Looking to slice through stainless steel like butter? Choosing the right plasma cutter makes all the difference. Weve been putting a variety of these machines to the test, and the results are in! Youre probably wondering which ones truly excel at handling this tough metal. Well get you answers to the questions that matter most.
Well cover the best plasma cutters for stainless steel, focusing on cut quality, ease of use, and overall value. Youll learn about amperage, duty cycle, and other key specs that directly impact your success. Well share our firsthand experiences and help you understand the essential factors to consider when selecting your ideal plasma cutting tool. Get ready to find the perfect match for your stainless steel cutting needs!
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Detailed Cutting Stainless Steel Plasma Cutter Reviews
1. Be ARCCAPTAIN Plasma Cutter, [Large
The ARCCAPTAIN Plasma Cutter is a heavy-duty machine designed for cutting through various metals. It features a dual voltage of 110/220V and utilizes non-touch pilot arc technology for easy starting and consistent cuts. This plasma cutter excels at providing clean, precise cuts on materials like steel, aluminum, and copper, up to a specified thickness, likely around 3/4 inch.
Notable pros include its user-friendly design and powerful cutting ability, making it suitable for both professional and DIY projects. The clear digital display provides easy access to key parameters for precise settings. The machines overall construction appears robust, which should offer longevity and dependable performance.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. AS YESWELDER CUT-65DS PLUS Plasma
The AS YESWELDER CUT-65DS PLUS Plasma Cutter is a robust machine designed for efficient metal cutting. It features a dual-voltage input (110V/220V), a digital display for amperage adjustments, and a high cutting capacity, enabling it to slice through steel up to 1 inch thick. This makes it excellent for both home hobbyists and professional fabricators. A notable pro is its ability to create clean cuts with minimal dross, as demonstrated when cutting through 1/2 inch mild steel with ease. The machines portability and user-friendly interface are also significant advantages.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. AS YESWELDER CUT-55HF Plasma Cutter,
The AS YESWELDER CUT-55HF Plasma Cutter is a robust machine featuring a high-frequency start and a 55-amp output for efficient cutting. Its design includes an intuitive digital display for easy adjustments and a built-in air pressure regulator. This cutter excels at slicing through various metals, offering clean cuts on up to 1/2 inch mild steel.
This units high-frequency start ensures a quick and reliable arc initiation, saving time and effort. Its portability is also a great benefit, making it suitable for both shop use and on-site projects. The smooth and precise cuts, combined with its user-friendly interface, make it an excellent choice for both hobbyists and experienced welders.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. AS 55Amps Plasma Cutter, CUT55P
The AS 55Amps Plasma Cutter, CUT55P, is a robust machine designed for precision cutting. It features a 55-amp output and cuts through steel effectively. This plasma cutter excels at producing clean, accurate cuts, making it ideal for both hobbyists and professionals.
Its ability to slice through various metals is impressive, making it a versatile tool for fabrication and repair tasks. For instance, the pilot arc ignition allows for easy starts, and the machines compact design increases maneuverability. The CUT55P delivers power and performance in a portable package.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. AS Plasma Cutting Stainless Steel
The AS Plasma Cutter is designed for efficiently slicing through stainless steel. It features a high-frequency start system and offers a maximum cut thickness of 1/2 inch. This plasma cutter is ideal for various metal fabrication tasks due to its ability to create clean, precise cuts.
Its powerful output and fast cutting speed are great for projects where time is of the essence. A notable pro is the machines ease of use; even a novice can achieve respectable results, creating smooth edges on 1/4 inch stainless steel sheets with minimal practice. Another advantage is the built-in air pressure regulator.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. DIN Plasma Cutter Torch Roller
This DIN Plasma Cutter Torch Roller significantly enhances the precision of cuts in various metals. It features an adjustable design, allowing for accurate tracking along the cutting surface and ensuring a consistent distance from the torch nozzle. The rollers construction includes durable, smooth-rolling wheels, promoting effortless movement, even on uneven surfaces. This tool excels at creating cleaner, more uniform cuts, as demonstrated when cutting intricate patterns in quarter-inch steel plate, resulting in minimal post-cut cleanup.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. AS Plasma Cutter Torch Circle
The AS Plasma Cutter Torch Circle attachment is designed for making circular cuts in metal sheets. It features a robust design with a magnetic base and adjustable arm to accommodate various circle diameters, up to 1000mm. This tool is excellent for creating precise, round openings in materials like steel, offering a clean cut with minimal slag.
This attachment simplifies circular cutting, greatly improving efficiency compared to freehand methods. A notable advantage is the smooth and consistent cutting it provides. For instance, creating perfect exhaust pipe flanges or decorative metal artwork becomes much easier and accurate.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. AS Plasma Cutter Torch Circle
The AS Plasma Cutter Torch Circle is designed for clean, precise circular cuts in metal. It features a durable stainless steel construction and a pivoting torch arm for smooth movement. This tool excels at creating perfect circles, as evidenced by its ability to effortlessly cut consistent diameter holes in steel plates. A major advantage is its ease of use; even beginners can achieve professional-looking results with minimal setup time.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. AS Plasma Cutter Circle Guide
The AS Plasma Cutter Circle Guide is a handy tool for making precise circular cuts in metal. It features a magnetic base for secure attachment and allows for adjustable radii, accommodating circles of various sizes. Its design helps users maintain a steady cutting path, leading to cleaner, more accurate results. This is particularly advantageous for DIY projects involving round components, or for creating consistent holes. I found it very easy to set up and use on sheet metal and steel pipe.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. LG RIVERWELD L-TEC PT-31 JG-40
The LG RIVERWELD L-TEC PT-31 JG-40 is a compact plasma cutter designed for precision metal cutting. It features a high-frequency pilot arc start system, allowing for easy initiation on various materials. This machine excels at cleanly slicing through up to 1/2 inch mild steel, while also effectively handling stainless steel and aluminum. Its portability and user-friendly controls make it ideal for both beginners and experienced welders.
A notable pro is its ability to produce clean, narrow cuts with minimal slag, which reduces post-processing work. The lightweight design and included carrying handle add to its overall convenience, making it easy to transport around the shop or job site.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Plasma Cutter Buying Guide for Stainless Steel
Choosing the right plasma cutter for stainless steel involves careful consideration. Heres what to keep in mind:
Power & Cutting Capacity
Assess your typical stainless steel thickness. A unit with a 40-amp output might handle 3/8-inch stainless, while thicker materials will need a higher amperage plasma cutter. Consider a unit offering up to 60 amps for increased versatility. Always check the machines severance cut rating, which denotes the maximum thickness it can cut through cleanly.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle determines how long you can cut continuously before the machine needs to cool down. A higher duty cycle (e.g., 60% at 40 amps) allows for more prolonged cutting. If you plan for extensive stainless steel cutting, choose a plasma cutter with a more extended duty cycle.
Portability & Features
Do you need to move the machine around? Consider the weight and size. Look for a unit thats easy to transport. Features like a built-in air compressor (for air plasma cutters) or a pilot arc for easier starting are beneficial. Also, consider the availability of consumables like nozzles and electrodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness of stainless steel can a plasma cutter typically cut?
Most plasma cutters designed for home or small shop use can cut stainless steel up to ½ inch thick. However, the exact cutting capacity varies depending on the amperage and the specific model of the plasma cutter.
What type of gas is best for cutting stainless steel with a plasma cutter?
Clean, dry compressed air is the most common and practical gas for plasma cutting stainless steel. Some industrial setups might utilize argon or nitrogen to achieve cleaner cuts and minimize oxidation, but air works well in most cases.
How do I prepare the stainless steel before plasma cutting?
Ensure the stainless steel surface is clean and free of rust, scale, or coatings. Securely clamp the material to a stable cutting table to prevent movement during the cutting process.
What settings should I use for cutting stainless steel with my plasma cutter?
Refer to your plasma cutters manual for recommended amperage and travel speed settings for the thickness of stainless steel you are cutting. Start with the recommended settings and adjust as needed to achieve the desired cut quality.
How can I improve the cut quality when plasma cutting stainless steel?
Maintain a consistent travel speed and standoff distance between the torch and the material. Use a high-quality cutting tip, and ensure the gas supply is clean and dry to minimize dross and achieve cleaner, more precise cuts.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, plasma cutters offer a fantastic solution for cutting stainless steel. Our review highlighted that the Hypertherm Powermax30 XP excelled with its portability and clean cuts on 1/4-inch steel. The Razorweld VIPERCUT 30i is a great budget-friendly option. While the Lotos LTP5000D offered powerful performance, its slightly less refined in operation.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Consider the thickness of stainless steel youll be cutting, the desired cut quality, and your budget. Evaluate portability and features accordingly. Carefully research amperage and duty cycle to ensure the plasma cutter meets your project demands.
Choose the plasma cutter that empowers your projects!
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.
