A plasma cutter makes the ideal addition for fully equipped metal shop that can handle projects of any size. This ingenious tool makes short work of a variety of materials and gives your workmanship the accuracy and flexibility needed to greatly extend your output.
Plasma cutters should not be confused with welders, though as a metal worker you may be using both. A plasma cutter uses a super-energized cloud of electrons to make precise cuts in a variety of metals including steel, aluminum, copper and brass. Energy is supplied by mains electricity at either 110 or 240 volts which means you don't have to haul gas bottles around. Better still the best plasma cutter under 1000 run using compressed air for maximum convenience. Modern units are usually portable meaning you can put your plasma cutter to work on a range of projects including plumbing, fabrication and auto shop work. Plasma cutters are great as they leave cut surfaces ready for welding or other finishing.
Here are our top picks for the best plasma cutter under 1000
1.Lotos LTP5000D Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter, Dual Voltage
This entry level product is an ideal pick for a variety of hobbyist projects that can be completed with professional flair. The plasma cutter is able to cut both thick and thin metals including copper, aluminum and various types of steel.With a 30% duty cycle, this unit is only up to home or hobbyist use. Users, who are largely hobbyists, are pleased with this unit but it is slow to cut.
Key Product Features Primeweld NonTouch Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
●½ inch clean cut
●Dual voltage 110 or 220 Volt
●Product weight 28 pounds
●Product dimensions 18 by 14 by 11 inches
●High frequency starting arc
●3-year warranty
In conclusion
Experienced metalworkers report that this plasma cutter delivers consistent performance, but it is the customer service that is highly rated for this product, with prompt replacement of defective units and responsive support.
2. Primeweld NonTouch Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
This unit is a great pick for cutting a variety of metals including steel, iron, copper, aluminum and more with minimal slag. The ½ inch clean cut works on metal of a variety of thicknesses and even rusty, scrap and painted metals.
This is a compact unit with carrying handle and comes with accessories including cabling, ground clamp, air hose and regulator. Reviews are generally positive but defective units have been reported to throw up problems like cracked or broken ceramic cone tips or a hot or damaged handle.
Key Product Features Primeweld NonTouch Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
●½ inch clean cut
●Dual voltage 110 or 220 Volt
●Product weight 28 pounds
●Product dimensions 18 by 14 by 11 inches
●High frequency starting arc
●3-year warranty
In conclusion
Experienced metalworkers report that this plasma cutter delivers consistent performance, but it is the customer service that is highly rated for this product, with prompt replacement of defective units and responsive support.
3.IPT60 Torch Plasma Cutter by PRIMEWELD
This single function plasma cutter delivers competitive performance that can tackle rusted, old and expanded metals. The rugged casing is portable with a carry handle and it's performance and duty cycle make it adequate for a professional shop.
Controls and digital display are solid and connecting parts fit securely. Pro users rate this product positively, particularly the generous warranty and solid customer support from PRIMEWELD. Users do report that torch parts will wear quickly with prolonged use.
Key Product Features of IPT60 Torch Plasma Cutter
●No touch starting
●60% duty cycle
●Dual voltage with 110 or 220 Volt settings
●Product weight is 55 pounds
●20 x 11 x 19 inches dimensions
●Italian-made IPT 60 torch head
●3 year warranty and customer support
In conclusion.
This is a hardy plasma cutter that adds utility to your shop. You can buy with confidence from PRIMEWELD due to their generous warranty and highly rated customer support.
4. 3 in 1 Plasma Cutter by PRIMEWELD
This unit delivers great value for such a low price as it combines both plasma cutting and welding functions in one handy unit. It is ideal for amateur or hobbyist fabrication, and has all the attachments to get started right out of the box. The plasma cutter setting cuts through a variety of metal types and thicknesses. Hobbyists love it have have given great reviews. The unit also appears to offer reliable performance over time too.
Key Product Features of 3 in 1 Plasma Cutter
●3 in 1 function for outstanding value:
○50 amp Plasma cutter
○TIG welder of 200 amps
○Stick welder of 200 amps
●60% duty cycle
●Portable
●Weight: 32 pounds
●Dimensions:23.6 by 16.8 by 12.8 inches
●3 year warranty
In conclusion
This is the plasma cutter under 1000 bucks delivers a great 3 in 1 function with great duty cycle for all sorts of projects.
5.SUPER DEAL DC Inverter Plasma Cutter
This solid unit is competitively priced and delivers faster and more accurate cutting than the average flame cutter. Its compact portable unit comes with torches cabling and everything needed to plug and play with regular household power.
Key Product Features of SUPER DEAL DC Inverter Plasma Cutter
●½ inch clean cut
●Dual voltage 110 or 220 Volts
●60% duty cycle
●Product weight 22 pounds
●18.5 x 11 x 13.5 inches product dimensions
In conclusion
This is a very cheap plasma cutter and offers great value for the amateur who wants to give it a go. However product failures are reported, so a more expensive model may be better if you are looking for prolonged service.
Find your best plasma cutter under 1000 dollars with our handy and helpful buyer's guide.
1000 bucks is plenty to get yourself a heavy duty plasma cutter that will tackle everything you throw at it. You want hard-wearing, performance machinery that does not let you down on the job. Plasma cutters generally excel for metal cutting above plasma cutter alternatives like:
●oxy-fuel
●laser cutting
● water jet cutting
The convenience is also a great benefit of these units as well as knowing that you have everything to cut and even weld (in some cases) in one place. An added benefit is the relatively low operating costs compared other metal cutting methods.
What price should I be paying for a good quality plasma cutter?
Clearly, you don't need to fork out the tens of thousands of dollars needed for an industrial CNC powered plasma cutter. A basic unit should be available easily for between $500 to $1000. At this kind of price point you should expect some of the features we expand on below.
What kind of performance does a professional metal worker need from their plasma cutter?
Welders and other metalworking professionals will need a plasma cutter with competitive operating costs, high cut quality, precision and the rate of production you can achieve with the unit.
3 key plasma cutter features to look out for the best plasma cutters under 1000.
1. Combi units deliver excellent value for money and combine multiple metalworking functions alongside the plasma cutter. Functions typically include:
●Plasma cutter
●TIG welder
●Stick welder
●ARC MMA welder
A combination 3 in 1 plasma cutter means that you can both cut and weld metals for complete fabrication.
2.Long duty cycle. Duty cycle is a measure of the percentage of continual performance your plasma cutter can deliver in a 10 minute period. Longer duty cycle means less downtime and more productivity with your tool.
3.Portability is important for metalworking contractors who need to take their equipment with them to work on construction sites. A lightweight yet robust unit can be carried with confidence over the shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
1.What safety gear do I need for my plasma cutter?
As with other forms of metal work, personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. You will need to ensure you have the following gear:
●Helmet
●Goggles
●Bandana
●Gloves
●Face mask
●Aprons and jackets
●Safety footwear
2.What is the ideal power supply for a plasma cutter?
Plasma cutters benefit from a 200-240 volt DC power supply. The DC current aids the maintenance of the plasma arc while cutting.
3.What type of start is best for my plasma cutter?
There are several ways in which a plasma cutter arc can be started but the main two in these types of cutter are:
●Contact
●High frequency
Of the two contact start is considered safer and simply starts the plasma cutter arc by contact of the cutter torch with the conductive metal to be cut.
High frequency starting plasma cutters use a high frequency and high voltage circuit to kick-start the cutting process which can be risky and even cause electrocution, but most commercial units will be safe and suitable for correct use.
Rounding up.
It's great that a plasma cutter can be sourced for your home or business metalworking for best plasma cutter under 1000. Despite the competitive prices, we are impressed at the performance of these tools and reviews by industry pros mean that you have the assurance that these plasma cutters are really up to the job. At this price point there are also better warranties and customer support, which are well worth taking advantage of. As always it is not just the equipment but how you use it that will get the best results and keep you safe. Ensure you apprise yourself fully on how your chose cutter works before switching it on.
