12 best plasma cutters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Plasma cutting is widely used in metalworking enterprises. Recently, plasma cutters have begun to be used in private homes, workshops and garages. The advantage of this method of cutting metal is speed and high quality of the cut. With the help of hot plasma, you can work with different metals, from stainless steel to non-ferrous alloys. Unlike a grinder, a plasma cutter allows you to make curly cuts without additional finishing. Since plasma cutters are specific devices, you should study the recommendations of our experts before buying.

Selection recommendations

Blank type. It is best to start your choice with the appointment of the device. You need to know what metals will be processed, what is the maximum thickness of the blanks. The main technical characteristic, which is directly related to the performance of the device, is the maximum cutting current. Experts propose to independently calculate this indicator, taking two figures as a basis. To cut 1 mm of stainless steel or carbon steel, a current of 4 A is required, and to cut a millimeter layer of copper, aluminum, non-ferrous alloys, a current of 6 A is required.This means that a plasma cutter with a maximum cutting current of 40 A will be able to cut steel workpieces with a thickness of 10 12 mm.

Duration of inclusion. There is one more important characteristic of the plasma cutter, which indirectly speaks about the performance of the device. This is the duty cycle (DC) at different values ​​of the cutting current. Most often, the PV is indicated in the passport when operating at maximum current. This value is indicated in percent and ranges from 30 to 90. The indicator is simply deciphered. For example, if the duty cycle is 30%, then the 10-minute cut will consist of 3 minutes of cutting at maximum current and 7 minutes of rest of the machine. At the same time, a plasma cutter with an on-time of 90% can work for 9 minutes, it will take 1 minute to cool down.

Air supply. Air plasma cutting requires a continuous supply of compressed air at a specific pressure. All plasma cutters can be divided into two groups.

1. Models with a built-in compressor are easy to move, they are not tied to a stationary pneumatic system. Their scope is home, garage or construction work. Experts believe that the weak side of such devices is limited power.
2. Many professional plasma cutters need to be connected to an external compressor. In this case, it is important that the pressure in the pneumatic system corresponds to the value specified in the plasma cutter's passport. Most often, the air is supplied with a maximum pressure of 5-6 bar.
3. Air consumption is also indicated by the manufacturers of plasma cutters. This is done to enable the user to compare the compressor capacity or reservoir capacity with the compressed air consumption of the cutting device. For example, professional devices consume up to 300 liters of compressed air per minute, and many household models require up to 100 liters for cutting.

Working voltage. Plasma cutters with two types of food are on sale.

1. Professional models are designed for connection to a three-phase power network (380 V), they compare favorably with power and performance.
2. Household devices are connected to a 220V outlet. But the functionality of such devices is limited.

Equipment. When limiting the price range of the plasma cutter, it is necessary to take into account the equipment of the device.

1. Models with a built-in compressor are more expensive, but if there is no source of compressed air in the house or garage, then the cost of additional equipment should also be borne in mind.
2. Plasma torch and grounding cable are included with most plasma cutters.
3. The display is considered a useful additional option. It allows the welder to see the current settings and control the cutting process.

We have selected 12 of the best plasma cutters for review. All of them are sold in the trade network of our country. When allocating seats, the editorial staff of the magazine relied on the opinion of experts, taking into account the reviews of Russian consumers.

Rating of the best plasma cutters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best plasma cutters	1	ESAB CUTMASTER 120	RUB 417,065
	2	BLU EWELD Best Plasma 100	RUB 184,600
	3	Telwin SUPERIOR PLASMA 90 HF	RUB 99 800
	4	Grovers CUT 40 kompressor	RUB 68 800
	5	Fubag PLASMA 65 T	RUB 53,580
	6	Svarog REAL CUT 70 (L204)	RUB 48,890
	7	Fubag PLASMA 40	RUB 29,895
	8	RESANTA IPR-40	RUB 29,820
	9	Aurora AIRHOLD 42	RUB 17 088
	10	RESANTA IPR-40K	RUB 21,930
	11	FoxWeld Plasma 43	RUB 23 660
	12	Cedar CUT-40	RUB 24 800

ESAB CUTMASTER 120

Rating: 4.9

The most productive device in our review was the ESAB CUTMASTER 120 plasma cutter. The maximum cutting current is 120 A, which allows cutting metal up to 55 mm thick. At maximum, the on-time does not exceed 40%. Air enters the burner at a pressure of 5.2 bar, the air flow is 212 l / min. The plasma cutter requires a three-phase connection, experts recommend the device for professional activities. The model is equipped with a plasma torch and a grounding cable. Many technical parameters during cutting are determined automatically, some of them can be entered manually.

The device causes only positive emotions among domestic welders. They praise it for its high productivity and ease of use. The downside is the high price.

Advantages

• high cutting current;
• semi-automatic control;
• high-quality assembly;
• ease of use.

disadvantages

• high price.

BLU EWELD Best Plasma 100

Rating: 4.7

Plasma cutter BLU EWELD Best Plasma 100 looks more modest in terms of performance. The model has a maximum cutting current of 100 A, which is enough to work with metal 30 mm thick. The experts liked the progressive high frequency arc striking. But the duration of work at the maximum of the device is the shortest (30%), which will require long breaks. At an air pressure of 5 bar, the flow rate is 290 l / min. The device is connected to a three-phase power network, the manufacturer has equipped its product with a semi-automatic control. A plasma torch and a grounded cable are included with the device.

The model ranks second, yielding to the leader in technical parameters. The users have no complaints about the workmanship.

Advantages

• high cutting current;
• high-frequency arc ignition;
• semi-automatic control;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• short operating time at maximum current.

Telwin SUPERIOR PLASMA 90 HF

Rating: 4.7

Semi-professional plasma cutter Telwin SUPERIOR PLASMA 90 HF falls into the top three of our review. The model attracted the attention of experts with a high cutting current (90 A), the ability to work with thick metal (30 mm). The on-time at maximum current is limited to 40%. Cutting requires an air pressure of 5 bar, while the flow rate is quite economical (200 l / min). The device is somewhat inferior to the leaders in terms of weight (30 kg), while winning in cost. High-frequency arc ignition and semi-automatic control should be entered into the model asset.

Few domestic users have managed to appreciate the advantages of the plasma cutter. They have no complaints about the quality of the Italian product.

Advantages

• good performance;
• ease of use;
• affordable price;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• low popularity in Russia.

Grovers CUT 40 kompressor

Rating: 4.7

According to experts, the leader among single-phase plasma cutters is the Grovers CUT 40 kompressor model. Of course, it is difficult for this device to compete in technical parameters with professional devices. The maximum cutting current is 40 A, so you can work with metal up to 15 mm thick. At the same time, the duration of work at the maximum (60%) deserves praise. Cutting requires air at a pressure of 3 bar. The plasma cutter is controlled manually, the arc is ignited by high-frequency current. The manufacturer has equipped its product with a built-in compressor, plasma torch, grounding cable.

Users like the low weight of the device (18 kg), wide range of applications. The downside is poor performance.

Advantages

• ease;
• affordable price;
• good equipment;
• wide range of applications.

disadvantages

• poor performance.

Fubag PLASMA 65 T

Rating: 4.6

If in work there is metal up to 35 mm thick, then you can opt for the Fubag PLASMA 65 T plasma cutter. The German design gives a maximum cutting current of 65 A. Moreover, the model demonstrates the longest turn-on time (90% when operating at maximum current). Air is supplied through the electric arc at a pressure of up to 6 bar. The flow rate is 160 l / min. Experts classify the device as a semi-professional category, but it consumes three-phase current. The manufacturer guarantees trouble-free cutting of metal in the temperature range -10 … + 40 ° C. High-frequency arc ignition and semi-automatic control should be added to the asset.

Users have no particular complaints about the build quality and device performance. They consider the minus the large overall dimensions.

Advantages

• good performance;
• high-quality assembly;
• ease of use;
• reliability.

disadvantages

• large overall dimensions.

Svarog REAL CUT 70 (L204)

Rating: 4.5

Plasma cutter Svarog REAL CUT 70 is distinguished by simplicity in work and unpretentiousness. The inverter-type device is capable of cutting metal up to 20 mm thick. The value of the cutting current is adjustable in the range of 20 … 60 A. The apparatus received praise from experts for its versatility, it cuts all popular types of metal (stainless steel, galvanized, aluminum, copper, brass). Plasma cutter is excellent for industrial activities, it is connected to the power supply network (380 V). The air supply to the arc zone will have to be provided with an external compressor (up to 5 bar). The model closes the TOP-6 of our review.

Russian users consider the plasma cutter to be an excellent device for working with thin metals (2-10 mm). The downside of the model is the jamming of the power button.

Advantages

• ease of use;
• unpretentiousness;
• cuts various metals;
• light weight (17 kg).

disadvantages

• the power button is stuck;
• overestimated metal cutting thickness.

Fubag PLASMA 40

Rating: 4.5

A wide range of electrodes can be used during cutting with the Fubag PLASMA 40. The model is designed to operate from a 220 V power supply, but even if an error occurs in the mode, a high-quality arc is formed. However, experts do not recommend using it at home. The power of the device is 5.2 kW, therefore, when operating at maximum current (40 A), the wiring may not withstand. The duration of the plasma cutter switching on at the maximum current is 60%. The model is able to cope with thin metal (up to 15 mm), but it can claim to be the most convenient mobile device. The plasma cutter weighs a little (11.7 kg) and has compact dimensions.

The German-Chinese apparatus can often be seen in the hands of welders of housing and communal services or at construction sites. The disadvantage is the high power consumption.

Advantages

• mobility;
• good performance;
• affordable price;
• ease of use.

disadvantages

• high power consumption.

RESANTA IPR-40

Rating: 4.4

Russian users like the welding machines of the Latvian company RESANTA. There is also a high-quality IPR-40 plasma cutter in the manufacturer's catalog. It is intended for use in a 220 V network, and you can use the device at home or in the garage. The device is capable of operating in the cutting current range of 20-40 A, the maximum metal thickness that the plasma cutter can handle is limited to 12 mm. True, when working at full load, you should take long pauses for rest (on-time 35%). Experts liked the convenient adjustment, compact size, built-in pressure gauge. The quality of the cut also deserves praise.

Most of all, users like the affordability, ease of management, and unpretentiousness. Problems arise only with the search for consumables.

Advantages

• low price;
• high-quality assembly;
• high-frequency ignition;
• smooth cut.

disadvantages

• no consumables for sale.

Aurora AIRHOLD 42

Rating: 4.3

The most affordable plasma cutter in our review is the Aurora AIRHOLD 42. The Chinese device easily cuts stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, aluminum and various alloys. The cutting current range can range from 20-40 A, with a maximum thickness of up to 12 mm. The duty cycle at the maximum current is 60%. Saved the manufacturer on manual control and ignition of the arc with a touch. The device is powered by a household power supply. The plasma cutter asset should include compact dimensions and low weight (9 kg).

Domestic consumers liked the price-quality ratio, compactness and lightness, good technical parameters. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted contact ignition, the lack of consumables on sale.

Advantages

• low price;
• universality of application;
• works at maximum current for a long time;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• contact ignition;
• no consumables for sale.

RESANTA IPR-40K

Rating: 4.2

In many respects, the Latvian plasma cutter RESANTA IPR-40K resembles its more expensive counterpart. The manufacturer decided to simplify the device somewhat by equipping it with manual ignition of the cutting arc. The device operates in the range of output current from 15 to 40 A, the duty cycle has the following duty cycle: 35% (40 A), 60% (30 A), 100% (20 A). As for the cutting ability, the thickness of ordinary steel is limited to 12 mm, stainless steel – 7 mm, aluminum – 6 mm. The plasma cutter works from a 220 V network, but when turned on at maximum current, it is necessary to monitor the temperature, otherwise the automation will turn off the power. The model closes the top ten of the best plasma cutters.

Domestic users have no special complaints about quality, difficulties arise only when buying consumables.

Advantages

• low price;
• solid assembly;
• convenient adjustments;
• compactness.

disadvantages

• contact ignition;
• no consumables in stores.

FoxWeld Plasma 43

Rating: 4.1

The Italian plasma cutter FoxWeld Plasma 43 stands out due to its high efficiency (85%) compared to its competitors. The manufacturer managed to solve two popular problems inherent in most devices of this type. First of all, experts point out low consumption of energy carriers and consumables. Secondly, the developers managed to increase the service life of the plasma torch. Achieve durability and economy was possible due to the electronic control system and automatic blowdown. At the maximum cutting current (40 A), the duty cycle is limited to 60%.

Russian users liked the compact size, lightness (8.5 kg), affordable price, automation, display. Of the minuses, there is a failure during the warranty period.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• good performance;
• electronic control;
• automatic blowdown.

disadvantages

• manual ignition;
• breakdowns occur during the warranty period.

Cedar CUT-40

Rating: 4.0

Our review is closed by another budget plasma cutter Cedr CUT-40. The Russian design is intended for domestic use, if the wiring is capable of withstanding a load within 4 kW. At the maximum cutting current, the device can handle carbon steel up to 12 mm thick. The on-time is limited to 60%. The model has manual control, the arc is ignited by touch. The device should be supplied with air at a pressure of 5 bar. A plasma torch and a grounding cable are included with the plasma cutter. Experts praised the 85% efficiency of the Russian device.

Domestic consumers are satisfied with the cutting ability of the device. Of the problems, the complexity of the selection of the plug and the lack of a quick-release connector for the compressor are noted.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• high-quality assembly;
• high efficiency;
• good performance.

disadvantages

• no quick connector for compressor;
• high consumption of nozzles.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.