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5 Best Cheap Plasma Cutter Reviews

cheap plasma cutter

Not everyone needs a heavy-duty high-end plasma cutter. If you’re a DIY enthusiast and will only use it occasionally, a cheap plasma cutter unit will work perfectly.  

There are plenty of cost effective options that will do the job, for example the Lotos Plasma Cutter range we reviewed is more than satisfactory for any home DIY enthusiast.

Many manufacturers have introduced a number of great quality, reliable and affordable cheap plasma cutters to the market in recent years.

To make it easier, we've shortlisted them for you - here are our recommended best plasma cutters under $500.

Best Cheap Plasma Cutter Comparisons

Picture

Amps

Ideal Cutting Thickness

Dimension

(H*W*D)
inches

Weight (pounds)

Price

lotos ltp5000d plasma cutter

Lotos LTP5000D

10-50 A

1/2"

(12.7 mm)

15 x 6 x 12

26.7

zeny cut50 plasma cutter

ZENY Plasma Cutter

20-50 A

1/2"(approx.) 12.7 mm

18.5 x 13.5 x 11

24.45

forney easy weld 20 p

Forney Easy Weld 20 P

20 A

1/4"

15.13 x 8.13 x 12

21

PrimeWeld Ct520d

Primeweld CT520D

50 A

1/2"

(12.7 mm)

15 x 6 x 12

32

Goplus CUT 50 plasma cutter

Goplus CUT-50

20-50 A

12 mm

Not Specified

Not

Specified

Best Plasma Cutters Under $500

Based on our reviews, we've compiled a list of the best inexpensive plasma cutters, taking into consideration their functionality, performance, sustainability, and maintenance.

1. Lotos LTP5000D

Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter


Lotos LTP5000D

With Pilot Arc


Cuts up to 3/4 inch

110v or 220v Auto Dual Voltage

The Lotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter blasts its way onto our list with ample cutting performance in a compact package. The pilot arc feature is really handy for cutting on rough surfaces or dirty metal.

The pilot arc will also help extend the life of your consumables and makes cutting more enjoyable.

At under $500 this unit offers the best bang for your buck.

Core Features

  • Non-touch Pilot Arc - Increases consumable life, reduces the cutting time and enhances the cutting quality.
  • High-Frequency Inverter Technology - Smooth cut on a wide range of surfaces.
  • Auto Dual Voltage - 110V at 50Hz or 220V at 60 Hz frequency.

Specifications

  • Duty Cycle: 60% @ 50A
  • Input Voltage: 110 / 220V 60Hz
  • Input Phase: 1 phase
  • Lead and earth clamp: 15’
  • Cord length: 6’ (1.8m)
  • Lead and earth clamp: 15’
  • Max cut: 3/4”
  • Amperage: 10 - 50 A
  • Weight: 26 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year

FAQ

Q. Do I need an air compressor with this unit?

Yes, you will need an air compressor and 220v 30A outlet. You DO NOT need any bottled gas.

Q. Does this plasma cutter come with a warranty?

Yes, a 1 year manufacturers warranty is provided. You will need to submit a product registration via the lotos website.

Lotos LTP5000D

Pros
  • Cuts on different surfaces
  • Quick and easy set-up
  • Cheap consumables
  • 1 year manufacturer warranty
Cons
  • Ground clamp maybe a little short

2. Zeny Cut 50 DC Inverter Plasma Cutter

zeny plasma cutter review


Zeny Cut 50

With Inverter Technology


Cuts up to 1/2 inch Mild Steel

110v or 220v 

The Zeny plasma cutter is a great option if you’re a DIY hobbyist and on a budget. If your task requires cutting different sized metal sheets, you’ll find it quite reliable. It cuts well, it's easy to use, well made and overall good value for money.

In addition, the machine is fairly easy to set up, so even a new user can get started quickly. 

It's hard to find another product that works as well in this price range. 

Some of the parts are cheaply made. This is most obvious in the ground clamp, torch and torch lead. There is a clear difference if you compare it with the more expensive American brands.

The quality can be excused for the price you are paying for this system. It's not designed for industrial use and so you won't be paying for the extra bells and whistles. What you get is a cutting system that simply does the job.

Core Features

  • Dual Voltage - allows the user to operate the machine at 110V or 220V.
  • Lightweight - easily portable from one job site to another.
  • Digital Readout - easy to view and read what you’ve manually dialed.

Specifications

  • Duty Cycle: 60% @ 50A
  • Input Voltage: 110 / 220V 60Hz
  • Input Phase: 1 phase
  • Lead and earth clamp: 15’
  • Cord length: 6’ (1.8m)
  • Max cut: 1/2”
  • Arc striking model: touch
  • Load loss: 40W
  • Air pressure: 0.4 Pa
  • Amperage: 20 - 50 A
  • Weight: 24.4 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year

FAQ

Q. What battery wire is used on the earth clamp and how long is it?

A. You’ll need a 2 gauge wire. The battery cable is about 8 feet long.

Q. What does 2.5s and 5s on the front switch mean?

A. 2.5s and 5s setting on the switch is the post flow setting. It indicates how long air flows after you release the button.

Zeny Cut 50 Plasma Cutter

Pros
  • Fast and clean cut
  • Quick and easy set-up
  • Easy to buy consumables
  • Very portable
Cons
  • Small buttons
  • Short power cable and ground wire

3. Forney Easy Weld 20 P

forney easy weld 20 p


Forney Easy Weld


Cuts up to 1/4 inch

120v

The Forney Easy Weld is a little machine with good performance for a 120volt unit. The plasma cutter is lighter than most and a great cutter for use around the house. It's fast and works well with metal up to ¼ inch thickness. The Forney has their “Drag Torch Technology” which allows you to place the cutting tip directly to the metal as you are cutting and so it may help with cleaner cuts.

It is a great little unit for light work. But at just 20amps you may need something with more power if you plan on cutting thicker materials.

Core Features

  • Drag Torch Technology  
  • Simple to use – Only one dial
  • Built in Regulator and Air Dryer

Specifications

  • Duty Cycle: 20A
  • Input Voltage: 120v
  • Input Phase: 1 phase
  • Lead and earth clamp: 13’ torch, 8’ ground clamp
  • Dimension - 15x8x12 inches
  • Max cut: 1/4”
  • Amperage: 20 A
  • Air pressure: 1.5 CFM
  • Weight: 21 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year

FAQ

Q. Does it have a pilot arc feature?

A. The torch feature means there is no need for the pilot arch. Keep the torch in contact with the material you are cutting.

Q. Do I need to buy consumables?

A. Yes. As the unit doesn’t come with consumables, you’ll have to purchase them.

Forney Easy Weld 20 P Plasma Cutter

Pros
  • Simple and easy assembly
  • Very sturdy and solid
  • Portable
Cons
  • The ground cable is too short
  • 20amps will limit you to thin metals only

4. PrimeWeld Ct520d 50 A

PrimeWeld Ct520d 50 A


PrimeWeld CT520D

With Welding Capability


Cuts up to 1/2 inch

3 in 1 multi process

The PrimeWeld Ct520D has all the basic features needed for a hobbyist.

It's a 3-in-1 plasma cutter, Stick and TIG welder. The plasma cutter delivers 50 amps current which is ideal to cut up to ½” thickness.

On the other hand, the Stick/ TIG welder can deliver 200amp welding current. The CT520D is an efficient tool to cut and weld a wide range of things.

This combo unit weighs only 32 pounds which makes it easy to carry on any worksite.

In summary, this is a perfect tool for the majority of your cutting and welding tasks.

Core Features

  • Multi-purpose 3 in 1 unit - combines plasma cutting, arc welding, and TIG/stick functions.
  • Easy and quick operation - able to switch between DC STICK and DC TIG Welder easily and quickly.
  • Easy to carry - at 32 lbs this is a portable cutting and welding system.

Specifications

  • Duty Cycle: 60% @ 50A
  • Input Voltage: 50Hz and 60Hz
  • TIG Torch: 200A
  • Stick welder: 200A
  • Max cut: 1/2”
  • Cord length: 10’
  • Plasma cutter: 50 A
  • Weight: 32 lbs
  • Warranty: 3 year

FAQ

Q. Do I need to buy a separate air compressor?

A. Yes. As the PrimeWeld Ct520d doesn’t come with an air compressor, you'll have to buy it separately.

Q. Can I use a foot pedal with the CT520D?

A. Yes. You can use a foot pedal with this unit

PrimeWeld CT520D

Pros
  • Easy to operate
  • 3 in 1 combo - TIG, Stick and cutter
  • 200 A welding inverter
  • 3 year warranty
Cons
  • Doesn't come with pilot arc in cut mode

5. Goplus CUT 50 Plasma Cutter

goplus cut 50 plasma cutter


Goplus Cut 50

With Dual Voltage


Cuts up to 1/2 inch

110v or 220v 

The Goplus CUT-50 is a perfect unit for professionals who want all the basic features at an affordable price. This electric digital plasma cutter is great for cutting stainless steel, alloy steel, copper and other metals.

This unit has advanced inverter technology, making its performance reliable and stable. The 50 amp plasma cutter delivers a high cutting speed and at the same time doesn't use much energy.

The Goplus plasma cutter can be used outside in temperatures of between 14 degrees and +104 degrees, with a maximum humidity of 80%. Overall, it's a fantastic tool that gets the job done.

The system can cut up to 1/2 inch metal well. You will just need to drag the torch slowly.

You can't beat the price on this cutting system for the casual user.

Core Features

  • Dual voltage  works well at 110V or 220V.
  • High frequency start perfect for longer tip life.
  • Delay functions - gas delay for before and after trigger release

Specifications

  • Duty Cycle: 60% @ 50A
  • Input Voltage: 110 / 220V 60Hz
  • Input Phase: 1 phase
  • Pilot Arc: HF oscillating
  • Cord length: 6’ (1.8m)
  • Max cut: 1/2”
  • Air compressor pressure: 4 - 5kg / 8.8 - 11 lbs
  • Rate output voltage: 96 V
  • Amperage: 20 - 50 A
  • Weight: 26 lbs
  • Warranty: 1 year

FAQ

Q. Does the unit feature a pilot arc?

A. No. It features a HF (High frequency) starter. This allows the user to strike an arc to ignite the torch head.

Q. Does the unit come with 220 power plug/ cord?

A. It comes with a cord, but you have to purchase the plug.

Goplus Cut 50 Plasma Cutter

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Energy efficient
  • Lightweight
  • Clean cuts well up to 1/2 inch
Cons
  • Supplied air hose and clamps are short
  • Power cable is also a little short


Why Should You Buy An Inexpensive Plasma Cutter?

The type of plasma cutter you need will depend on what you will be using it for. We find the more expensive plasma cutters have premium features which are more tailored to commercial use. If you don't require cutting at a large scale commercial level, a less expensive model without all the additional premium features is more than sufficient for home use, occasional use or for small business use. Furthermore, these are great choices if you are a beginner or don't have much experience with plasma cutters as we've chosen ones which are easy to use.

If you’re a hobbyist or need to do minor repairs around your house, an inexpensive plasma cutter would most likely work very well for your needs.

Our reviews have found the following are the best low cost plasma cutters that do the job for casual users and hobbyists: Lotos LTP5000D, Lotos LT5000D, Zeny Cut50, SUNGOLDPOWER 50A, PrimeWeld CT520D, or Goplus CUT-50.

How Reliable Are Cheap Plasma Cutters?

If you don't require the additional fancy features of the more expensive models, cheap plasma cutters get the job done and are perfectly reliable for your needs. Many people keep low cost plasma cutters for years and they continue to perform with no issues.

A word of caution

Don't expect to cut the maximum thickness advertised. If you need to cut at the plasma cutter's stated maximum thickness, it's recommended you select a model which can easily do the job.

It is always advised that once you purchase a unit, you use it a few times to make sure there are no faults whilst it is still under warranty. If your machine doesn't fail within the initial 15-20 times of use, the chances are that it shouldn’t have problems in the near future. If it does have problems you can have it replaced under warranty.

Conclusion

If you are after a reliable unit with great features at a reasonable price, the units mentioned above are the ones we recommend and are our preferred top five cheap plasma cutters. 

Remember!

Cheap doesn’t always mean poor quality.

Admittedly, you won’t get a lot of advanced features from these inexpensive units. But for home DIY jobs and light duty small business projects, these less expensive plasma cutters will work well and won't break the budget.

Ronald Wilson
 

I’m Ronald, Specialist engaged in the manufacture of fabricated metal products. I’ve been involved in the fabrication industry since 1998. To continue my love in welding and to share my experience I've formed a research team and have created this website for our valuable customers.

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