Best Plasma Cutter 2024 – Top 10 Cheap Plasma Cutter Under $500/1000

Which Plasma Cutter Should You Choose? The Lotos LTP5000D, YESWELDER MP200, Eastwood Versa Cut 60, PrimeWeld CUT50D, or the Hypertherm Powermax? Plasma cutting technology has significantly evolved, offering a variety of machines ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end units. In this guide, we’ll explore the best affordable plasma cutters available on the market today. This list is based on our opinions, extensive research, and customer reviews. We’ve evaluated the quality, features, and value of each plasma cutting machine to help you make the best choice.

Top 10 Best Budget Plasma Cutter Under $500/1000 in 2024

For those looking for an affordable but effective option, here are the top 10 budget plasma cutters under $500/1000 to consider in 2024:

1. Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: 359$ (50A Pilot Arc) ~ 429$ (55A Pilot Arc Blow Back)

Cutting Materials: Cuts various conductive materials including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and more.

Machine Cutting Torches: Comes with a pilot arc torch that cuts without directly touching the material, enhancing consumable lifespan and effectiveness on painted or rusty surfaces.

Duty Cycle: 60% at 50 amps, allowing 6 minutes of continuous operation per 10-minute period at full output.

Cutting Speed: Efficient on varying material thicknesses; cuts 1/2-inch steel at approximately 20 inches per minute.

Output Power: Offers 10-50 amps, capable of cutting up to 5/8-inch thick materials, with dual voltage (120/240V) flexibility.

The Lotos LTP5000D is a highly efficient plasma cutter designed for both personal and professional use. It features an advanced pilot arc technology that allows cutting without touching the metal, enhancing the life of consumables and enabling it to cut through rusty, painted, or coated surfaces efficiently. This model can handle up to 5/8-inch steel with a 50 amp output, making it suitable for a variety of industrial applications. It operates on dual voltage (120/240V), ensuring versatility in different settings. Weighing only 26 lbs, it is portable and comes with a moisture separator, pressure regulator, air filter, and a 1-year warranty. However, some users have noted issues with the grounding clamp and the lack of a 120V adapter.

2. Forney Easy Weld 20P Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: $479

Cutting Materials: Cuts mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other conductive metals up to 1/4-inch thick.

Cutting Torches: Features a drag cutting arc torch, ideal for easy starting and suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Duty Cycle: 35% at 20 amps, allowing for 3.5 minutes of continuous operation every 10 minutes at full output.

Cutting Speed: Provides reasonable speed for 1/4-inch steel, suitable for home and light workshop use.

Output Power: Operates on 120 volts with a 20-amp output, effectively cutting materials up to 1/4-inch thick.

The Forney Easy Weld 20P is a compact and lightweight plasma cutter that is perfect for home use or light industrial applications. Running on 120 volts with a 20-amp output, it can efficiently cut steel up to 1/4-inch thick. Its portability at 21 lbs makes it ideal for jobs at home or on-site. The unit features a user-friendly interface with a drag cutting arc start, enhancing its reliability and ease of use. Forney, known for over 90 years in the welding industry, ensures that this machine offers high-quality and durable performance. However, it may not be sufficient for heavier fabrication tasks, which could be a limitation for some users.

3. PrimeWeld CUT50D Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: $289

Cutting Materials: Cuts a variety of conductive materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals up to 1/2-inch thick.

Cutting Torches: Equipped with a drag torch start mechanism for easy arc initiation and precise cuts.

Duty Cycle: 60% at 50 amps, allowing for 6 minutes of continuous operation every 10 minutes at full power.

Cutting Speed: Efficiently cuts 1/2-inch steel at about 12 inches per minute, suitable for auto body repairs to light industrial tasks.

Output Power: Delivers up to 50 amps and supports dual voltage (120V/240V), enhancing flexibility for various cutting needs and environments.

The PrimeWeld CUT50D stands out due to its versatility and power, offering 50 amps for cutting capabilities up to 1/2-inch steel. It supports dual voltage (120/240V) functionality, which makes it adaptable for use in various environments, and comes with a connection adapter for 120V outlets. This model uses a drag torch start mechanism that can increase consumable wear but remains cost-effective for maintenance. It is equipped with a long torch connection and includes a 3-year warranty, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction. The CUT50D is praised for its broad amperage range, allowing for precise cuts on thinner metals as well.

4. Super Deal DC Inverter CUT50 Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: $200 ~ $350

Cutting Materials: Capable of cutting various conductive materials like mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals, up to 1/2-inch thick.

Cutting Torches: Features a lift start arc torch for quieter operation and precise control, ideal for detailed cutting.

Duty Cycle: Offers a 60% duty cycle at 50 amps, allowing for 6 minutes of continuous use every 10 minutes at full power.

Cutting Speed: Provides efficient cutting speeds, varying with material thickness; cuts 1/2-inch steel at a moderate pace, suitable for both hobbyist and light industrial use.

Output Power: Delivers a maximum of 50 amps and supports dual voltage (110V/220V), adding versatility for different cutting tasks and environments.

The Super Deal DC Inverter CUT50 utilizes the ZEN CUT50 platform, known for its affordability and standardization, which helps keep costs low while providing reliable performance. This model features a lift start arc, quiet operation, and digital controls for precise cutting. It supports dual voltage input (120/240V) and is capable of cutting up to 1/2-inch steel. At 24 lbs, it is lightweight and includes an air pressure regulator for enhanced performance. Users frequently commend it for the quality of cut and ease of use, making it a popular choice for those needing a dependable yet budget-friendly plasma cutter.

5. YESWELDER CUT-55DS Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: $239

Cutting Materials: Cuts a variety of conductive materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and more, with a cutting capacity of up to 1/2-inch thickness.

Cutting Torches: Equipped with a non-touch, high-frequency pilot arc torch that allows cutting without direct contact, extending consumable life and enabling efficient cutting on painted, rusty, or dirty surfaces.

Duty Cycle: Features a 60% duty cycle at 55 amps, supporting 6 minutes of continuous operation every 10 minutes at full power.

Cutting Speed: Offers effective cutting speeds that vary with material and thickness, capable of cutting 1/2-inch steel at a reasonable pace, suitable for medium to heavy-duty applications.

Output Power: Delivers a maximum of 55 amps and operates primarily on 120V with an included adapter for 240V, enhancing flexibility for different power environments and cutting needs.

The YESWELDER CUT-55DS is a powerful plasma cutter designed for medium to heavy-duty cutting tasks. It offers a 55 amp output, enabling it to cut through 1/2-inch thick steel sheets effectively. Its standout feature is the non-touch, high-frequency pilot arc, which ensures longer consumable life and allows cutting on painted or rusty surfaces without direct contact. The machine is equipped with an AG60 torch and features a shield that flips up to protect the control panel. Although it provides excellent cutting capabilities, some users have reported issues with airflow, which is crucial for optimal performance. This machine also operates primarily on 120V, providing convenience but potentially limiting its power in tougher applications.

6. YESWELDER MP200 Plasma Cutter and Welder

Amazon Price: $999

Cutting Materials: Handles a wide variety of conductive materials including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, making it a versatile tool for both cutting and welding applications.

Cutting Torches: Equipped with a high-quality torch designed for plasma cutting, MIG, TIG, and stick welding, ensuring precise and efficient cuts across different materials and thicknesses.

Duty Cycle: Features strong performance with a 60% duty cycle at 200 amps for MIG welding, 60% at 180 amps for stick welding, and 60% at 200 amps for TIG welding, along with a similar duty cycle for plasma cutting.

Cutting Speed: Offers moderate cutting speeds, capable of cleanly cutting 1/4-inch steel, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional applications.

Output Power: Delivers up to 200 amps for welding and 50 amps for plasma cutting. Supports dual voltage (110V/220V), enhancing flexibility across various power sources and tasks.

The YESWELDER MP200 is a versatile 5-in-1 welder combining Gas MIG, Gasless MIG, Lift TIG, Stick, and CUT functionalities, making it a comprehensive solution for various welding needs. It supports both solid and flux wire for MIG welding and is compatible with D100/D200 rolls of MIG wire, offering flexibility and ease of wire feeding. Features like synergic control simplify operation by automatically adjusting voltage and wire feeding speed based on the input thickness or amperage. Portable at just 29 pounds, the MP200 is capable of precise, clean cuts and includes a dual fan system for effective heat dissipation. Its advanced capabilities are further enhanced by a smart memory function that stores and recalls settings for different welding parameters, and an LCD screen that provides clear visibility and control over welding operations. However, it may experience some stuttering at 110 volts. Ideal for both novices and professionals, the MP200 excels with its compact design and intuitive interface.

7. Eastwood Versa-Cut 60 Amp Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: $649~$699

Cutting Materials: Capable of cutting a variety of conductive materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, with a maximum capacity of up to 7/8-inch thickness.

Cutting Torches: Features an advanced torch with a built-in trigger safety and user-friendly design, enabling precise and clean cuts.

Duty Cycle: Boasts a 60% duty cycle at 60 amps, allowing for 6 minutes of continuous operation every 10 minutes at full power.

Cutting Speed: Provides efficient cutting, able to slice through 1/2-inch steel at about 20 inches per minute, ideal for diverse applications from automotive to industrial.

Output Power: Offers a maximum of 60 amps and supports dual voltage (120V/240V), enhancing flexibility for different power sources and cutting needs in various environments.

Calling all automotive enthusiasts! If you’re seeking power and versatility in your tools, the Eastwood Versa Cut 60 plasma cutter is essential. Equipped with advanced inverter technology, this cutter smoothly slices through up to 7/8-inch mild steel, ensuring precise, clean cuts with minimal dross and distortion. Like the Hypertherm models, it also features dual voltage capability, allowing operation on either 220 volts or 110 volts, perfect for both professional workshops and home garages. Weighing just 31 pounds, it’s portable enough for easy transport to various sites. Built to handle rugged jobs and demanding environments, the Versa Cut 60 boasts a durable design and a 60 percent duty cycle, making it robust for heavy-duty use. Its user-friendly interface, including an adjustable output control and an LCD for real-time status monitoring, enhances ease of use and safety. Eastwood Versa-Cut 60 features user-friendly controls and real-time LCD monitoring, high durability and a robust duty cycle for professional use, capability to cut thick metal effortlessly. Overall, this plasma cutter is a top choice for professional metal fabricators and DIY enthusiasts aiming to enhance their cutting capabilities.

8. Amico CUT-50 Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: $279.00

Cutting Materials: Cuts various conductive metals such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc., up to 1/2-inch thickness.

Cutting Torch: Features a high-frequency start torch for easy arc starting and precise cutting on both clean and contaminated surfaces.

Duty Cycle: 60% at 50 amps, allowing 6 minutes of continuous operation every 10 minutes at full power.

Cutting Speed: Cuts 1/4-inch steel at about 20 inches per minute.

Output Power: Offers up to 50 amps with dual voltage (110V/220V) capability, suitable for both home and professional settings.

The Amico CUT-50 plasma cutter, noted for its affordability compared to competitors like the Lotus LTP 5000D, exceeds expectations in performance and quality despite its lower price. Capable of efficiently cutting metal sheets from one-quarter inch to three-quarters inch with minimal slag and smooth results, the device struggles slightly with one-inch thick materials, which may require additional smoothing. The CUT-50 is designed for user-friendliness with an easily accessible front panel for adjusting amperage from 20 to 50 amps and features a high-frequency arc start for seamless operation. While there are some reports of internal air leaks, these issues are addressed by a one-year warranty and dedicated customer service, making the Amico CUT-50 a valuable choice for both beginners and experienced users seeking an economical plasma cutter.

9. Lincoln Electric Plasma 20 Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: $785

Cutting Materials: Cuts a variety of conductive materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, with a maximum capacity of up to 1/4-inch thickness.

Cutting Torches: Equipped with rapid arc restrike technology for consistent performance across gaps, and designed for easy handling and precise cutting, ideal for detailed tasks.

Duty Cycle: Features a 25% duty cycle at 20 amps, allowing for 2.5 minutes of continuous operation every 10 minutes at full power.

Cutting Speed: Efficiently cuts materials like 1/4-inch steel at speeds suitable for applications such as HVAC, auto body repairs, and other light-duty tasks.

Output Power: Offers an output range of 10 to 20 amps and operates on a 120V power supply, making it versatile for use in home workshops and on-site jobs.

The Lincoln Electric Plasma 20 is a compact, lightweight plasma cutter ideal for hobbyists or professionals needing a portable solution for cutting up to 1/4-inch steel. It features a 20 amp output and is particularly suited for auto body repairs and HVAC applications due to its lower amperage limit, which can be adjusted down to 10 amps. The machine includes innovative features like rapid arc restrike and an integrated air regulator to enhance cutting precision. Despite its small size, the Plasma 20 is capable of delivering powerful and precise cuts, although some users have noted a delay in torch operation which may affect user experience in rapid cutting scenarios.

10. PrimeWeld CUT60 Plasma Cutter

Amazon Price: $699

Cutting Materials: Capable of cutting a variety of conductive materials including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals, with a maximum thickness of up to 7/8-inch.

Machine Torches: Features a blowback start torch that minimizes digital interference, ideal for CNC plasma cutting tables, and ensures precise, efficient cutting on dirty, painted, or rusted surfaces.

Duty Cycle: Boasts a 60% duty cycle at 60 amps, allowing for 6 minutes of continuous use every 10 minutes at full power.

Cutting Speed: Offers efficient cutting speeds, capable of slicing through 1/2-inch steel at about 25 inches per minute, suitable for heavy-duty and professional tasks.

Output Power: Delivers a maximum of 60 amps and supports dual voltage (120V/240V), enhancing versatility across different environments and power sources. Features a continuous pilot arc for uninterrupted cutting through expanded metal and grating.

The Primeweld CUT60 is an exceptionally powerful plasma cutter capable of handling up to 7/8-inch steel. It features a dual voltage design, operating on either 120V or 240V. This model is notable for its blowback torch start, which minimizes electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for use with CNC plasma cutting tables. The CUT60 offers a continuous pilot arc, ideal for cutting through dirty, painted, or rusted surfaces without stopping. With a 20 ft torch lead and robust construction, it is designed for heavy-duty use in demanding environments, providing reliability and efficiency in professional settings.