Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i Plasma Cutter Review

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In Brief: Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i Review

The Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i offers dual voltage and exceptional quality in a portable package. This device includes overheating safety features such as Fan-On-Demand and Postflow Cooling to keep the machine up and running longer. It comes with a 12-foot XT30R torch and everything needed to use it out of the box.

The Hobart company manufactures innovative welders and plasma cutters that regularly lead the industry. Its products exceed expectations and live up to the lofty quality standards this company has become known for.

The Hobart Airforce 27i provides accessible plasma cutting to beginners and precision cuts to advanced users.

This machine allows users to travel with their lightweight, portable plasma cutter and handle on-site jobs of up to 3/8-inch thickness.

Key Specifications of the Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i

With a dual voltage design and powerful circuitry, the Hobart Airforce 27i lives up to the Hobart company’s name. It comes with an ergonomic XT30R torch and works well without burning through consumables too quickly.

Check out the Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i in action here –

 

Read the long list of Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i specs below:

ParametersDetails
TypePlasma Cutter
Rated Output @ 104F120V: 27A @ 92VDC, 35% duty cycle
240V: 30A @ 92VDC, 40% duty cycle
Input Voltage110/115/120V
220/230/240V
Minimum Amperage14A
Maximum Amperage30A
Input Phase1-Phase
Dimensions5.5 in. w x 9 in. h x 13.25 in. l
Weight19lbs.
WarrantyCheck Manual
FeaturesDual voltage
Fan-On-Demand
Wind Tunnel technology
Accessories12ft. plasma cutting torch
12ft. work cable and clamp
10ft. power cord and plug
Built-in gas/air filter and regulator
Consumables kit

Unique Features

The Hobart Airforce 27i includes several safety and efficiency features designed to help this machine perform well. It includes Wind Tunnel technology and Fan-On-Demand features to prevent dust buildup and reduce overheating risks.

Dual Voltage

Thanks to the dual voltage setup that comes built into this machine, the plasma cutter operates smoothly on both 120V and 240V currents.

Wind Tunnel Technology

The built-in Wind Tunnel technology on this plasma cutter reduces the amount of dust that makes its way into the machine’s interior.

Power Factor Correction Circuitry

With power factor correction circuitry, this machine uses 30% less amperage than some of its leading competitors.

Postflow Cooling Circuit

When you release the trigger on the plasma cutting torch that comes with this machine, the postflow cooling circuit blows air onto the torch. This cools the consumables and makes them last longer.

Fan-On-Demand

The fan inside this plasma cutter only runs when needed. This cuts down on energy used to operate the machine and reduces dust and debris collected by the vents as well.

 

Performance & Ease of Transportation

Combining impressive Hobart performance with convenient portability, the Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter gets the job done right, every time.

Performance

This machine cuts smoothly and quickly even for users without much prior experience. Its convenient user-friendly controls make setup and operation a breeze and encourage beginners to learn and grow with this machine.

With reliable internal components, this plasma cutter holds up well to long-term use. It offers enough power to run daily and often finds itself part of a professional welding or construction shop setup.

The machine features a durable outer shell designed to reduce impact and keep the product operating safely for years to come.

Ease of Transportation

Coming in at only 19 pounds, this plasma cutter remains one of the lightest portable plasma cutters on the market.

Even though it comes with superb-quality Hobart components and durable design, it offers portability for on-the-go plasma cutting.

The machine includes a carrying strap on top of the device which makes transportation simple. It hooks into two different types of input voltage so you can operate it in shops or on household outlets as needed.

 

Cut Quality and Available Options

This machine tackles a variety of metal thicknesses with no trouble. It cuts smoothly beginning at one side of the metal or by punching through in the middle of a piece as well. Despite its small size, it holds up well to long-term use.

The plasma cutter creates clean, smooth cuts that don’t require additional clean up afterward. It works well for light to moderate household jobs and provides precision results regardless of the user’s skill level.

The Hobart Airforce 27i comes in just one option. Customers sometimes add the following when purchasing:

  • Consumables kit: Stock up on everything you need for long-term use with a convenient consumables kit.
  • Power cable adapters: To use this machine on more than one voltage, purchase additional power cable adapters for convenient plug-and-go operation.

Ease of Maintenance, Repairs & Warranty

The Hobart company recommends contacting a professional repair technician to handle problems with the internal components on this machine.

For external replacement parts and consumables, check the Hobart company web site. Customer service may also be able to provide some replacement parts as needed.

Unplug the machine for 30 minutes before performing routine maintenance.

Every six months use compressed air to clean the inside of the machine and its vents.

Every three months check hoses, cables, and the plasma cutting torch, and make repairs or replacements as needed. Clean the air filter and regulator.

Every week check the shield cup shutdown system. Every time you use the machine, check the torch tip and electrode as well as the gas and air pressure.

The Hobart company’s 5/3/1 warranty covers this machine. Under this warranty, batteries receive six months of replacement parts while the plasma cutting torch receives one year of parts and labor.

The warranty includes three years of parts and labor for switches, controls, and pc boards, as well as five years of parts and labor for transformers, reactors, stabilizers, and power rectifiers.

Contact the Hobart company’s customer service at 1-800-332-3281 for more information.

FAQs

What size air compressor does the Hobart Airforce 27i require?

This machine needs an air compressor that produces at least 3cfm @ 90psi.

What size generator does the Hobart Airforce 27i require?

This machine needs a generator that produces at least 5000 watts of continuous power on 230V input.

What type of start does the Hobart Airforce 27i include?

This plasma cutter uses a pilot arc start as opposed to scratch start.

Can you drag cut with the Hobart Airforce 27i?

Yes. This machine works well for drag cutting.

Price of the Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i

Backed by the high-quality materials and components used by the Hobart company, the Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter costs considerably more than many of its competitors.

This machine comes in at the high end of many customers’ budgets.

The price reflects the value of this impressive little machine. The product provides professional-grade results in a portable size and includes plenty of peripherals to get you started using it right away.

Customers feel the product’s value soars above and beyond the price.

 

Who Should Buy the Hobart 500565 Airforce 27i?

Residential customers enjoy the Hobart Airforce 27i because of its convenient ability to plug into dual voltage power sources.

This machine works on 240V currents for more powerful jobs but functions beautifully on 120V for household repairs.

Home hobbyists and DIYers regularly use this product thanks to its simple controls and beginner-friendly design.

Most customers have no trouble setting up and operating this machine out of the box with an additional air compressor attachment.

The product even works well for auto repair. Some auto professionals use this portable plasma cutter to handle light to moderate jobs and for traveling purposes.

Our Recommendation

The Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter brings professional-quality plasma cutting to residential customers.

This machine uses reliable components and exceptional user-friendly controls to create an ideal plasma cutting experience for users of all skill levels.

We recommend this plasma cutter for beginners learning how to tackle plasma cutting jobs. We also recommend it for home hobbyists and auto repair hobbyists or professionals looking for a powerful but portable cutter.

 

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Joseph Carter

Joseph is DIYer with a passion for building. He is an experienced writer on tools and design and contributes to his ideas on various platforms.

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