Ready to cut aluminum like a pro? Youre in the right place. Choosing the best aluminum plasma cutter can be tricky. You want power, precision, and a machine that wont break the bank. We’ve put several models to the test, working with various thicknesses and alloys, from thin sheets to thicker plates. Our hands-on experience means we know what truly matters when it comes to aluminum plasma cutters.
So, what should you look for? We’ll cover key aspects like amperage, cut quality, and duty cycle, alongside factors like portability and ease of use. Our goal is to guide you to the perfect machine for your needs. Well show you exactly what to expect from these products and help you decide which cutter will give you the best value for your money. Get ready to find your next favorite tool!
Recommended Products
Detailed Aluminum 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 boasts a dual voltage 110/220V input, allowing for versatility in power source options and offers a maximum cutting thickness of 3/4 inch mild steel.
This cutter excels at its intended purpose by delivering clean, precise cuts quickly. A notable pro is the built-in digital display that allows you to easily monitor and adjust amperage for optimal performance based on the materials thickness.
Another advantage includes the robust design that ensures durability, which is especially beneficial when tackling demanding projects.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. AS YESWELDER CUT-55HF Plasma Cutter,
The AS YESWELDER CUT-55HF is a robust plasma cutter offering high-frequency start and a maximum cut thickness of 3/4 inch. This unit operates on both 110V and 220V power inputs, providing flexibility for various shop setups. Its well-suited for cutting steel, aluminum, and other conductive metals.
This plasma cutter excels due to its clean cuts and minimal dross production, resulting in less cleanup time. The built-in air pressure regulator ensures optimal cutting performance. The sturdy construction and included accessories like the plasma torch and ground clamp make it a reliable choice for both hobbyists and professionals.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. Be bestarc Plasma Cutter, [Pilot
The Bestarc Plasma Cutter with Pilot Arc offers a powerful cutting experience. Its key feature is a pilot arc ignition system, enabling clean cuts through painted or rusted surfaces. This plasma cutter excels at cutting various metals, including steel up to 1/2 inch thick, making it ideal for automotive work. A notable advantage is the consistent, focused arc, minimizing slag and producing precise edges.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. Be bestarc Plasma Cutter, [Pilot
The Be bestarc Plasma Cutter features a pilot arc start and operates on both 110V and 220V power. Its designed for cutting various metals, including steel and aluminum, up to a specified thickness, likely around 1/2 inch. This makes it a versatile tool for both DIY enthusiasts and professional welders.
Its pilot arc system ensures easy starting and consistent cuts, even on painted or rusty surfaces. This plasma cutter also boasts a digital display for current adjustment, allowing for precise control. For example, the cutting is clean, even on thicker sheets of mild steel.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. Be ARCCAPTAIN 55A Plasma Cutter,
The ARCCAPTAIN 55A Plasma Cutter is a compact and versatile machine designed for efficient metal cutting. It features a non-touch pilot arc, ensuring cleaner starts and less tip wear, and offers a maximum cutting thickness up to 3/4 inch mild steel. This plasma cutter is well-suited for various projects due to its ability to slice through various metals with ease. A notable advantage is its portability; its lightweight design makes it simple to move around the workshop and into different job sites. The ARCCAPTAIN units powerful performance delivers clean and precise cuts, even through thicker materials.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. AS YESWELDER Amp Plasma Cutter
The AS YESWELDER Amp Plasma Cutter is a compact and portable unit, capable of cutting up to 1/2-inch mild steel. It features a digital display for precise amperage control, ranging from 15 to 50 amps, and incorporates a non-HF arc start for cleaner, more reliable ignition. This cutter excels at its intended purpose due to its ability to make clean cuts on various metals with minimal distortion, offering excellent performance for hobbyists and light fabrication tasks.
Notable pros include its ease of use and consistent cut quality. The pilot arc function allows for easy starting on painted or rusted surfaces, saving considerable time. The cutters lightweight design also makes it convenient for on-site projects or moving around a workshop.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. AS YESWELDER CUT-65DS PLUS Plasma
The AS YESWELDER CUT-65DS PLUS is a robust plasma cutter featuring a dual voltage input, allowing for use with both 110V and 220V power sources. This machine boasts a maximum cutting thickness of three-quarters of an inch on mild steel, making it suitable for a variety of projects. Its digital display and pilot arc ignition significantly improve user control and arc starting.
This plasma cutter excels at quickly and cleanly cutting through various metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper. The pilot arc allows easy starting on painted or rusty surfaces.
A notable advantage is the built-in air pressure regulator that helps optimize cutting performance and extends consumable life. The CUT-65DS PLUSs compact design and integrated handle also enhance portability.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. Be bestarc Plasma Cutter, 35Amps
The Bestarc Plasma Cutter, with its 35-amp output, is designed for efficient cutting. This machine boasts a compact design and a dual-voltage input (110V/220V), offering versatility for various power sources. It can effortlessly slice through mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with a recommended thickness.
Its portability, coupled with its straightforward controls, makes it suitable for both professional and DIY projects. The arc start is quick and clean, ensuring precise cuts and minimal slag.
A notable advantage is its ability to handle different thicknesses of metal, making it a good choice for diverse cutting tasks.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. AS ARCCAPTAIN iControl CUT55 Pro
The AS ARCCAPTAIN iControl CUT55 Pro is a powerful aluminum plasma cutter featuring a digital interface and dual voltage capabilities (110/220V). It uses a non-touch pilot arc, allowing for cleaner and more precise cuts, especially on painted surfaces. This machine excels at cutting various metals, including steel up to 3/4 inch thick, due to its 55-amp output. Notably, its ease of use, indicated by the iControl interface, and consistent performance makes it a solid choice for both hobbyists and professionals.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. AS Reboot Pro 60A Plasma
The AS Reboot Pro 60A Plasma cutter is designed for precision cutting of various metals. It boasts a 60-amp output, capable of slicing through thicker materials with ease. Its high-frequency start ensures a smooth and reliable arc initiation, making it good for both professional and hobbyist use.
This plasma cutter excels at producing clean cuts, minimizing dross and making for quicker finishing work. A significant advantage is the portability, allowing you to use it on multiple projects. The intuitive controls and clear display further enhance the user experience, making operation straightforward and efficient.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Aluminum Plasma Cutter Buying Guide
Choosing the right plasma cutter for aluminum can significantly impact your projects outcome. Heres a quick guide to help you choose wisely.
Cutting Capacity
Consider the thickness of aluminum youll be cutting most often. Look for a cutter with a rated cut capacity that exceeds your typical aluminum sheet or plate thickness. A machine rated for 1/2-inch steel will likely cut 3/8-inch aluminum effectively.
Power Source (Input Voltage)
Ensure the plasma cutter is compatible with your power supply. Most home workshops use 120V or 240V. Check the specifications for dual-voltage capabilities to give you flexibility for different locations.
Portability and Duty Cycle
If you need to move your plasma cutter around the workshop or job site, consider its weight and size. Also, look at the duty cycle, which indicates how long the cutter can operate continuously before needing a cool-down period. A higher duty cycle is beneficial for larger projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut thick aluminum with a plasma cutter?
Yes, many plasma cutters can handle aluminum. The cutting capacity depends on the machines amperage. Look for a plasma cutter with a high amperage rating, like 40-60 amps or more, for cutting thicker aluminum sheets, generally up to 1/2 inch or more.
What gas should I use when cutting aluminum?
Compressed air is the most common and often best choice for cutting aluminum. Air provides good cut quality and is readily available. However, some plasma cutters may also support nitrogen, which can produce a slightly cleaner cut on aluminum.
What kind of cut quality can I expect on aluminum?
Plasma cutting aluminum will produce a clean and efficient cut. You can expect a slight bevel, or angle, on the cut edge, which is normal for plasma processes. The cut quality will also be influenced by your machine settings, such as amperage, travel speed, and air pressure.
How do I prevent warping when cutting aluminum?
Warping is less of a problem with aluminum than with steel. However, to minimize warping, use a lower amperage setting for the material thickness you are cutting. Employ a fast travel speed while cutting, and consider using a water table or a sacrificial plate under the aluminum to help dissipate heat.
What are the key safety precautions when plasma cutting aluminum?
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a welding helmet with a shade 9-12 lens to protect your eyes, and appropriate leather gloves. Ensure youre working in a well-ventilated area, and wear clothing that protects your skin from sparks and UV light emitted by the arc.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the aluminum plasma cutter offers a versatile solution for metalworking projects. Its ability to slice through aluminum sheets with a clean, efficient cut is a definite advantage. The portability of the unit, combined with its ease of use, makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced welders. The quality of the arc and the machines duty cycle are crucial factors to consider when evaluating its performance.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. If you require a powerful cutter for regular use in a professional setting, this machine is a good option. However, if you are a hobbyist with occasional projects, carefully consider its features to ensure it aligns with your requirements.
Ready to get started? Explore your options and choose the best cutter for your needs 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.
