Best Plasma Cutter for the Money: Lotos LTP5000D
We’ve tested numerous plasma cutter brands and models, and the one that stands out the most is the Lotos LTP5000D. For hobbyists and light-industrial metal-cutting purposes, the LTP5000D shines brighter than the rest.
Here’s an overview of the LTP5000D’s key specifications—
- 10-50A Current Range
- 110/220V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 50A
- V-MOSFET Transistor
The LTP5000D is designed for home workshop DIY-ers. It has an output current of 50A at 220V, cutting stainless steel and aluminum up to ¾ an inch in thickness with every sweep of the no-touch pilot arc.
However, if you want to drop down to the 110V at 50-Hz frequency, you’ll need to purchase and install a type 1 pigtail for this plasma cutter.
The LTP5000D is an impressively efficient plasma cutter. It has a PAPST cooling system for increased productivity, as well as a V-MOSFET transistor that creates high cutting power that cuts through metals easily.
Pros
- Hardly any slag
- Incredibly compact and portable
- All-around plasma cutter (steel, copper, aluminum, rusty, painted, etc.)
- Long hose
Cons
- Ground clamp system could be longer
Whether this is your first plasma cutter or you’re looking to upgrade, there’s no better place to start than with the LTP5000D.
Our expert-reviewed articles are fact-based, unbiased, and rigorously researched to help you make right buying decisions.
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A plasma cutter can turn any old workshop into a home for master craftwork.
Plasma cutters cut effortlessly through thick metal objects for numerous applications, including auto-repair and creating intricate, metal-based art.
We’ve scoured the market and tested two-dozen different models to produce this list of the best plasma cutter for the money.
Top Plasma Cutter for the Money Compared
Here’s a comparison between Top Plasma Cutter for the Money:
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Plasma Cutter for the Money – Lotos LTP5000D |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Premium - Hypertherm Powermax 65 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Budget - PrimeWeld CUT50DP |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Plasma Cutter Under $300 - Amico CUT-50 Pro Plasma Cutter |
| Check Today's Price |
| SUPER DEAL CUT 50 |
| Check Today's Price |
|
 | ZENY CUT-50 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Forney Easy Weld 251 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Lotos LTP5500D |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of the Top Plasma Cutter for the Money
The Lotos LTP5000D isn’t the only noteworthy plasma cutter to yield returns on your investment. Let’s take a look at other top-performing plasma cutters on the market.
Best Premium - Hypertherm Powermax 65
Key Specifications
- 20-65A Current Range
- At Least 200V Input
- 50% Duty Cycle @ 65A
- CNC Compatible
As a heavy-duty plasma cutter, you can expect the Hypertherm Powermax 65 to handle tiny and tough metal-cutting jobs.
With a max 1-inch cutting thickness or 1-3/4-inch severance cutting performance, hardcore metalworkers will find incredible value in this compact machine.
Equipped with Hypertherm’s perfected SmartSense Technology, operators won’t need to tinker with air and gas outflow ratings.
Instead, the machine automatically adjusts pressure to the selected cutting mode for the best results.
The dial on the right-hand side offers four different operating modes: continuous pilot arc, non-continuous pilot arc, gouge, and torch lock. Essentially, the Powermax 65 can do anything you’d want from a plasma cutter.
Want to see what the Powrmax 65 can do?
Pros
- 4-torchy-style versatility
- Consumable efficiency
- Powerful cutting output
- Finer cuts with less slag
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
As a premium-quality plasma cutter, the Powermax 65 would be most suitable in the hands of commercial businesses or serious DIY-ers in need of a highly efficient model.
Best Budget - PrimeWeld CUT50DP
Key Specifications
- 10-50A Current Range
- 110V/220V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 50A
- IGBT Inverter
The Primeweld CUT50DP is all about cutting through a wide range of metal types, including alloy and mild steels, as well as copper.
Each pass of the pilot arc torch cuts through clean and scrap metal up to ¾ of an inch thick.
The torch offers fine-precision cutting to create intricate designs in sheet metal. For hobbyists looking to create pieces of metal-based art, this inexpensive plasma cutter is a great tool to have.
All of the controls on the back panel are easy to understand for beginner users. Pressing the torch’s trigger starts the arc instantly for fine-cutting at ½-inch accuracy.
Pros
- Portable, high-powered unit
- Versatile cutting
- Torch lined with added protection
- User-friendly
Cons
- Could have been constructed better
As a budget-friendly plasma cutter, it doesn’t get much better than this. With extreme power and high precision performance, you can use the CUT50DP for nearly every metal-cutting task.
SUPER DEAL CUT 50
Key Specifications
- 20-50A Current Range
- 110V/220V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 50A
- Complete Accessory Kit
If you need an ultra-compact plasma cutter for on-the-go metal cutting, the SUPER DEAL CUT 50 is your best option.
With 50A current output at 220V, the CUT 50 effortlessly cuts through metal workpieces up to half an inch in thickness.
A built-in cooling system maintains the 60% duty cycle at 50A output for enhanced productivity in all work environments.
Upon receiving the CUT 50, not only does it come nearly fully assembled, but it also has a comprehensive list of accessories and consumables to help you get started immediately.
When setting up the gas clasper, make sure it’s screwed on tightly to avoid leakage.
Pros
- Fantastic cutting performance
- Works with a wide range of metals
- Portable
- Built-in protection systems
Cons
- May leak gas on occasion
The Cut 50 offers high cutting power and precision, and its compact build will become handy in different work environments.
ZENY CUT-50
Key Specifications
- 20-50A Current Range
- 110V/220V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 50A
- IP215 Safety Rating
The Zeny CUT-50 is another dual-voltage plasma cutter that offers versatile cutting performance on nearly any piece of metal in your workshop.
The kit does not include an air hose or plug, so make sure you pick up the appropriate hardware if you choose this unit.
The CUT-50 has a maximum cutting depth rating of 3/8 of an inch, though you’ll have relative success making sever cuts in half-inch stainless steel.
The pilot arc torch is activated by making contact with your workpiece. The CUT-50 excels at cutting new sheets of metal but can struggle on painted or rusted surfaces.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Excellent price-to-power ratio
- Usable on all sorts of metals
- Protective casing around torch
Cons
- Could use consumables more efficiently
The Zeny CUT-50 is an excellent option for hobbyist metalworkers. It delivers an astounding amount of power to slice half-inch sheets in two.
Forney Easy Weld 251
Key Specifications
- 10-20A Current Range
- 120V Input Voltage
- 35% Duty Cycle @ 20A
- Drag Torch Technology
The Forney 251 is one of the lightest-duty but ultra-reliable residential-grade plasma cutters on the market. It’s designed specifically to cut through ¼-inch sheets of metal, though you can push it to ½ of an inch if you don’t mind extra slag.
This unit has a capped output current output of just 20A at 120V. Additionally, its duty cycle is just 35% at max power, so remember to take plenty of breaks between cuts.
The 251’s shining feature is Drag Torch Technology, which lets you glide the nozzle’s tip along the surface of your workpiece for precision cutting.
Pros
- Accurate cuts every time
- Can even cut through rusty materials
- Long torch cord
- Reduced energy consumption
Cons
- Groud lead could be longer
We highly recommend the Forney 251 to first-time users looking to gain mileage. The limited cutting power is great for thinner workpieces, but there’s definitely plenty of room for upgrades.
Lotos LTP5500D
Key Specifications
- 20-55A Current Range
- 110V/220V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 55A
- CNC Compatible
It costs a bit more than many portable plasma cutters, but the LTP5500D does not disappoint. This plasma cutter can cut cleanly through 3/5-inch steel workpieces and 1-inch max severance.
This is also one of the quickest plasma cutters to set up. The LTP5500D comes with an NPT ¼-inch type D plug, so all you need is to connect your workshop’s air compressor to this unit, and you’re ready to begin cutting.
The LTP5500D uses a non-HF pilot arc torch that works best for CNC users and general-purpose, hand-operated cutting. This eliminates the need to strike the arc, which is ideal for cutting expanded metal sheets.
Pros
- Excellent for salvaging and fixing old metal workpieces
- Flexible current range
- High consumables efficiency
- Inverter technology eliminates cutting inefficiencies
Cons
- Could be easier to set up
The LTP5500D is one of the most feature-rich, easy-to-use, simple-setup plasma cutters available!
Best Plasma Cutter Under $300
Even though our list contains several budget-friendly plasma cutters, there was one priced under $300 that truly stands out—the Amico CUT-50 Pro Plasma Cutter.
Check out the CUT-50’s key specifications below—
- 15-50A Current Range
- 100V/240V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 50A
- Auto-Adjusts to Voltage
Not only does the CUT-50 work with outlets between 100 and 240V, but it comes with its own pigtail type 1 to switch seamlessly between high and low voltages.
At its max, the CUT-50 cuts through ¾-inch stainless steel with a 1-inch severance, making it a super-handy machine for light- and even heavy-duty metalworking.
Amico boasts that this machine produces less noxious gas while operating. Basically, this means a reduced risk of fires and minimal slag. Less cleanup with extraordinary cutting power is a tremendous advantage.
Pros
- Nice, clean cuts every time
- Effortless switching between voltage levels
- Easy to move and transport
- Straightforward design and setup
Cons
- Could come with pilot arc for high-voltage work
Priced as an entry-level plasma cutter but performs like a light-industrial machine, the Amico CUT-50 is a remarkable tool that offers astronomical returns on your investment.
[/nicebox_big]FAQs
Let’s spend some time addressing a couple of plasma cutter FAQs.
There are four main gas types used in plasma cutting: compressed air, nitrogen, oxygen, and argon-hydrogen mixtures. Compressed air is the most widely used type for home settings since it does a decent job at shielding the cut for metals up to an inch in thickness. The other types are used mainly in industrial settings for 1-inch pieces and thicker.
None of the models listed above do come with a built-in air compressor. This means if you decide to pick one of these up, you’ll need to rely on an external air compressor to deliver gas to your cut. Thankfully, plasma cutters aren’t air-intensive tools, and only between 30 to 70 PSI at around 6 CFM should suffice.
Duty cycle is a figure expressed in a percentage at which a machine can operate safely within a given period, typically 10 minutes. When looking at the duty cycles above, we can see that most of the plasma cutters have a 60% rating at the max current output, meaning you can work for up to 6 minutes within a 10-minute timeframe. When dropped to a lower amperage level, you can achieve a 100% duty cycle.
Our list contains models with various current ranges of between 10 and 65A. The higher the amperage, the deeper the plasma cutter can cut. Generally, 50A has a max severance, or rough-cut capacity, of 1 inch, which should be plenty of cutting power for most garage metalworking projects.
Summary
And that, ladies and gentleguys, concludes our guide.
We researched over 20 of the most popular plasma cutters to produce this list of the best plasma cutter for the money.
Hopefully, you’ll have all the information you need to make a purchase decision based on your needs. Our comment section is open to queries and feedback.
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API