What is harder than metals? In case you don’t know, the answer is dealing with metals, especially trying to cut them. It is not just a metaphor; it is a hard fact.
The rise of plasma cutters in 1957 was a revolutionary change in the way of how metals get cut.
Well, plasma, or like what some physicists call it “the fourth state of matter” makes the process of cutting metal smoother than ever before. Utilizing compressed gases, plasma can cut with minimum effort, power, and without the hustle of traditional tools and ways.
In this buying guide, we are providing you with the best plasma cutters under $500, enabling you to get one of the most advanced and expensive technologies in cutting metals at this low-price range with 9 outstanding products. Get ready to take your metal cutting experience further.
The Top 4 in a comparison
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Spec
Our Top Pick
Best 3 in 1 multiple functions.
A versatile multi-function Super machine. It can be used as a powerful cutter to accurately cut for up to 0.5 Inch metal thickness. Furthermore, more, it’s a brilliant welding tool. Simply, it is the hottest bargain in the kit.
Super cutting ability goes through 0.5 ft metal.
Multi-uses machine (cutter and welder)
Advanced power system.
Average quality Arc Welding
Maximum Cut Thickness
0.5 Inch
Maximum Clean-Cut Thickness
0.5 Inch
Work Cycle
60% at maximum Amps
Voltage
Dual voltage 110/220±15%
Inverter Technology
IGBT
Consumables Expenses
Low
Weld Options
Yes
Portability
Yes
Pilot Arc
Yes
Warranty
Three Years
Best with Pilot Arc
Best Plasma Cutter with Pilot Arc
It delivers one of the cleanest cuts you may come across. Its pilot Arc, backed by this machine’s advanced operation and power system, gives it a huge edge over all market choices.
Delivers Impeccable clean cuts.
Used for various applications
Easy to move anywhere.
The ground cable is significantly short
Maximum Cut Thickness
1 Inch
Maximum Clean-Cut Thickness
0.6 Inch
Work Cycle
60% at maximum Amps
Voltage
Dual Voltage, 110 -125V or 215 – 245V
Inverter Technology
IGBT
Consumables Expenses
Low
Weld Options
No
Portability
Yes
Pilot Arc
Yes
Warranty
One Year
Best Cooling System
Best Plasma Cutter Cooling System
Longer life consumables and stable performance of the cutter seem a mind-blowing deal. That’s why this machine is one of the tops on our list.
Stable machine performance
Reliable Clean cuts
Highly safe
The ground clamp is short
Maximum Cut Thickness
0.75 Inch
Maximum Clean-Cut Thickness
0.5 Inch
Work Cycle
60% at maximum Amps
Voltage
Dual voltage 110 -120V or 220 – 240V.
Inverter Technology
IGBT
Consumables Expenses
Low
Weld Options
No
Portability
Yes
Pilot Arc
Yes
Warranty
One Year
Work Cycle
Best Plasma Cutter for Money
Want a value for each penny you spend. The amazing bunch of options FLARING FL550 has is what you are looking for.
Offers great value of the money
Built from highly durable materials
Flexible power system
Average consumables quality, unlike machine quality itself
Maximum Cut Thickness
0.6 Inch
Maximum Clean-Cut Thickness
0.5 Inch
Work Cycle
60% at 43A & 100% at 33.3A
Voltage
Dual Voltage, 110V/220V
Inverter Technology
IGBT
Consumables Expenses
Medium
Weld Options
No
Portability
Yes
Pilot Arc
Yes
Warranty
Three Years
Our recommendation list for the best plasma cutter under $500
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | PrimeWeld CT520DP | Prime | Buy on Amazon | |
| Lotos LTP 5500D | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | ||
| LOTOS LTP 5000D | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | ||
| FLARING FL550 | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | ||
| Reboot RBC-5000DL | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | ||
| Super Deal Cut 50 | Prime | Buy on Amazon | ||
| PrimeWeld Cut 50D | Prime | Buy on Amazon | ||
| Warfox CUT50D | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | ||
| HeroCut 35i | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon |
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
PrimeWeld CT520DP | Our Top Pick | Best Plasma Cutters Under $500 | 9.7/10
As a plasma cutter or a welder, this product is a blast. You can count on PrimeWeld CT520DP in multiple situations, as it is a multipurpose solution for cutting, welding, or creating using metals. This one of the best plasma cutters under $500 contains:
- 3 in 1 multiple functions: it is a versatile unit combining a 50Amp plasma cutter, and three welding functions TIG (200A), stick (200A), and Pilot Arc.
- Unique cutting thickness up to 0.5 inch. for all types of metals with the 50 Amp plasma cutting function.
- 0.5 Inch Pilot arc clean cut at a voltage of 110/220V and frequency of 50Hz/60Hz.
- 0.25 Inch TIG and stick welding.
- IGBT inverter technology that delivers long-life and efficient machine work,
- Easy to carry, with a lightweight of only 32 lbs.
- Six minutes of continuous work per cycle (every 10 minutes) with 60% Duty cycle for all functions, at its maximum Amps.
- Various metals cutting, it can cut smoothly a variety of metals, including titanium, aluminum, cobalt, nickel alloys, cast iron, and of course steel.
- Responsive customer support, service offering quick solutions, after-sales services providers, and offer technical specialists to help you with any tech problem.
- Three Years Warranty.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
PrimeWeld CT520DP Specifications:
- Item weight: 32 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Duty Cycle: 60%
- Voltage: 110/220±15%
- Maximum Cut: 0.5 inch.
- Input power frequency: 50/60Hz
- Cutting torch length: 13 ft.
- Country of Origin: China
Positives
- Multi uses machine
- IGBT inverter technology
- Easy to set up
- Portable
- Simple to use
- Top-notch customer support
- Three years warranty
Negatives
- Average quality Arc Welding
Lotos LTP5500D | Best Plasma Cutter with Pilot Arc under $500 | 9.5/10
This Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter definitely should rank high on the list. Its Pilot Arc technology that provides long-life consumable and first-rate cuts makes it an extremely attractive choice. This one of the best plasma cutters under $500 contains:
- Pilot Arc technology, to get a smooth cut with no touch between the torch and the metal being cut. It works well on rough, painted, and rusty surfaces.
- Up to 1 Inch Cut Thickness to be confident about your cuts
- IGBT inverter technology that delivers long-life and efficient machine work,
- A lightweight machine (15 lbs.), it is easy to carry and use in multiple places and conditions.
- Non-HF, it is not a high-frequency machine, which means you don’t have to stay far away from electronic devices for better usage.
- One minute Setup, it is easy to connect its components together within no time.
- Auto Dual Voltage, 110 -125V or 215 – 245V.
- Various metals cutting, including stainless, alloy, and mild steel, aluminum, copper, etc.
- 2T and 4T modes, perfect for different applications.
- Responsive customer support
- One-Year Warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Lotos LTP5500D Specifications:
- Item weight: 15 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Duty Cycle:60%
- Voltage: Dual Voltage, 110 -125V or 215 – 245V
- Maximum Cut: 1 inch under 220/240V.
- Input power frequency: 50/60Hz
- Cutting torch length: 20 ft.
- Country of origin: USA
Positives
- Non-Touch Pilot Arc
- Long-life consumables
- No high-frequency interference
- IGBT inverter technology
- Both 2T/4T modes for different applications
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Simple setup process
- Excellent customer service
- Manufactured in the USA
Negatives
- The ground cable is significantly short
LOTOS LTP5000D | Best Plasma Cutter Cooling System under $500| 9.4/10
LOTOS offers another powerful model to be considered within the best plasma cutters under $500. The beast LOTOS LTP5000D is another Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter that cuts various materials from massive industrial structures to a fine art! LOTOS LTP5000D comes with:
- Pilot Arc technology, to get a smooth cut with no touch between the torch and the metal being cut. It works well on rough, painted, and rusty surfaces.
- Ultra-modern cooling system to ensure the consistency of the cutter performance.
- High Safety, it uses non-hazardous air in the cutting process, resulting in no health-harming wastes.
- Auto Dual Voltage, 110 -120V or 220 – 240V.
- Quick setup, in less than 5 minutes and with minimum effort.
- Lightweight, and extremely easy to move wherever you go.
- Up to 0.75 Inch cutting thickness for various materials.
- Excellent customer service
- One-Year Warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Lotos LTP 5000 D Review Video
LOTOS LTP5000D Specifications:
- Item weight: 19.40 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Duty Cycle:60%
- Power Source Type: AC/DC
- Voltage: Dual Voltage, 110 -120V or 220 – 240V.
- Maximum Cut: 0.75 Inch
- Input power frequency: 50/60Hz
- Cutting torch length: 13 ft.
- Country of origin: USA
Positives
- Pilot Arc technology
- High safety
- Advanced cooling system
- Responsive customer service
- Lightweight
- Manufactured in the USA
Negatives
- The ground clamp is short
FLARING FL550 | Best Plasma Cutter for Money | 9.2/10
FLARING FL550 along with its 50 AMP pilot arc would enable you to cut through various metals like butter. It would give you a cut thickness up to 0.5 Inches. This one of the best plasma cutters under $500 also has:
- Transferable input, to switch between different power options for better cut output and less noise and high cutting speed.
- Complete safety. It has a built-in overheat and overvoltage protection system to help secure you. It also uses compressed air with a non-hazardous nature to cut.
- Non- touch pilot arc to perfect cuts with different material surfaces.
- Various metals applications, works well with mild steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, brass, aluminum, expanded steel, and more.
- Auto Dual Voltage, 110V/220V, to get power fits exactly your work.
- Take it anywhere. Its lightweight allows you to go with it wherever needed.
- Works with generators, 5000W and above.
- Responsive and first-rate customer service.
- Three Years Warranty.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
FLARING FL550 Review Video
FLARING FL550 Specifications:
- Item weight: 24 lbs.
- Duty Cycle: 60% at 43A and 220v – 100% at 33.3A and 220v
- Voltage: Dual Voltage, 110V/220V
- Maximum Cut: 0.5 Inch
- Cutting torch length: 13 ft
- Warranty term: Three years
Positives
- Great-quality machine
- High safety
- Accrete cuts and less noise
- Portable
- Transferable input
- Great customer service
- Three years warranty
Negatives
- Average consumables quality, unlike machine quality itself
Reboot RBC-5000DL | Best Warranty plasma Cutter under $500 | 9/10
One of the highest quality cutters, it stands high in terms of providing awfully sharp and clean cuts. This one of the best plasma cutters under $500 also comes with:
- Pilot Arc enables you to get untouched cut and deliver an efficient output on painted, rusty, and rough materials with minimal slag. It also increases the life of consumables.
- Up to 0.75 Inch cut thickness, for better cuts.
- Wide range of metals, including carbon steel, mild steel, aluminum, stainless steel, alloy, and much more.
- Works with generators, with a recommended A5000 or above.
- Three years warranty, including a free consumable guarantee.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Reboot RBC-5000DL Review video
Reboot RBC-5000DL Specifications:
- Item weight: 22.4 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Duty Cycle: 60% with 50A and 100% with 35A current input.
- Voltage: 110/220V
- Maximum Cut: 0.75 Inch
- Country of origin: USA
Positives
- Works well with generators
- Non-touch Pilot Arc
- Long-life consumables
- 3 years warranty
- Warranty includes free consumables
- Made in the USA
Negatives
- A high-frequency machine that may cause devices interference
Super Deal Cut 50 | Best Plasma Cutter Machine in Operating Costs | 9/10
Simply, you can expect two awesome things from this machine: flawless performance in a compact size and low operational cost, as it is a low-energy consumer. Surprisingly, it comes at a competitive price. This one of the best plasma cutters under $500 also has:
- Solid Workmanship, it is made of heavy iron, which makes it reliable, and you can depend on it in the long run.
- No noise, with its smooth and speed cut, it produces little to no noise. You can use it at night or day with no disturbance.
- LCD display, to monitor and control Air-Pressure and consumed energy.
- First-rate safety. It has built-in overheat and overvoltage sensors to help secure you. It also comes with a wire and a mask to work in a safe zone.
- Multiple applications, including site work, automotive, industrial use, repair services, and more.
- Portable, it is only 22 lbs., and easy to move around.
- Pilot Arc allows you to not continuously touch the metal with the torch.
- Easy to use, with just simple steps.
- UP to 0.5 Inch cut thickness with no slag.
- One-year warranty, you can extend it for an extra cost.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Super Deal Cut 50 Specifications:
- Item weight: 22 lbs.
- Duty Cycle: 60%
- Voltage: 110V
- Maximum Cut: 0.5 Inch
- Cutting torch length: 8 ft
- Warranty term: 1 year (extendable at an additional cost)
Positives
- Flawless performance
- Low consumables cost
- Extremely safe
- Works with Pilot Arc
- Cheap plasma cutter
- Valuable LCD Display
- No produced noise
Negatives
- The on/off button located on the back of the torch is disturbing for some users.
PrimeWeld Cut50D | Best Rated Plasma Cutter Machine under $500 | 8.9/10
With up to 0.75 Inch high-quality cuts, PrimeWeld gives us an ultimate plasma cutter. They design it to effectively make your cuts much easier. This one of the best plasma cutters under $500 also has:
PrimeWeld 50A Air Inverter Plasma Cutter
- Metal Diversity to work on, from copper, mild steel, stainless steel to aluminum and other materials, you can count on this machine to get the best cut at least effort.
- Easy to move. Its lightweight and small size make it a great portable machine.
- MOSFET transistors, to go between high power for thick metal, and steady power output for thin metals.
- Auto Dual Voltage 110/220V, automatically adjusted according to the power needed.
- Superior Customer Service, the well-known PrimeWeld offers.
- Three Years Warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Primeweld Cut50D Plasma Cutter Review Video
PrimeWeld Cut50D Specifications:
- Item weight: 22.5 lbs.
- Duty Cycle: 60% at 50A
- Voltage: dual voltage 110/220V
- Maximum Cut: 0.75 Inch
- Cutting torch length: 12 ft
- Warranty term: 3 years
Positives
- Provides great cuts with thickness up to 0.75 Inch
- Portable
- First-rate customer service
- Three years warranty
Negatives
- Medium-life consumables
- Does not work with pilot arc
Warfox CUT50D | Best Plasma Cutter under $250 | 8.7/10
With IGBT inverter technology that delivers long-life and efficient machine work, comes this cheap plasma cutter machine. This high-frequency cutter would provide you with excellent cuts. This one of the best plasma cutters under $500 also has:
- 60% Duty cycle at 50A and 100% duty cycle at 40A to get continuous work cycles.
- 0.5-inch maximum cut thickness, it offers you a high limit to go for.
- 120/240V Dual Voltage.
- Easy assembly, instructions are straightforward.
- Two years warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Warfox CUT50D Specifications:
- Item weight: 22.1 lbs.
- Duty Cycle: 60% Duty cycle at 50A and 100% duty cycle at 40A
- Voltage: Dual Voltage, 120/240V
- Maximum Cut: 0.5 Inch
- Cutting torch length: 13 ft.
- Warranty term: Two years
Pros
- IGBT inverter technology
- Easy assembly
- Dual Voltage
- Reliable in the long -run
- Two Years warranty
Cons
- Not a pilot arc, it touches the material while working
HeroCut 35i | Best Cheap Plasma Cutter | 8.6/10
At a price that won’t break the bank, you got a very powerful plasma cutter that is going to impress you. HeroCut 35i would deliver an outstanding output on various metals. This machine of the best plasma cutters under $500 also has:
- Up to 0.3 Inch maximum cut thickness.
- IGBT inverter technology that delivers long-life and efficient machine work,
- Weightless machine, it is just 12 lbs.
- A duty cycle of 60%, allows for 6 continuous minutes of work in 30Amps and a duty cycle of 100% in 25Amps.
- Various Metals to cut with, including aluminum, stainless steel, alloy Steel, thin copper, and more.
- One-year warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
HeroCut 35i Specifications:
- Item weight: 12.82 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- Duty Cycle: 60% with 30A and 100% with 25A current input.
- Voltage: 110V+/-15%
- Maximum Cut: 0.3 Inch
- One-year warranty
Pros
- The lightest machine on the list
- Cheap Plasma Cutter
- Simple to use
- So Powerful for its price range
Cons
- Causes High-frequency interference
- Takes a slightly long time to cool after using
What should you pay the most attention to when buying the best plasma cutter under $500?
Here are the main 11 things you should give your ultimate focus when choosing a plasma cutter:
- Thickness Of your Metals
- Work Cycle Duration
- High-Frequency interference
- Voltage & Adapter
- Inverter Technology
- Consumables Expenses
- Needed Applications
- Portability
- Warranty
- Pilot Arc Vs. Non-Pilot Arc Cutting
- 2T Mode VS. 4T Mode
Thickness Of your Metals
The number one aspect you should look for is this. What is the thickness of the metals you usually cut?
The answer to this question would make things clear for you. Each plasma cutter has a maximum cutting limit according to its specifications. Get a cutting capacity equivalent to the usual thickness of your metals to be confident about getting your entire work done, and don’t go past a certain size you are not ready for. This may push you to buy a larger machine afterward.
A pro-tip
Select a machine with a cutting capacity from 20% to 40% above your normal metal thickness to be confident about the results and avoid any cutting shortage.
Our Top Pick on the best plasma cutters under $500 list, Lotos LTP5500D The best Plasma Cutter with Pilot Arc under $500 has a unique cutting thickness capacity of up to 1 Inch. PrimeWeld Cut50D also provides a great cutting capacity of up to 0.75 Inches.
Work Cycle Duration
How much time do your usual cuts take? To get a good cut and save your time and effort, you should get a cutter with a machine’s duty cycle duration that exceeds your usual cut durations.
The duty cycle refers to the duration a plasma cutter works until it gets overheated and entails a period of cooling.
The longer the duty cycle, the more cutting duration and the more long and deep cuts you get.
A pro-tip
The workload duty cycle in most cases is determined by a 10 minutes benchmark. A 100-amp current of 60% duty cycle equals 6 minutes of continuous work at a current of 100 amps.
Our list is full of options with amazing duty cycles. Super Deal Cut 50, FLARING FL550, PrimeWeld Cut50D, Lotos LTP5500D would be smart choices.
High-Frequency interference
Most plasma cutters have the ability to direct current through the air using its high frequencies.
These high frequencies could interfere with electronic devices like smart TVs and computers near the plasma cutter.
A pro-tip
Use the cutter in a place far enough from any electronic devices, or choose a cutter with no high-frequency interference.
Lotos LTP5500D on our best plasma cutters under $500 list is a brilliant choice for no high-frequency interference.
Voltage
Plasma cutters come with one of these three voltage options: 110V+/-15%, 220±15%, or a dual voltage that combines the first two options.
The first voltage option (110V+/-15%), is best for beginners or one that works on home activities and doesn’t need much power with the plasma cutter. You can easily plug it into your regular household electrical outlet.
The second voltage option (220±15%) needs a generator to run, and it provides greater cutting power.
The third voltage option, dual voltage, is the amazing one. It allows you to Easley switch between the first two options according to the power you want.
PrimeWeld Cut50D, Lotos LTP5500D, LOTOS LTP5000D, FLARING FL550, and Warfox CUT50D on our list of the best cheap plasma cutter all have the stunning dual voltage option.
Inverter Technology
To explain it simply, inverter technology primly works on converting power to efficiently manage the voltage required for certain tasks. This process results in more efficiency in using power and longer life for the used machine.
One of the most advanced inverter technologies used inside of plasma cutters is IGBT (Stands for Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors).
PrimeWeld CT520DP , Lotos LTP5500D, HeroCut 35i, and Warfox CUT50D on our best cheap plasma cutters list have an IGBT inverter technology making them power-efficient machines.
Consumables Expenses
Like many other tools, plasma cutters, to be specific, its torch works with consumables that are getting depreciated over time and need to be replaced after being completely consumed. Consumables like electrodes and nozzles.
A pro-tip: Choose a cutter with long-life consumables to reduce costs to the minimum. Our recommendation Lotos LTP5500D , LOTOS LTP5000D, and Reboot RBC-5000DL provides three of the longest consumables’ life in the market.
Needed Applications
Plasma cutters don’t necessarily come with just the cutting function, they may come with multiple functions that suit many processes. Like welding using TIG or Stick, for example. Understanding the processes you usually work on, and the necessary tools used through these processes. This would prevent you from throwing money on things you wouldn’t ever need and getting devices that are bigger than what you need.
Our Top Pick PrimeWeld CT520DP is a versatile machine that provides not only plasma cutting but also TIG and Stick welding.
Portability
Does your work routine regularly involve working away from your main working point? If yes, then looking at the machine’s weight and ease of carrying would make perfect sense.
You should not struggle each time you hold the cutter and go away.
Our recommendation, HeroCut 35i is one of the lightest plasma cutters in the market. Other impressive options on the best plasma cutter under $500 list are Reboot RBC-5000DL, and Super Deal Cut 50.
Warranty
Plasma cutters are machines that get a continuous heavy workload; you need a guarantee that your work would not stop because of a manufacturing defect your plasma cutter has. A long warranty term would ensure you will fix any cutter problem in case it arises.
Reboot RBC-5000DL provides one of the best warranty terms with a great warranty duration of 3 years. It also covers free consumables throughout the warranty period.
Pilot Arc Vs. Non-Pilot Arc Cutting
- Pilot Arc Cutting Is a cutting technology that allows you to cut with no touch between the torch and the metal being cut. It gives a longer consumable life.
- Non-Pilot Arc Cutting is the basic plasma cutting option, in which you have to touch the metal in order to start the cutting process. It consumes more consumables than the pilot arc does.
Non-pilot arc cutters work, but Pilot Arc is a more advanced feature and offers you more quality and efficacy.
Our recommendationsLotos LTP5500D , LOTOS LTP5000D, Reboot RBC-5000DL come with a pilot arc technology.
2T Mode VS. 4T Mode
- 2T Mode: works and stops in 2 ways. Press the torch to start welding and release to stop.
- 4T Mode: works and stops in a slightly different way. Press and release to start welding, you don’t need to keep holding the trigger during the weld cycle, press and release again to stop welding.
Each one of them is perfect for a specific case. 2T Mode is best for short welding cycles, on the other hand, 4T is best for long welding cycles.
Lotos LTP5500D on our best plasma cutters under 500 list provides both the 2T and 4T modes, so you can switch between them depending on the work at hand.
FAQs
What is plasma cutting?
Plasma cutting is using the electricity to expand ionized gases and create heat and using this heat (plasma) to get a high temperature allows you to cut easily through electrically conductive metals like copper, aluminum, brass, and steel
The plasma cutting working mechanism is based mainly on utilizing compressed gases like nitrogen to create powerful cutting heat.
What are the uses of a Plasma Cutter?
As its name indicates, it’s a cutter used for cutting metals but how it could be important for many people and many uses
Here are some uses of plasma cutter:
- Vehicles Repairing
While working on fixing a car or any broken down vehicle issue, using a plasma cutter to cut away crappy and bad parts is much easier than most of the other cutting methods. It is also a way fast and more time-saving. The repair process would be much more efficient with such a tool.
- Recycling
For accurate and less messy weeding out of any blocks, metallic pipes, and metal sheets through the Demolition process of a certain material, use a plasma cutter.
This is going to give you an edge as a recycler.
- Art
For Artists with metal artwork, using a plasma cutter could speed up their work and improve its accuracy as they never imagined. It allows them to highlight very detailed parts of their artwork thanks to the cutting precision plasma cutters have. It cuts without excessive heating temperature that completely avoids damages in small details of the artwork.
Other uses may be: making some vehicle enhancements for car and motorcycle lovers, repairing gutters, barbecues, lawnmowers, and other home tools. It has endless uses as your imagination could reach.
Does plasma cutter use gas?
Yes, plasma cutters need gas to operate, to be more accurate, they need compressed gas. Some plasma cutters use air gases. So, you just need an air compressor if your plasma cutter doesn’t contain one. Some Plasma cutters use argon or nitrogen to operate.
What can a plasma cutter cut?
Plasma cutter cutting ability works only on electrically conductive materials. So, a plasma cutter can smoothly cut the following:
- Copper
- Stainless steel
- Mild steel
- Aluminum
- Alloy Steel
- Brass
- Monel
However, some other conductive metals may be cut as well.
Our best plasma cutters under $500 list contain lots of options that work on a variety of metals.
What a plasma cutter can not cut?
Plasma cutters cut electrically conductive materials. So, a plasma cutter can not cut the following:
- Wood
- Glass
- Plastic.
In addition, any material that is not electrically conductive would not be cut with a plasma cutter.
What Are the Components of a Plasma Cutter?
Without too many details, let’s briefly list them
The components of the cutter itself:
- An air compressor
- earthing clamp
- an inverter
- cables
- pipes
The components used directly in the cutting process:
- nozzles (for Supply and Cooling)
- Electrodes
- Torch
- Buffer
What are the consumables of a Plasma Cutter?
Consumables of a plasma cutter are the components of the cutter that wear with usage over time and require replacement. They are all located in the cutter’s torch, where most of the output comes.
Consumables refer to shield cap, swirl ring, nozzle, retaining cap, and electrode.
- Shield Cap
The shield is placed in the torch to protect the torch and its components from molten metals and sparks resulting from the cutting process. Its main purpose is to minimize the wear out of other components as possible.
- Swirl Ring
Swirl rings are small pieces used to swirl the gas around the plasma arc. By doing this, it helps the arc to focus to get extremely cutting accuracy and also keeps the arc cool for a longer time. A swirl ring protects the nozzle from getting overheated and burning up, and decreases its deterioration rate.
- Nozzle
The Nozzle sole function is to create clean and accurate cuts. There are two sizes of nozzles, the first with a larger opening, and it is used for ripping, the second with a smaller opening with better focus ability that is best used in fine, detailed work.
- Retaining cap
The retaining cap primarily contains all torch consumables together. And it deteriorates over time because of the extremely high temperature.
- Electrode
The electrode is a small and tight piece of copper with hafnium inside. Its function is to get the current from a cathode piece inside the torch and to focus it through the touch tip, to deliver it to the workpiece.
When it comes to the life of each consumable, they vary somehow from torch type to the other and from consumable to the other.
As a rule of thumb:
- Pilot arc torch consumables’ default life is longer as a result of the non-touch work of this type of torch.
- The nozzle and the electrode are the most deteriorated and, of course, the ones with the shortest life, as they are involved directly in all torch work. On the other hand, the other consumables have a relatively long life.
Lotos LTP5500D , Reboot RBC-5000DL, and Super Deal Cut 50 on our Best plasma cutter under 500 list are great choices for longer consumable life. They come with a pilot arc touch that saves the life of consumables.
Best affordable plasma cutter?
Searching for a powerful yet affordable cutter could be pretty exhausting. Here, we shorten your search road and give you 9 outstanding products at below $500. Choose from them the best cheap plasma cutter.
Best Plasma cutters under $500:
- PrimeWeld CT520DP | Our Top Pick
- PrimeWeld Cut50D | The Highest Rated
- Lotos LTP5500D | Best with Pilot Arc
- LOTOS LTP5000D | Best Cooling System
- Reboot RBC-5000DL | Best Warranty Terms
- FLARING FL550 | Best Quality Machine
Best Plasma Cutter under $250
- Warfox CUT50D | Best Under $250
- Super Deal Cut 50 | Best in Operations costs
- HeroCut 35i | Budget Option
Best small plasma cutter?
The small size of a plasma cutter helps in moving it easily and, in some cases, using it more efficiently. Here is a list of the best lightweight plasma cutters under $500:
- HeroCut 35i | at a weight of 12.82 lbs.
- Lotos LTP5500D | at a weight of 15 lbs.
- LOTOS LTP5000D | at a weight of 19.40 lbs.
- Super Deal Cut 50 | at a weight of 22 lbs.
- Warfox CUT50D | at a weight of 22.1 lbs.
What is TIG welding?
TIG welding refers to tungsten inert gas welding. It is a process that uses the extremely high melting point of tungsten electrodes in welding.
Our Top Pick PrimeWeld CT520DP provides a TIG welder option besides the cutting option it mainly has.
What is Stick Welding?
Stick welding is an electric welding process that involves using electrodes in the shape of rod metal that is covered with flux material. This process is also called shielded metal arc welding.
Our Top Pick PrimeWeld CT520DP provides a Stick welder option, besides the cutting option it mainly has.
What is Arc welding?
Arc welding is a welding process pretty similar to TIG. It is used to attach two metal pieces to each other by creating massive heat. The notable difference between it and TIG is that the Arc welding electrode is located in the torch’s body. So, the plasma arc and shielding gas envelope are separated from each other.
What equipment should I have to safely use a plasma cutter?
This is a list of things that make using a plasma cutter safe:
- Leather Apron
- gloves
- Enclosed work shoes
- welding mask
These equipments would make your use of a plasma cutter safer.
Our verdict
As you saw, your 500 bucks or below can get you one of the most advanced cutting technologies nowadays. You would not worry about how hard the metal you are intended to work on is with these 9 outstanding plasma cutters on our best plasma cutter under 500 list.
- Our Top pick PrimeWeld CT520DP is a real versatile machine, it would not just give you high-quality clean cuts but also would get all your welding works gets done.
- The best plasma cutter under 500 with a pilot arch Lotos LTP5500D would provide you with free from defects cuts and long-life consumables as you go.
- LOTOS LTP5000D, the best plasma cutter under 500 with an ultra-advanced cooling system, would offer you consistent performance and health consumables over time.
- Reboot RBC-5000DL, an amazing pilot arc cutter that comes with the best warranty terms on the list. Its warranty provides not only a great warranty duration of 3 years. It also covers free consumables throughout the warranty period.
- HeroCut 35i, the most affordable machine on the best plasma cutter under $500 list. You would pay less and get more.
- PrimeWeld Cut50D, with up to 0.75 clean and accurate cut. It is the highest rated on best plasma cutters under $500 list.
- Super Deal Cut 50, it comes with long-life and also low-budget consumables, which makes it the one with the lowest operational costs on the best plasma cutters under $500 list.
- FLARING FL550, the machine is built from high-quality materials which makes it so durable, and you can rely on it against quick depreciation.
The best plasma cutter under 250 bucks comes, Warfox CUT50D, with an output that is going to impress you at this low budget.
Related Articles