Under $300.00 Plasma Cutters.

[Arc Angel]

Can anyone recommend a plasma cutter for under $300.00 for light hobby use only?
Would like the pilot arc start feature and reasonable priced non proprietary consumables.

 

[California]

Don't know but I would like one too! I'll be watching for replies here.

 

[CA_Bgrwldr]

Outside of finding a brand name used, being given away, I think your only option is to roll the dice on one of these with an extended protection plan, and keep returning them until you get one that works.
30000&crid=FE1KRKH3BNA0&qid=1676756655&rnid=1243644011&sprefix=plasma+cutter+pilot%2Caps%2C193&ref=sr_nr_p_36_5

 

[California]

Outside of finding a brand name used, being given away, I think your only option is to roll the dice on one of these with an extended protection plan, and keep returning them until you get one that works.
30000&crid=FE1KRKH3BNA0&qid=1676756655&rnid=1243644011&sprefix=plasma+cutter+pilot%2Caps%2C193&ref=sr_nr_p_36_5

Link won't go.

Got another link for that, or a name I could search on?

Thanks

 

[CA_Bgrwldr]

That link is from Amazon, must not have copied it all. I just used "pilot arc plasma cutter", then selected max price.

Though for a little more this one from Firepower fp-35i plasma cutter, might be a better option, it is listed on Cyberweld.com for $569 on sale

Firepower FP-35i Plasma Cutter 1445-1935

store.cyberweld.com

but also found it on Amazon for $439.

https://www.amazon.com/FIREPOWER-1445-1935-Portable-Stainless-Aluminum/dp/B07YZSGTY3/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2EQXWQTVPGJJ2&keywords=firepower+fp-35i+plasma+cutter&qid=1676846254&sprefix=firepower+plasma%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-3

According to Cyberweld, it looks like the Firepower brand is backed by ESAB's customer service and 100% satisfaction guarantee.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The Best Plasma Cutters of 2023

The Best Plasma Cutters

reviewed.usatoday.com

I wouldn't look at anything less than 40 amp and 50 amp would be supreme. I have an Everlast that I have had for a few years and it works fine but it is much more than $300. Just search the link above to get the top rated ones. There is a couple for around $200 or less that might be great buys.

 

[Yomax4]

One thing about plasma cutters. I agree that 40+ amps is the way to go but it's also about Kilowatts. Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics use higher kilowatt output so they can do more with less. Many of the cheap plasma cutters are a little weak in the kilowatt department and you'll notice that they don't seem as powerful as their 40-50 label suggests.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Yomax is right on as usual. Almost all of the cheap inverter welders and plasma cutters that are reviewed and tested are actually lower in power output than they are rated. Lots of the cheap welders that claim 200 amps actually are less than 150. Plasma rigs are the same.
No doubt Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics are the leaders in plasma cutters but they are outside the budget for most home hobbist.

I did watch a showdown of cheap rigs put on by "Project Farm" which was interesting and great info for a buyer. He is a great source of info before buying just about anything and will compare just about anything viewers suggest.

 

[California]

Yomax is right on as usual. Almost all of the cheap inverter welders and plasma cutters that are reviewed and tested are actually lower in power output than they are rated. Lots of the cheap welders that claim 200 amps actually are less than 150. Plasma rigs are the same.
No doubt Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics are the leaders in plasma cutters but they are outside the budget for most home hobbist.

I did watch a showdown of cheap rigs put on by "Project Farm" which was interesting and great info for a buyer. He is a great source of info before buying just about anything and will compare just about anything viewers suggest.

I don't remember if it was plasma cutters or welders that Project Farm was reviewing - I think it was under $150 stick welders - but he gave a rare Reject! evaluation to two of them that didn't claim overload protection and in fact caught fire and died at well below their rated output. That would be a rude surprise for an unsuspecting new owner!

That guy is great! I think viewing his evaluation, if available, is essential before buying anything.