Earlier, back in the 60s and 70s, plasma cutting was not so smart as it is today. Can you imagine that you carry a huge plasma cutting device to cut the metals and other elements?
Well, now the scenarios are different as you have the best plasma cutter under 500 like CUT-50, 50 Amp Pro. The modern devices are compact in size and shape. And you get the optimum level of performance while cutting different metals like stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, copper, brass, among others.
Moreover, the best plasma cutter under 300 is portable, comfortable and safer too.
But, if you are a newbie in plasma cutting, you might be in a puzzle to get the right product for your needs. Thereby, I have reviewed some of the best contemporary plasma cutters.
The reviews here will help you select the perfect one for your needs.
Let’s start reviewing the products. But before to move in the core part, get some ideas by comparing the products in the chart below.
Top 10 Best Plasma Cutter Under 500 Reviews
CUT-50, 50 Amp Pro
Are you always in a rush with your jobs? You need a speedy plasma cutter like CUT-50, 50 AMP Pro. Many of the reviews have favored this best budget plasma cutter for its specific speed and performance. It can meet all the essentials for your repair or welding tasks in no time because of its high-performance cutting torch.
You can consider the design of this best cheap plasma cutter, and there are innovations as well. The design is impressive with a new look. The filter is inside the body. You can also adjust the functions from the front part of the body. The application of the tool is simple too.
Do you know plasma cutter how it works? Usually, the plasma cutters come with manual operation. But you will get something special here. This CUT-50 runs with a digital control system. So, this is a smart device to meet your cutting needs. And you can apply it for your home and other small projects.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Portable machine
High performance
Auto-voltage ability
Cuts different metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and others
Clean cutting
Less maintenance
[/i2pros][i2cons]For small-scale operation
Low current arc
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
LOTOS LT5000D 50A Air Inverter
At times, the users need a clean and deep cut. But not all the plasma cutters can provide them with the cutting. This affordable plasma cutter of LOTOS can cut up to a thickness of ½ inches, and this is a clean cut. The cutting speed is great and precise. If you need to cut metals like stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and others, this is the right tool.
Safety is another issue that you need to care about. Plasma cutting is safer than oxyhydrogen cutting. In this inverter, you will have all the options to cut metals safely, quickly, and of course, at a low cost. Besides, the size and shape of the cutter are compact and easily portable. In case of your out of home projects, you can carry the device with ease.
Moreover, it runs with dual voltage. So, if there are any voltage issues, you can adjust the problem in a minute. The design is optimized and provides a high power output to cut thick metals.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Suits light and DIY metal cutting jobs
Can cut copper, alloy steel and other metals smoothly
Easy to set up
Comfortable transportation
Safer cutting with minimum cost
Pre-installed D plug
[/i2pros][i2cons]Overheating is a constant issue
Not durable as expected
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
PRIMEWELD Premium & Rugged
Most of the cases, people need an affordable plasma cutter with the ultimate performance. They seek the best plasma cutter under 300, but the performances are not up the mark. In this case, this PRIMEWELD Premium comes with some smart features and advantages. You can transport the device anywhere you want. The price is lower too.
Further, this plasma cutter can cut through several types of metals, including alloy steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and even copper, among others. The durability of the tool is also another factor that will help you to use the device for a long time. The product receives most of the positive reviews for its durability.
The capacity of the tool is also smart. It can cut around ½ inches of thick metals comfortably. Besides, it also has a dual voltage capacity. So, you can run the device using both 220 V or 110 V. You can perform all the precision cuts as well through this device.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]High-quality plasma cutter
Easily portable
Diversified current use
Cuts varied types of metals
Professional design
Three-year warranty
[/i2pros][i2cons]Issues with assembly and starting
For small jobs only
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
SUPER DEAL DC Inverter Plasma Cutter
If you are seeking a low-cost plasma cutter with optimum performance, this is the best product made so far. It comes with advanced technology, while the plasma torch can cut precisely and quickly. Besides, it comes with a compact design and can deliver a clean cut in less time. And it’s needless to break a bank to have this product.
Compact design and carrying handle are the other features. You can carry the device to any workplaces you need. The compact design helps to store the product even in a small space. The tool can cut several types of metals like aluminum, brass, and even stainless steel.
Using the standard household electricity, you can run this low-cost plasma cutter. And operation of the plasma cutter is simple too. Whereas the other plasma cutters have consistency issues, this SUPER DEAL product does not have them.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]High cutting speed
Can cut ½ inches in thickness
Easy to operate with a digital display screen
Runs with household current
Long service life
Eco-efficient operation
[/i2pros][i2cons]Air leaks
Starting is complex
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
VIVOHOME Portable DC
Before you get the best budget plasma cutter, get some information about the manufacturer. Check their reputation and product quality. In this consideration, this VIVOHOME Portable DC is the solid one to meet all your minor repairing needs. The product has a frequency of over 100KHZ – so your cutting is highly smooth.
Due to some technical improvement, the size of the plasma cutter has been reduced. At the same time, its performance has also increased by over 20 percent. It also comes with a piloting arc system. The gas ahead and gas turn off delay is the other impressive features.
The duty cycle is 60 percent in this best budget plasma cutter with a 1300 RPM motor. The pilot arc model is HP oscillating. And the weight of this device is around 23 pounds. Besides, the plasma cutter comes with a complete package that includes cutting torch, earth clamp, air regulator, plasma tip, PG head, hoop, and manual, among others.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]High-speed metal cutting
Runs with dual current
Comes with accessories
Welding face mask available
Cutting speed increased by 1.8 times than oxy-acetylene cutting
Inverter power supply
[/i2pros][i2cons]Troch may break
The instruction manual is incomplete
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Lotos CT520D 50 AMP Air
Lotos brings a 3 in 1 combo. This is a plasma cutter that comes with a TIG welder and stick. So, you can now enjoy the versatile application of this device. Moreover, it runs with a dual voltage. So, no matter if you have a 220 V or a 110 V. It has a high-speed precision cut that can cut the thickness of ½ inches.
On the other part, the tool can also cut several types of metals like copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and other metallic substances. Besides, this is a safer mode of metal cutting than the oxyhydrogen ones. The severance thickness of this tool is around ¾ inches. And this is easy to use.
Automatic dual voltage will provide a consistent metal cutting that the other similar tools cannot perform. This multipurpose machine is also easily portable with an ergonomic handle. So, you can carry it to your work stations. And most importantly, you need not install anything. Everything is pre-installed here.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Dual voltage operation
Cuts various types of metal materials
Easy Arc start function
Stable welding
Setup takes around a minute
[/i2pros][i2cons]Performance is not good as advertised
Makes noise during operation
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Plasma Cutter, CUT50 50 Amp
This is the other product that comes with a high-quality precision cutting. The most impressive aspect is its durability. And so, it gains a huge number of positive responses from the user-end. At the same time, the advanced technical switch power increase the lifespan of this device. It will last 30 percent more than the other similar devices.
If you need a perfect cutting on different types of metals, this is the right product. The cutting will take place smoothly like a hot knife in penetrating a piece of butter. So, you need not polish the surface once you cut them. Besides, the digital LCD will show you the operational information.
The cutter can cut metals like stainless steel, copper, alloy steel, and even mild steel. The cutting thickness is 1-20mm, while the optimal cutting thickness is 10mm. Automatic adaptation to switch input power is another feature to love the device.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Passed 12 high-temperature tests
no external conversion plug needed
Runs between 90 – 260 V
Duty cycle is 80 percent
Maximum cutting thickness is 20mm
Comes with accessories
[/i2pros][i2cons]Less customer support
Performance is not always up to the mark
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P
Featuring Drag Torch Technology, this Forney Easy Weld is one of the leading plasma cutters. The device comes with features like easy transportation, clean cutting, cutting metals, and similar substances like galvanized steel, copper, brass, and others. Moreover, this is a powerful device that can efficiently reduce the time of metal cutting.
The device runs with a 120V current, and the operation is user-friendly. It is suitable for activities like ranching, farming, DIY projects, metal arts, and others. The device can cut steel by ¼ inches while it can penetrate to aluminum by 3/16 inches, and for galvanized steel, the depth is ¼ inches.
Besides, it has a 13’ cutting torch, which is the best in the industry with a cutting capacity of ¼ inches. The eight inches ground clamp is another feature while it comes with a 20A- 15A adapter. One additional electrode and one additional nozzle will also make some benefits to the users.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Easy operation
Arrives with additional accessories
Lightweight and portable
Runs with usual household currents
Cuts several types of steels
All metal case
[/i2pros][i2cons]For minor-scale operation
Users need air compressor additionally
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Air Inverter Plasma Cutting Machine
Dealing with metals have no specific categories. So, you may experience various types of metals. And not all the plasma cutting machines can work on them. This particular Air Inverter can penetrate different metallic surfaces, including carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and others. So, you can have a versatile experience.
Moreover, this product comes with the feature of less cleaning and maintenance. The other usual cutting machines need frequent maintenance and cleaning. Besides, this metal cutter can go into the deep of the metal surfaces. Being smaller in size and shape, carrying the device, and storing it is convenient.
At the same time, you can use the cheapest pilot arc plasma cutter for industrial and home use. The other devices are either for home or for commercial use. You have both the features here. Further, the device can perform consistently in high and low voltage.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Less maintenance and fewer fire hazards
Suitable for a large and small-scale operation
Compact size and shape
Performs in high and low voltage
Cutting thickness is ½ inches
Direct and precise metal cutting
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not durable performance
Can’t bear current overload
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
PrimeWeld Ct520d 50 Amps
Generally, plasma cutters are not power efficient. But this one can save power up to 85 percent. Moreover, the tool is exceptional in different other terms. This is a combo of TIG and Stick welder. If you need a versatile experience, you can have this one for your needs.
The product weighs around 35.7 pounds and has a duty cycle of 60 percent. The device has the input voltage up to 220V. The maximum cut is ½ inches and can cut around 8 inches in a minute. Its severance speed in three inches in a minute, that is smart and adorable.
It comes with a one-year warranty. And, you can switch between the cutters easily. Moreover, this is a lightweight device, and you can transport it to your workplaces smoothly. The built-in air gauge is the other feature that makes welding and other metal cutting operations simple.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Three-in-one combo
60 percent duty cycle
Power efficient up to 85 percent
High quality accessories
Easy to switch between welders
Reasonable price
[/i2pros][i2cons]The setting is tough for beginners
No pilot arc
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Let’s take a break
# Doctor: So, you have a bowel disorder? Which position do you use for using your toilet?
Patient: A plasma cutter cum welder can do it in every position, doctor!
# Why aren’t welders ever at a loss for words?
Because they can always fill in the blanks. No matter how deep they are.
# Welders laugh thrice after a joke.
First, they listen to it. They find the explanation. And then they understand it.
Special information
How to set up a plasma cutter
[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJzchcHiGPY”]
Setting up a plasma cutter is not a big deal. You can do it easily following the user manual. But for the beginners, this is a bit complex process. So, for everyone, here are some guidelines to set up a plasma cutter.
Safe working space: The first thing is to set a safe working space. Since this a hazardous job, the working space needs to be safe. It also should be spacious to move freely.
Connect the plug: In this second stage, you need to connect the plug of the cutting unit at any convenient power outlet. Make sure the unit remains shut during this process.
Air compressor connection: Now, you have to connect the air compressor with the device. The air compressor is an external device, and it creates high pressure on the plasma. Make sure the connection fitting is tight. Once the connection is in the right place, you can turn the compressor on.
Mind the ground clamp: This time, you have to attach the ground clamp. But ensure the ground clamp near your working space.
Switch on the unit: You are almost done with the setting. Now, press the switch on the device to turn it on. Check the switch is on the ‘ON’ position.
How to use a plasma cutter
You can use a plasma cutter in simple three steps. The steps here are meant for the novices. But if you are an expert, you can use the cheapest pilot arc plasma cutter fairly well.
The steps are:
Setting up the plasma cutter: you have to make the necessary connections to make the unit workable. Check the compressor connection and attach the device to a suitable current supply depending on its capacity. Don’t forget to connect the earth clamp.
Now, connect the plasma cutting torch with the machine. Select the amperage. If you need to cut thick, the amperage should be higher.
Finally, you have to press the torch switch and start cutting. Move the torch around the metal or around the parts you want to cut.
This is, in fact, the basic process of using a plasma cutter.
FAQ
Q: What are the main parts of a plasma cutter?
Well, a plasma cutter comes with several parts. The key components include an air compressor, pipe, and cables, inverter, earth clamp. Besides, the plasma cutter may also contain some essential elements.
Those elements include an electrode, torch, cooling nozzle, supply nozzle, etc.
Q: Can I cut glass or wood using a plasma cutter?
A: The answer is a big ‘NO.’ You cannot cut glass or wood using a plasma cutter. A plasma cutter creates an electric arc. But wood or glass is not conductive to electricity. Hence, you cannot expect that the plasma cutter will perform with wood or glass.
Q: How much does a plasma cutter cost?
A: Generally, a plasma cutter is available in the different price ranges. The least cutter will cost you around 150 dollars. The price may rise upwards to 1000 dollars as well.
Please remember, the price is endless because of the features and advantages. So, you need to pick the one that suits your budget.
Safety measures
Remember, this is told earlier that plasma cutting is a hazardous job. So, you need to follow certain safety precautions. They are explained in brief here.
Safety gear
The first and most important issue is using safety gear. The safety gear includes welding masks, gloves, safety boots, and full sleeve attire. The welding mask will help to prevent the eyes from coming into close contact with the nozzle flash. Bare eyes may get serious damage if there is not a welding mask.
Besides, you also need to use gloves and full sleeve attires to protect your hands and fingers. The gloves will prevent burn injury while the long attires will help to remain safe from the sparks.
The safety boots will help to prevent leg injuries.
Secured connection
Besides, you must use a secured connection to operate a plasma cutter. If there are no secured connections, the chances of accidents are higher. The worst is that the unit may explode. And there might be some serious injuries.
Therefore, you need to check the connection. Moreover, you need to be careful about the voltage and amperage. Don’t exceed the voltage or amperage prescribed by the manufacturer.
Air cleaning
You also need to remember that the air around you turns polluted. The plasma cutter emits gas and other toxic substances. So, breathing can be difficult. It is wise to keep provisions to remove the gas from the working environment.
So, you can add a fan to the workspace. Or you can work in an open environment so that the gas can emit naturally.
Last words
Now, you have all the necessary information in this plasma cutter guide. Remember, you can have the best experience ever with the cheapest pilot arc plasma cutter. But you also should invest your skills and expertise alongside the performance of your device.
If you are a beginner, you are armed with the right know-how to select your plasma cutting unit. And if you are an expert, you can also check the products for your next plasma cutting device from the reviews above.
Wish you a happy plasma cutting.
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