSI (pounds per square inch) ratings, and choose a compressor that meets or exceeds those requirements.
What kind of consumables will I need to buy, and how often will I need to replace them?
Youll need to purchase consumables like electrodes, nozzles, and swirl rings. The frequency of replacement depends on usage and material cut, but expect to replace these parts periodically. Inspect them regularly for wear and damage.
How does the cut quality of a cheap plasma cutter compare to a more expensive one?
Inexpensive plasma cutters will generally produce cuts that are less precise and have more dross (slag) compared to professional-grade machines. However, they can still be suitable for hobbyist projects and less critical applications, with practice.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the cheap plasma cutter we reviewed offers a budget-friendly way to cut metal. Its ability to slice through a 1/4-inch steel plate is impressive for its price point. We experienced clean cuts on thin sheet metal. However, it struggled with thicker materials and lacked some features found in more expensive models, like adjustable amperage controls.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. If youre a hobbyist or DIY enthusiast working on light-duty projects and looking to save money, this plasma cutter could be a good fit. However, professionals or those requiring heavy-duty cutting might need to consider a more robust machine.
Decide what tasks you’ll be tackling most often and choose accordingly!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
