Regardless of what you want, determining what finish you need is an essential step for choosing a plasma cutter.
Torches come in different ranges. They generally all fulfill the same purpose of burning a slice through metal, but they each take a different approach to get it done. These are the differences to consider. The lead your torch is attached to is a crucial element of the plasma cutter. Longer leads are desirable when you want to travel to different parts of a project to cut while keeping the machine stationary. Thin or low-quality material can easily become damaged and result in an unsafe or unusable torch before too long.
The highest quality lead is always the best option. It has a feature called a standoff, which keeps the torch at a constant distance and can sometimes be adjusted for different heights to change the type of cut you need. Machines with these torches produce tidy cuts and give the process precision and consistency while ensuring the nozzle remains clean by stopping it from touching the metal or dirt on your project.
Drag technology enables the torch to cut through metal smoothly while the top of the torch touches your project. Without drag technology, the nozzle can stick to the metal through a double arc fault during the cut process. This can either stop the momentum altogether or create an inconsistent, jittery cut that lacks precision and accuracy. It also ruins tips while creating ugly arc marks on your job.
Drag technology is excellent to eliminate this. This is the least desirable type of technology in a torch. It works by the nozzle touching the metal to create the cutting arc. It then must be lifted off the project, and often free-hand slid across the metal while accurately hovering it above the metal to finish the cut. It can be challenging to achieve, as you need a very steady hand to keep it at the right height, and it never completes the cut with the accuracy and cleanness of the non-touch start or drag technology.
Touch start torches are generally the lowest-priced buy, which is about their only advantage. Hypertherm actually makes parts for other manufacturers like Miller so you can rest assured that this product will be reliable.
You can also find plenty of outlets around the US to have it serviced should the need arise. Hypertherm torches are also designed to be less susceptible to issues such as short consumable life and poor cut quality which is often associated with elevated moisture levels in air system of a plasma cutter.
It offers production grade cuts in a totable unit. Impressive power AND portability Comparable price range to the Powermax45 Auto input voltage technology allows for V or V operation built-in air compressor for maximum portability Pilot-arc ignition allows cutting of painted metals Lower long-term costs with efficient consumable usage.
Not as powerful as the other plasma cutters in the top 4. More portable, but less powerful 5. There are plenty of powerful plasma cutters out there capable of making short work of thick steel, but not all of them offer the fine level of control to work with thinner materials as well. This makes a great unit for the home shop, farm, or hobbiest. It offers lots of power for thicker materials and the flexibility to work accurately on thinner metals as well.
While it offers VERY impressive performance this is not the machine we recommend for someone running a business that requires high performance day-in-day-out. If pilot-arc is something you need you should check out the PrimeWeld Cut The setup and controls of the Cut50 are pretty standard.
At V it cut through like butter. We were skeptical when this model came out a few years ago as to how such an inexpensive unit would perform. On top of that there were some initial quality control issues. This is the 4th generation of that product and many of these issues have been eliminated by upgrading the internal components.
The result is a much more solid and reliable plasma cutting system. In fact of all the inexpensive models currently on the market, the Cut 50DX is the clear winner of best cheap plasma cutter. The Cut 50DX is simple to setup and operate. The unit can be switched between V and V. The unit uses digital inverter technology and as a result is very lightweight.
It tips the scales at only 19lbs. This is NOT in the same ballpark as the Hobart, Miller, or Hypertherm and should not be considered for heavy workloads. The Lotos CTD has a lot going for it. It is a 3 in 1 unit that is capable of cutting, tig welding, and stick welding. The unit is substantially larger than the Ramsond weighing in at almost 32 pounds.
But with the extra capability this unit provides it can pretty much eliminate 2 tools from your shop. It also incorporates the ability to perform TIG welding which makes it a powerful budget priced tool. The CTD does require an external air compressor. There is also an available foot petal that can be purchased separately for welding applications.
When you take into consideration the fact that it eliminates the need for a tig and stick welder if you need those then it is VERY reasonably priced. All of the connections on the unit are quick and straightforward. A longer ground cable would be beneficial and you may wish to consider purchasing this along with the unit. This inverter plasma cutter is dual input voltage but you have to change the plug to change the voltage. Pilot arc would be a nice feature, but would most likely bump up the price of the unit.
TIG welding performance was surprisingly good. The high frequency start works extremely well and the arc is extremely stable. The torch could be a bit better in terms of flexibility, but this is a budget unit after all. Lotos makes several different models of plasma cutter. Another popular model is the Lotos ltpd plasma cutter. As with many of the other products in the budget category you tend to get what you pay for.
This translates to some variance in performance, product life and consumable use. Here is the user manual. This inverter-based model makes an excellent unit for the home shop, farm, or hobbyist. There is plenty of power for thicker materials, and it works accurately on thinner metals also.
All of these features point to excellent value for any home user. If you have any other questions about plasma cutters, we will get you answers. Contact us , and one of our welding professionals will provide you with the guidance you need to choose the perfect plasma cutter for your needs. Tax and shipping will be calculated at checkout. Your shopping cart is empty. Consider these possibilities: Portable Plasma Cutters for Contractors and Trade Workers Here are just some of the trades that take advantage of these versatile machines: Because many plasma cutters are lightweight and portable, contractors and trade workers can use them in the field, which translates into saved time and money.
P lumbers: While cutting pipe on the job is efficient, plumbers also appreciate the smooth edges when it comes time to fit pipes together correctly.
Fabrication shops: Once again, the portability, accuracy, and smooth edges provided by quality plasma cutters help fab shops do top-notch seam welding. Plasma Cutters for Farmers and Recyclers Plasma cutters can make quick work of cutting metal blocks, sheets, and pipes down to size during demolitions or at the scrap or recycling yard.
The following factors will give you something to consider as you start the process of choosing a plasma cutter: Make sure your plasma cutter fits your work The type of plasma cutter you choose will be determined by the kind of work you do.
The work you plan to do is your main deciding factor. For auto bodies and other light-duty chores, a smaller machine costs less to purchase and probably runs on volt power for additional savings. When considering power needs, first is output power and duty cycle. Some machines come with a built-in air compressor. Others require external air from a separate air compressor.
Depending on the size of the plasma cutter, an onboard compressor can add significant cost. Although you may need to buy a separate air compressor, it can probably double as a power source for spray guns and air tools. There are a few options that add a lot of convenience to the process and make the machine easy to use. Warranty periods vary widely, from a few months to several years.
The company behind the warranty needs to honor its commitment and provide quick service. Some brands have nationwide dealership networks, making for a quick turnaround.
Others might only have one service center in the country or require shipping overseas. Make sure whether you cover the cost of shipping a machine back to the manufacturer or if the maker will bear the cost.
Jeff Grill hails from Long Island, a mile stretch of land that starts just off the coast of Manhattan and stretches deep into the Atlantic ocean. He has always been interested in welding from an early age and has the cuts and bruises to prove it as he set out to work with a variety of metals.
Some thoughts as to what they could do to improve and some thoughts as to how it is out of the box. The air regulator was missing a couple pieces out of the box, nothing you could not find at the local hardware store for a couple bucks, but I have informed them of the missing parts.
They responded even on a weekend that they are checking into it. I also noticed that the plug was not the same as the other plugs I have on my other machines so I would have to get an adapter, but I had already ordered the optional converter as well so I decided to try that out first.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We've been mentioned on. Army Operator Circulars, O. A and our own first hand experience with welding. It is not a replacement for manufacturers directions and is only to provide reminders for experienced welders. Check Price via Amazon. Best bang for your buck. No-touch starting Dual voltage powered Includes regulator. Good value for money. Professional quality Affordable power foot reach.
Check Price via Eastwood. Generator Friendly. Check Price via Northerntool. Professional portable model. Industry recognized favorite. Highly rated with blowback technology. Professional portable pick.
Check Price via Harbor Freight. The 9 Best Plasma Cutters Here's a list of the some of the best plasma cutters we found on the market:. Cons Doesn't include the connector for input voltage Cheap grounding clamp. Overview Lotos has been driving down the price range for entry into the world of plasma cutting.
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