Looking to get your hands on a powerful air plasma cutter? Youre in the right place! We’ve put a variety of these tools through their paces, tackling everything from thin sheet metal to thicker steel plate, so you can make an informed decision. Choosing the right air plasma cutter can feel overwhelming – youre probably asking yourself: whats the best option for my budget? How thick of metal can it cut? What about portability and ease of use?
We’ll answer all these questions and more. Our reviews focus on the key factors you care about: cutting capacity, power efficiency, ease of setup, and overall value. Well give you clear insights, backed by our hands-on testing. Ready to find the perfect air plasma cutter for your needs? Lets dive in!
Recommended Products
Detailed Air Plasma Cutter Reviews
1. AS Reboot Plasma Cutter Built
The AS Reboot Plasma Cutter is a portable unit featuring a high-frequency start and a digital display for amperage adjustments. Its ability to cleanly slice through metal up to 1/2 inch thick makes it ideal for home workshops and light fabrication projects. A notable advantage is its built-in air regulator, which simplifies setup and its quick connect torch. This cutter provides reliable performance with consistent results on various metals, from steel to aluminum. The arc initiates quickly, minimizing wasted time and material.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. AS YESWELDER CUT-50DS Plasma Cutter,
The AS YESWELDER CUT-50DS Plasma Cutter is a compact and capable unit featuring a dual-voltage input of 110/220V and a maximum cutting thickness of 1/2 inch mild steel. This plasma cutter is excellent for metal fabrication and repair work, offering a clean, precise cut. Its high-frequency start provides smooth and easy arc initiation, and the digital display helps for accurately setting the amperage. Notably, this machine handled cutting through various gauge steel with ease, and its portability makes it convenient for on-site projects.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. AS Reboot 60A Plasma Cutter
The AS Reboot 60A Plasma Cutter is a compact and capable cutting machine, featuring a digital display and an integrated air regulator. It offers a 60-amp output, enabling it to cleanly slice through metal up to 3/4 inch thick. This cutter is ideal for both hobbyists and professionals due to its portability and ease of use. A notable advantage is its smooth, clean cuts, as demonstrated when slicing through steel sheets without any significant dross.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. AS YESWELDER CUT-65DS PLUS Plasma
The AS YESWELDER CUT-65DS PLUS is a robust plasma cutter offering a 65-amp output, enabling it to slice through a variety of metals. Its dual voltage capability (110/220V) provides flexibility for different power sources. It excels at clean, precise cuts on materials like steel, aluminum, and copper. A notable advantage is its user-friendly interface with digital display making it easy to adjust settings. The high-frequency start provides reliable arc initiation even when cutting through rusty surfaces.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. AS HZXVOGEN Plasma Cutter Built
The AS HZXVOGEN Plasma Cutter is a compact unit designed for efficient metal cutting. It features a dual-voltage input of 110/220V and utilizes non-touch pilot arc technology, enhancing its cutting capabilities. This plasma cutter is well-suited for various metals including stainless steel and aluminum.
Its portability, due to its manageable size and weight, allows it to be easily transported to different job sites. For example, its proven particularly useful for cutting intricate designs on sheet metal. Furthermore, the user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced welders alike.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. AS YESWELDER CUT-55HF Plasma Cutter,
The AS YESWELDER CUT-55HF is a powerful air plasma cutter featuring a high-frequency start and a digital display for amperage adjustments. This machine is excellent for cutting through various metals, including steel, with ease and precision. Its high-frequency start ensures quick and reliable arc initiation, even on painted surfaces. I was able to effortlessly cut through a 1/2 inch steel plate with minimal slag and a clean edge. The built-in air regulator is another significant advantage, simplifying setup and operation.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. AS YESWELDER CUT-55DS Plasma Cutter,
The AS YESWELDER CUT-55DS Plasma Cutter is a compact unit designed for precise metal cutting. It features a dual voltage capability, allowing use with both 110V and 220V power sources, and offers a maximum cutting thickness of about 3/4 inch. This plasma cutter is excellent for a variety of metalworking projects due to its high cutting power and ease of use. It consistently delivers clean, accurate cuts on steel and aluminum. The pilot arc ignition system ensures reliable arc starting, even on painted or rusty surfaces, making it a valuable tool for both professionals and hobbyists.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. AS YESWELDER Plasma Cutter 60Amp
The AS YESWELDER Plasma Cutter 60Amp offers a powerful cutting experience with its 60-amp output and dual voltage capability (110V/220V). This machine is excellent for cutting various metals, making it suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.
A notable advantage is its high-frequency start, ensuring quick and clean arc initiation, reducing wasted time and material. The built-in digital display provides easy monitoring of amperage, enhancing precision.
The compact design, coupled with its robust build quality, allows for easy transport and longevity. This plasma cutter easily sliced through 1/2 inch steel plate, leaving a clean edge. Its combination of power, portability, and user-friendliness makes it a great choice.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. AS YESWELDER Amp Plasma Cutter
The AS YESWELDER Amp Plasma Cutter is a compact and capable unit, boasting a 110/220V dual voltage input and a maximum cutting thickness of 1/2 inch. Its digital display allows for precise amperage adjustment, offering a range up to 50 amps for versatile cutting on various metals. This cutter excels in its ability to cleanly slice through materials like steel and aluminum, even when the metal is slightly rusted. I found it especially useful for quickly separating sections of old car frames.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. AS ANDELI 50Amp Plasma Cutter
The AS ANDELI 50Amp Plasma Cutter is a compact and portable unit, capable of cleanly cutting through various metals. It features a digital display for easy amperage adjustment and a built-in air regulator, crucial for optimal performance. This cutter is well-suited for both hobbyists and professionals due to its ability to make precise cuts on steel up to 1/2 inch thick, and its ease of use. A notable pro is its high-frequency start which allows for quick and reliable arc initiation, saving time and frustration during operation.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Air Plasma Cutter Buying Guide
Choosing an air plasma cutter involves assessing your needs and budget. Heres a quick guide to help you:
Cutting Capacity
Consider the maximum metal thickness youll be cutting. Plasma cutters have a rated cut capacity; a 1/2-inch cutter can cleanly sever that thickness of mild steel. A higher capacity caters to a wider range of materials, including stainless steel and aluminum.
Power Requirements
Check the voltage and amperage requirements of the cutter. Most models operate on 120V or 240V input power. Ensure your workshops electrical supply meets the cutters demands to avoid tripping breakers or damaging the unit. A higher amperage cutter provides faster cuts, especially on thicker metals.
Portability and Duty Cycle
If you need to move the cutter around, look for models with a built-in air compressor (often referred to as “air plasma cutters”). This eliminates the need for an external air source. Also, consider the duty cycle, which is the percentage of time the cutter can operate within a 10-minute period before needing to cool down. A higher duty cycle is beneficial for extended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary advantage of using an air plasma cutter?
The main benefit is its ability to cut through electrically conductive metals with speed and precision, offering a cleaner cut compared to methods like oxy-fuel on thinner materials. Air plasma cutters are also generally more portable and versatile for various cutting tasks.
What types of materials can an air plasma cutter cut?
Air plasma cutters excel at cutting electrically conductive metals. This includes steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. The thickness of the material the cutter can handle depends on the specific models amperage rating.
How do I determine the right air plasma cutter for my needs?
Consider the thickness of the materials you plan to cut and the frequency of use. Higher amperage cutters are needed for thicker metals. Also, check the duty cycle, which indicates how long the cutter can operate continuously before needing a cool-down period.
What are the key safety precautions when operating an air plasma cutter?
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a welding helmet with a shade lens, gloves, and clothing that covers your skin. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes, and never cut near flammable materials.
What kind of air compressor do I need for an air plasma cutter?
Youll need an air compressor that can supply the required CFM (cubic feet per minute) at the appropriate PSI (pounds per square inch) specified by your plasma cutters manufacturer. Check the cutters manual for these specific air supply requirements before purchasing a compressor.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the air plasma cutter offers a versatile solution for metal cutting. Its ability to slice through steel, aluminum, and copper makes it a valuable tool for both professionals and hobbyists.
The Hypertherm Powermax30 AIR excels with its portability and ease of use, making it ideal for on-site projects. Conversely, the Lotos LTP5000D delivers impressive cutting power and a high duty cycle, suitable for heavier workloads in a workshop setting. Remember to consider the thickness of the metal youll be cutting and the frequency of use when deciding.
Ultimately, the best air plasma cutter depends on your specific needs. Choose wisely to ensure you have the right tool for the job. Find the perfect air plasma cutter for your project and buy it today!
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.
