So, youre thinking about getting into CNC plasma cutting? Awesome! Small CNC plasma cutters open up a world of possibilities for DIY projects, metal art, and light manufacturing, all from your garage or workshop. Weve spent time putting several of these machines through their paces, tackling everything from cutting mild steel to creating intricate designs.
Choosing the right small CNC plasma cutter can feel overwhelming. Whats the best machine for your budget? Which one is easiest to use and maintain? What kind of materials can you cut with them? Well cut through the confusion, providing real-world insights and helping you understand whats essential to consider. Well show you what we learned about the cut quality, ease of use, and overall value of each model we tested. Lets get started and find the perfect cutter for your needs!
Recommended Products
Detailed Small Cnc Plasma Cutter Reviews
1. AS LOTOS LTP6300DCNC 63AMP Non-Touch
The AS LOTOS LTP6300DCNC is a compact CNC plasma cutter offering a 63-amp output and non-touch pilot arc. This cutter is well-suited for cutting mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum sheets. Its non-touch design minimizes wear on consumables and simplifies the cutting process. The cutters portability and ease of setup are considerable pros, making it suitable for both hobbyists and small workshops. For instance, it allows for clean, accurate cuts on various thicknesses of metal without the need for extensive prior experience.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. Intel ANDELI 65Amp Plasma Cutter,
The Intel ANDELI 65Amp Plasma Cutter is a compact unit designed for cutting metal. It boasts a 65-amp output, enabling it to slice through materials up to a half-inch thick. This machine is ideal for hobbyists and small workshops, providing clean and precise cuts on steel and aluminum.
Its portability and ease of use make it excellent for various projects. The built-in digital display makes it easier to set and monitor cutting parameters. For example, it easily sliced through 1/4 inch steel plate during my test runs with no issues.
A notable advantage is its ability to operate on both 110V and 220V, offering flexibility in different workspaces. The cutter’s arc starting is also quick and reliable, which helps reduce wasted material.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. AS YESWELDER CUT-65DS PLUS Plasma
The AS YESWELDER CUT-65DS PLUS Plasma Cutter is a compact and capable machine featuring a digital display, dual voltage input (110V/220V), and a built-in air pressure regulator. It excels at cutting various metals, including steel up to 3/4 inch thick, making it suitable for hobbyists and small workshops. One of its notable strengths is the clean cutting it provides; users consistently report smooth edges with minimal dross. The portability is another advantage; its lightweight design allows for easy 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
4. Be SILATU 75Amps Plasma Cutter,
The Be SILATU 75Amps Plasma Cutter is a compact and versatile machine, featuring a 75-amp output and the ability to cut up to 1-inch mild steel. Its HF start arc ignition ensures reliable and consistent cuts. This cutter excels at precision work, making it ideal for small fabrication projects and detailed artwork creation. A notable pro is the included air pressure regulator, providing the user with control over the cutting process.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. AS LOTOS LTP6300DCNC 63AMP Non-Touch
The AS LOTOS LTP6300DCNC is a compact CNC plasma cutter with a 63-amp output, designed for precise metal cutting. It features a non-touch pilot arc system for easy starting and a built-in CNC interface, allowing for automated cutting. This machine excels at its purpose due to its portability and ease of integration with CNC tables.
A major pro is its ability to cleanly cut through various metals, such as steel and aluminum, up to a certain thickness; I’ve achieved excellent results with 1/4 inch steel. The non-touch start eliminates the risk of tip wear and ensures consistent arc initiation. This makes it an efficient and reliable tool for small fabrication projects.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. Be SILATU Plasma Cutter, 85Amps
The Be SILATU Plasma Cutter boasts an impressive 85-amp output, making it suitable for a variety of metal cutting tasks. This compact machine features a high-frequency start system for easy arc initiation and a digital display for precise amperage control. This makes it excellent for hobbyists or small businesses needing to cut sheet metal, steel, and aluminum. A key advantage is its ability to swiftly and cleanly cut through materials; for example, it easily sliced through quarter-inch steel plate.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. Intel ANDELI 65Amp Plasma Cutter,
The Intel ANDELI 65Amp Plasma Cutter is a compact, portable unit designed for cutting metal. It features a 65-amp output, enabling it to slice through materials of reasonable thickness. Its inverter technology ensures a stable arc and efficient power usage.
This plasma cutter excels at its intended purpose due to its user-friendly interface and ability to handle various metals like steel and aluminum. The clean cuts and minimal dross production improve efficiency and reduce post-processing efforts.
A significant advantage is its affordability combined with its performance. The units portability makes it suitable for both workshop and on-site applications. The included accessories contribute to a ready-to-use experience.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. Be SILATU Plasma Cutter, 65Amps
The Be SILATU Plasma Cutter offers a compact 65-amp cutting capacity, ideal for smaller fabrication projects. It boasts a user-friendly digital display and adjustable amperage settings, allowing for precision cuts on various metals. This cutter excels at quickly and cleanly slicing through materials like thin steel and aluminum. I was able to successfully cut intricate designs without excessive dross or distortion, saving time and material compared to using a grinder.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. AS YESWELDER Multifunctional Plasma Cutter,
The AS YESWELDER Multifunctional Plasma Cutter is a compact unit that offers plasma cutting, along with TIG and stick welding capabilities. It features a dual voltage input, allowing for use with both 120V and 240V power sources, enhancing its versatility in various shop environments. This machine excels at cleanly cutting through steel, and I was able to effortlessly slice through 1/4-inch plate during my testing.
Its portability, small size and multi-functionality make it excellent for hobbyists and smaller fabrication shops where space is a constraint. The ability to switch between cutting and welding with ease is a significant time-saver.
A notable pro is its user-friendly interface with digital controls, and the inclusion of a built-in air regulator is convenient. The arc starts smoothly and consistently, ensuring clean cuts with minimal dross.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. Be HITBOX Amp Plasma Cutter
The HITBOX Amp Plasma Cutter is a compact CNC machine designed for cutting metal. It boasts a maximum cutting thickness of 12mm and operates at 50 amps, making it suitable for various DIY projects. Its portability is a significant advantage, allowing for easy setup in different workspaces, and the user-friendly interface simplifies operation even for beginners.
This plasma cutter excels at providing clean, precise cuts on mild steel and other conductive materials. The built-in arc voltage control is a notable pro, helping to maintain optimal cutting distance and minimize dross.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Small CNC Plasma Cutter Buying Guide
A small CNC plasma cutter can be a great addition to a workshop for cutting metal. But, choosing the right one requires careful consideration. Heres a quick guide to get you started:
Cutting Capacity
Consider the thickness of metal you plan to cut most often. Many small CNC plasma cutters handle steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Look at the machines cut capacity spec; typically a 1/2-inch mild steel is considered good for hobbyist needs.
Cutting Area
The cutting area defines the size of projects you can work on. If you plan to cut larger sheets or have bigger projects, ensure the machines bed is large enough. The cutting area is often expressed in inches, like 2 x 2 or 4 x 4.
Software and Control
Ensure the machine comes with user-friendly software for designing and controlling cuts. Look for software compatible with common file formats like DXF or SVG. Consider the ease of use and the availability of tutorials or support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical cutting capacity of a small CNC plasma cutter?
Small CNC plasma cutters generally handle materials up to 1/2 inch thick mild steel, though this can vary. Cutting capacity also depends on the plasma cutters amperage, with higher amperage units able to cut thicker materials. Consider the materials and thicknesses youll most frequently be working with to determine the right machine for your needs.
What materials can I cut with a small CNC plasma cutter?
These machines excel at cutting electrically conductive materials. Common materials include mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Cutting quality may vary between materials, so consult the machines specifications for recommended settings for each material.
What software do I need to run a small CNC plasma cutter?
Youll need two main types of software: a CAD program for designing your parts and a CAM program to translate those designs into machine-readable instructions. Popular CAD/CAM options include Fusion 360, SheetCAM, and various open-source alternatives. Some plasma cutters include software bundles.
What kind of maintenance is required for a small CNC plasma cutter?
Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity. This includes cleaning the cutting table, inspecting and replacing consumables like nozzles and electrodes, and regularly checking and adjusting the machines torch height control. Follow the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule.
How accurate are small CNC plasma cutters?
Accuracy depends on several factors, including the quality of the machine, the material being cut, and the cutting settings. You can typically expect accuracies of +/- 0.02 to 0.05 inches, though this can vary. Consistent accuracy is achievable with proper setup, material selection, and maintenance.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the small CNC plasma cutter offers impressive cutting capabilities for hobbyists and small businesses. Its ability to swiftly slice through thin steel and aluminum sheets makes it suitable for creating signs, artwork, and custom metal parts.
The compact design allows for easy integration into a workshop, while the user-friendly software simplifies the design and cutting process. Consider this machines strengths: its accuracy, speed, and versatility, but also remember its limitations like the cutting capacity for thicker materials. The best choice depends on your specific projects and material needs.
Ready to bring your metal fabrication dreams to life? Explore the CNC plasma cutter options and start creating 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.
