Best Plasma Cutter Under $1,000: Lotos LTP8000
The one plasma cutter manufacturer that stands above most of its competition is Lotos Technology. The LTP8000 with 1-inch cutting depth and flexible power output makes it a handy plasma cutter in any situation.
Here’s a quick overview of the LTP8000’s key specifications—
- 20-80A Current Range
- 220V/230V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 80A
- Non-Touch Pilot Arc
The current output range of between 20 and 80A allows operators a wide range of metal-cutting possibilities without prematurely wearing out the torch’s nozzle.
At max power, the LTP8000 can reach depths of 1-1/2 inches with 1-inch clean cuts.
Additionally, it comes with a non-touch pilot arc that makes cutting through expanded metal, as well as corroded or painted metal, possible.
The torch can glide at relatively high speeds while maintaining nearly slag-free cuts with every sweep.
Pros
- Magnificent cutting performance and speed
- Enhanced productivity
- Can cut more than an inch deep
- Built-in thermal protection
Cons
- Power cable could be longer
If you’re looking for commercial-grade metal-cutting performance from a compact machine, the LTP8000 plasma cutter is for you.
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Plasma cutters come in all shapes, sizes, cutting capacities, and price tags.
If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty plasma cutter without spending an exorbitant amount of money, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve researched over 20 different models and found the best plasma cutter under $1,000. Stay awhile and listen!
Top Plasma Cutters Under $1,000 Compared
Here’s a comparison between Top Plasma Cutters Under $1,000:
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Plasma Cutter Under $1,000 – Lotos LTP8000 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Premium - Everlast PowerPlasma 62i |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Budget - Hot Max PL-40 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Razorweld JRWPC45LT |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Forney 317 |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of the Top Plasma Cutters Under $1,000
Our tests yielded several top-performing plasma cutters at a reasonable price. Check out our views of more of the best plasma cutters under $1,000 down below.
Best Premium - Everlast PowerPlasma 62i
Key Specifications
- 20-60A Current Range
- 220V/240V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 60A
- CNC Connector
As our premium pick, the Everlast PowerPlasma 62i goes up and beyond all normal plasma cutter functionality. This plasma cutter not only cuts metal but also separates welded pieces on gouging mode.
The 62i has a wide current range of between 20 and 60A with a max cutting depth of 1-1/4 inches, though you should prepare to file away a ton of slag.
Plus, if you want to make incredibly intricate cuts across multiple sheets of metal, the 62i’s new CNC connector feature lets you mount it onto a CNC table.
Pros
- New gouging feature
- Can connect to CNC table
- Excellent cutting performance
- Built-in safety features
Cons
- Could produce less slag
The PowerPlasma 62i is a great tool to have for light and medium-duty cutting. Cranking it to 60A can cut through 1-inch steel quite cleanly, but there’s a bit too much slag than we’d prefer.
Best Budget - Hot Max PL-40
Key Specifications
- 5-40A Current Amperage
- 120V/240V Input Voltage
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 60A
- LED Warning Lights
The Hot Max PL-40 isn’t packing a ton of bonus features, but that’s common in most budget-pick models.
One major difference this tool has compared to the others on our list is its dual-voltage compatibility. If you don’t have a 220V outlet installed, you can plug this plasma cutter into any standard 3-prong 110V outlet and begin cutting away.
It has a wide current range of between 5 and 40A, which isn’t too bad but nowhere near heavy-duty. At 110V, your cutting power is limited to just 33A or around just over 3/8 of an inch.
There are also LED warning lights built into the PL-40 to let you know when to put the torch down. At this price, we would have preferred an auto-shutoff system.
Pros
- Dual-voltage compatibility
- Light- and medium-duty cutting
- Portable
- Helpful warning lights
Cons
- Could cut deeper
Overall, the PL-40 is a decent plasma cutter that can handle all sorts of metal-cutting jobs.
Razorweld JRWPC45LT
Key Specifications
- 20-45A Current Range
- 230V Input
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 45A
- IGBT Inverter Transistor
For its price category, the JRWPC45LT is a decent plasma cutter. With a max cutting depth of 5/8 of an inch, the JRWPC45LT will come in handy in a wide range of settings, both commercial and residential.
It has a max current output of 45A, which doesn’t seem like much, but provides decent cutting power through any metal you place under the torch’s nozzle.
The thing that left us quite disappointed was the S45 style, torch which has a max output rating of just 30A. The minuscule 0.8-mm orifices inhibit airflow, thereby resulting in excessive wear and tear of the nozzle.
Pros
- Useful in residential and commercial settings
- Clean, even cuts every time
- Enhanced longevity and power output
- Usable on all metals
Cons
- Could come with correct torch style
As soon as you upgrade or fix the torch while careful drilling, the JRWPC45LT works like a charm.
Forney 317
Key Specifications
- 12A Current Output
- 120V Input Power
- 25% Duty Cycle @ 12A
- Built-In Air Compressor
The 317 is missing quite a bit of cutting power due to its 12A ceiling. At most, this plasma cutter can cut as deep as ¼ of an inch.
It has a modest duty cycle of 25% at 12A. We’ve become so accustomed to 60% duty cycles that we were perplexed to see anything less.
The 317’s saving-grace feature is the built-in air compressor. The compressor produces just enough air at the right pressure and volume for optimal cutting efficiency.
Pros
- Decent at light-duty cutting jobs
- Great option for those working from their garages
- Safer to use due to 12A cap
- No external air compressor needed
Cons
- Lots of room for improvement
Don’t get the wrong idea; the Forney 317 is a great tool for light metal-cutting jobs. What’s even more surprising is that when comparing this to other similarly priced models on the market, the 317 actually outshines the majority.
FAQs
In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most FAQs about plasma cutters.
Great question, but only you can answer that. Plasma cutters are priced between $150 and $5,000. Obviously, the pricier models are more high-end and can handle tougher materials better. If you’re interested in a more budget-friendly solution, please consider looking at our guide on the best plasma cutter under $500.
Generally speaking, Lotos and Everlast are the most widely used brands. They produce a wide range of plasma cutters for every budget and every need. Razorweld and Forney also release decent models for hobbyists and light-industry cutting tasks.
The short answer is cut metal. Plasma cutters are made specifically for cutting conductive metals, though some models can also sheer through aluminum. Some plasma cutters are multi-functional tools that come have gouging modes and welding modes.
There are two types of transistors installed in plasma cutters—MOSFET and IGBT. The latter is the more recent form of transistor technology that can withstand much more punishment with less wear and tear. Generally speaking, they’re both nearly identical in terms of performance, but IGBT transistors—such as that found in the Razorweld JRWPC45LT—have longer lifespans.
Summary
With this, we conclude our guide and reviews of the best plasma cutter under $1,000.
We’ve researched more than 20 plasma cutters priced around $1,000, so we hope you find what you’re looking for in this guide.
We’ll open our comments section to those with questions, concerns, and/or feedback.
Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
