If you are a professional, student or hobbyist metal worker, you will probably have heard about the amazing benefits of using the best plasma cutter under 500 in your workshop.
It's remarkable that these powerful metal cutting machines are no longer the preserve of heavy industry. Nowadays it has never been easier to land the best plasma cutter under $500 dollars, as we share here.
Quick and handy buyers guide for the best plasma cutter under 500
When buying the plasma cutter under 500 or 1000$ take note of these key features to ensure that you land the best value and performance of a plasma cutter for your money.
1.The input power of the plasma cutter under 500 list we have shared is either 240 volts or 110 volts. You will also need to take account of the amperage rating of the plasma cutter of choice, ensuring that your electric outlet can meet the demand of the cutter.
2.The duty cycle is the proportion of time your plasma cutter can be continuously in use within a 10 minute period. This will help inform which tasks your plasma cutter will be suitable for. A cutter with a 40 percent duty cycle remains on for 4 out of 10 minutes without the system overheating.
3.Air supply for your plasma cutter may be either air or bottled nitrogen gas that has some additional benefits when cutting steel. Some models are also equipped with fans and filters to prevent contamination of the air supply.
4.Start. Plasma cutters are usually either contact start or high-frequency start. This refers to how the cutter generates its pilot arc. High-frequency starting devices can interfere with other electrical and electronic devices.
5.Controls should be straightforward and easy to use, with a simple shut-off mechanism.
6.Portability depending on how you will use your cutter, you may want to move it to multiple locations. A compact, the handheld design will keep your setup mobile.
Here is our round-up of the best plasma cutters under 500
1. Lotos Plasma Cutter and 3 in 1 Combo Welding Machine
This plasma cutter makes short work of even the rustiest and rough metals, with precise cuts with minimal debris. It can achieve a clean cut thickness of half an inch with ease and uses compressed air for cutting. It is suitable for steel aluminum, brass and copper making it ideal for DIY and 'pro' workshops.
Product Features of Lotos Plasma Cutter:
●3 in 1 multipurpose welding machine
●50A Pilot Arc Plasma cutter
●TIG Welder
●Stick Welder
●½ Inch Clean Cut
●220V or 110V dual voltage
●Handheld
●Product weight: 42.2 pounds
●Product dimensions: 17 x 8 x 12.5 inches.
In conclusion:
Lotos delivers outstanding value with its combo function that enables you to cut as well as weld making it the ideal choice for portable metalworking and fabrication.
The Amico Power CUT-50 features a powerful unit with sleek and contemporary design and molded features that deliver maximum utility. This handheld unit can be run at either 230V or 110V and has variable amperage making it well suited to a range of jobs. It comes with the plasma cutter gun and assembly and is ideal for use on steel, stainless steel, aluminum and more.
Product Features Amico 50 Amp Plasma Cutter:
●DC Inverter
●110/230V dual voltage setting
●1-inch maximum severance thickness
●Variable amperage of 15-50 amps
●Digital controls
●Compressed air with pressure gauge
●Handheld unit
●Fan cooling system
●Plasma cutter gun included
●Product weight of 21.56 pounds
●Product dimensions: 20.66 by 12.2 by 16.3 inches.
In conclusion:
This is a competitively priced plug and play plasma cutter which carries impressive ratings online. It is a worthwhile investment if you want a reliable machine that makes clean cuts.
3. SUNCOO Plasma Cutter 110/220V with Accessories
This highly portable plasma cutter will be an ideal accessory on building sites or when undertaking a plumbing refit due to its relatively lightweight and highly portable design. It provides a precise cut of only half an inch, meaning metalwork where detail really matters can be successfully accomplished with this tool. Professionals who use this tool find it fast and quiet, cutting metals like steel with ease.
Product Features Suncoo Plasma Cutter:
●clean ½ inch cut
●110 or 220 volt
●Plasma cutter includes cutting torch, electrode, ground clamp, and air regulator
●Compact and portable unit, equipped with shoulder strap
●LED digital display and accessible controls
●High-frequency start
●60% duty cycle
●Product weight 25.4 pounds
●Product dimensions 15 x 6.1 x 9.8 inches.
In conclusion:
This unit is ideal for a professional who may be working as a contractor on a variety of projects and will need to take his plasma cutter with him. The solid operation and lightweight design make it an incredibly popular and cost-effective unit.
4. CUT50 50 Amp Plasma Cutter with 110V/220V Dual Voltage
This professional plasma cutter is built for performance and with an 85% duty cycle, it will have little downtime. With two voltage settings, it is adaptable to a variety of environments and its high amperage translates to clean accurate cutting of a variety of metals. This plasma cutter works well with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and other metals.
Product Features Amp Plasma Cutter:
●50 amp
●110 or 220 V dual voltage
●Plug and play
●Professional quality tool
●10mm cutting thickness - max. 20mm
●Contact start
●85% duty cycle
●Product weight 19.15 pounds
●Product dimensions 14 inches by 6 inches by 13 inches
●3-year warranty.
In conclusion:
Despite its size and portability, this is an extremely powerful plasma cutter and can take on a wide range of projects. This plasma cutter has favorable reviews online and it is noted to perform well for such as competitive price.
5.PrimeWeld 3-in-1 Plasma Cutter with TIG Welder and a 200 Amp Stick Welder
This professional multipurpose plasma cutter combines plasma cutting, TIG, and sticks welding in an exceptional value package. Many metals can be cleanly cut with its ½ inch plasma cutting setting. Its duty cycle of 85% means that you will not have to down tools often. It uses compressed air and is a relatively lightweight and portable unit.
Product Features PrimeWeld 3-in-1 Plasma Cutter:
●Innovative welding cutter design
●3 in 1 combination cutting and welding unit
●Lightweight and portable handheld unit.
●60% duty cycle
●Product weight is 31 pounds
●200 amp plasma cutter
●32 pounds product weight
●3-year warranty
●After-sales support.
In conclusion:
With this machine, there is little reason to hold back from adding a plasma cutter to your metal shop.
How Does Plasma Cutter Work : Video Reviewed
Enjoy precision cutting of a range of metals including:
●Aluminum
●Copper
●Brass
●Steel
As well as any other metals that conduct electricity. This ingenious metal cutting machine makes a great alternative to:
●Grinding discs
●Metal turning
●Laser cutting
●Water jet cutting
●Welding
●Oxi-fuel cutting
Compared to many of these metal cutting methods, a plasma cutter is easier and cheaper to run too.
So just what exactly is a plasma cutter?
A plasma cutter is an electrically powered handheld or boxed device that metal workers can use to cut metal.
It uses electrically powered and propelled hot plasma to precisely cut metals of varying thickness. The term plasma refers to a highly energized gas of ions that does the work of slicing through the metal with accuracy.
This energized gas is created by applying DC current to compressed air, heating it until it starts to arc. The plasma can penetrate your sheet metal at an incredibly high temperature and literally pushes the metal away as it cuts through it.
Using Computer Numerical Control technology, plasma cutting can be used to cut metals for a variety of purposes including marine, automotive, and fabrication work of all kinds. Stencils and guides can be used to create elaborate designs and complex cuts.
Aside from having a competitive cost of running, here are some other benefits you can expect from the plasma cutter under 500:
●Versatility. A plasma cutter can be used on a range of metals, even when they are stacked on top of one another.
●Speed. Using a powerful electrical arc, a plasma cutter slices through metals with satisfying speed.
●Precision. Plasma cutters produce the clean cuts you need for a superb finish to your work. Little dross is produced and it does not excessively heat or warp the metal you are working with.
●No need for gas bottles means that the plasma cutter can be very portable and improves on safety.
Top 5 Plasma Cutter Comparison Table
| LOTOS 3 in 1 | AMICO | SUNCOO | Coral CUT 50 | Prime Weld 3 in 1 |
Price | $499 | $279 | $249.99 | $279 | $378 |
Function | Plasma cutter / TIC / Stick | Plasma cutter | Plasma cutter | Plasma cutter | Plasma cutter / TIC / Stick |
Voltage | 110 or 220V | 110 or 230V | 110 0r 220 V | 110 or 230V | 110 or 220V |
Duty cycle |
| 60% | 60% | 85% | 85% |
Max. severance thickness | ½ inch | ½ inch | ½ inch | ¾ inch | ¾ inch |
Air or Gas | Compressed air | Compressed air | Compressed air | Compressed air | Compressed air |
Frequently Asked Question(FAQs):
What is the air pressure range needed for my plasma cutter to work effectively?
The compressed air needed for the plasma cutter should be delivered at between 90-120 PSI, depending on the thickness of the metal to be cut.
Can I weld with my plasma cutter?
No. Welding and plasma cutting are two different functions and you should not attempt to use your cutter for any purpose other than cutting. If you need to weld look at one of our combination units which cut and weld if the relevant assembly is set up.
Do I need protective gear for plasma cutting?
It is essential you protect your face, eyes and any exposed skin with the PPE recommended by the plasma cutter manufacturer. Typically you will need to shield eyes with a #3 to #5 shade or use specific plasma cutting helmets and goggles.
Conclusion:
Pricing under $500 presents excellent value for a high-quality plasma cutter that does a precision job. These units deliver the consistent performance needed for plasma cutting to become a well-used part of your home, trade or business workshop. Got a review, tips or feedback on the best plasma cutter under 500? Reach out and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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