Looking for a cheap plasma cutter...suggestions?

[IQRaceworks]

A plasma cutter is something I’ve always wanted, but really never needed. Most of my metal fab work cutting is better accomplished by a bandsaw, cutoff saw, or metal shears.

My wife recently asked me about buying some of those cool looking metal sculptures to put around the outdoor patio. So I thought…why buy them when I can make them?

So….assuming I’m only going to be cutting thin stuff (under 14ga steel)…what’s a good little cheap hand plasma cutter to pick up? I don’t want to spend $3K+ on a Hypertherm or Miller…I just want something that will rough out some shapes for me. After this small project, I probably will not use it for a year or more. I don’t mind spending good money on quality equipment that I need, but for this thing…I just want to go cheap.

I’ve seen that there are some cheap 50A ones on Amazon for under $500, I think Eastwood sells some under $500, and I even saw a little bitty one on Walmarts website for $180! Any suggestions when it comes to an inexpensive handheld plasma cutter?

 

[mike93lx]

The cheap cut50 models seems to treat people decently. They have all kinds of branding based on who imported the last container load, so don't expect support after the purchase.

If you care about support, warranties, repairs, etc, but from a name brand

 

[American Locomotive]

I mean a Hypertherm PowerMax XP is only $1,500 - not $3,000, and will do everything you want.

But honestly, if you have no real need or use for a plasma cutter, you can just design your shapes and have them cut out by a local shop with a CNC plasma for a lot less money.

 

[liliysdad]

I have one of the cheap Chinese Cut 50s that I paid less than $250 for, and it does everything I need to do. I have only cut up to 1/2 with it, but it handled it with zero issue. Consumables are ridiculously cheap, and easily available.

I've no doubt that better units do better things....but this one works fantastically for me.

 

[MoonRise]

Buy once, cry once.

Plasma = Hypertherm

Good USA company, good performance of the machines, and the consumables last a LOT longer compared to a lot of other brands (as long as you take 'care' of them, use clean DRY air mostly).

And a Hypertherm PowerMax 30XP is $1585, with a consumables package. Can run on 120 or 240V, rated for cutting 3/8" steel, and can sever 5/8" steel.

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....with-15-foot-torch-and-consumables-pkg-088079

Next step up in their line up is the PowerMax 45XP, rated to cut 5/8" steel and can sever 1-1/8" steel. Around $2200, give or take, with a 20 ft torch and work lead and cover and consumables kit. Needs 240V, can't run on 120V.

https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....sma-cutter-with-20-foot-hand-torch-pkg-088012

Or try that $200 (disposable?) one and honestly let us know how it works. No snark, I'd really like to know how that works out if you buy one.

 

[IQRaceworks]

For the price ($200-300)....I kind of want to try out one of those little cheap ones....just because.

If it will cut a few pieces of 16ga for this project I'm working on, that's all I need it to do. Why not save $1,500++ if I can? If I actually needed a good plasma for a lot of projects, and I could justify a nice one.. I would get one, but for what I need to do....a little cheapy one might be the ticket.

 

[American Locomotive]

I will add, that for things like welders and plasma cutters - I think buying brand name is the way to go.

A buddy had a CUT50 (well, the tig/stick/plasma multi process version of it), the high frequency board puked, and it was basically impossible to find the correct board or get parts for it. Basically a giant paperweight. Then you had the other guy on here recently who's very new HF "Vulcan" welder blew a board up, and Harbor Freight has no parts for it - even though the thing is less than 2 years old.

Companies like Hypertherm and Lincoln are still making parts for machines that are pushing 25+ years old.

Lots of people have had very good luck with the cheap plasma cutters, lots of people have had very bad luck. It sounds like you're pretty set on buying it regardless of what we have to say - so just go ahead and do it!

 

[IQRaceworks]

I could buy 10 of those little cheap cut50's for the price of a Hypertherm....just saying.

I only need to cut a few parts out of 16ga....kind of silly to spend a fortune on a nice plasma only to use it for that.

I have some nice Miller welding equipment....so I don't mind spending money on nice stuff, but for this....it doesn't make money sense.

And from what guys are saying...they work ok, and that was my main question.

 

[RacerX]

I have an older cut-50 that works fine and picked up a newer Hobart from Craigslist for $100 that works well and supplies its own air.

I find myself using the Hobart more because its self contained.

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[gnpenning]

Several years ago we had a mass buy on a cut50. I bought one plus extra consumables and did the pre use checks. I use it about once a month for just a few minutes at a time with the occasionally longer cut time. I love it. Works great and was cheap enough I have no problem when it sits. If I needed one more often I would buy a name brand. For now I'm happy. Only used a couple consumables mostly from me learning how to use it. My torch is just for heating things up now and occasionally brazing.

I would NOT buy a all in one unit.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I'll start by saying as a Canuck, I have little love for mainland China. But at 1/3 the price ?. Locally here, when it comes to boards, they all go to the same repair shop.

 

[tonyciambrone]

I have a Primeweld 60A from amazon that I like just fine so far
Their reviews seem to be positive as far as customer service goes.

I would recommend, but keep in mind I have only owned it 3 months or so

 

[TNToy]

I bought a CUT50 variant and it (literally) blew up the fourth time I turned it on. Click... BOOM! I happened to have earplugs in because I’d been grinding, and my wife came running from across the house with a “what the hell was that?!”

The eBay merchant took it back smoothly, and I went digging

I bought a primeweld CUT50DP and couldn’t be happier. Despite the similar name, you get a great warranty, much better torch and high quality machine, and the whole thing feels like it’ll hold up. The original Amico CUT50 felt like one of those cheap harbor freight tools you have to baby in order for it to not fall apart. This feels like a hobart or lincoln level product.

(The big knock against a CUT50 budget machine is the lack of pilot arc, which means it has to be scratch started like a stick welder. No cutting rusted or painted steel, which you will actually want to do more often than you’d think.)

The PrimeWeld got misdelivered by UPS in shipping and their service rep was on the ball, calling and texting me with updates. “I have a second machine here with an overnight label printed, if UPS hasn’t found it by 1pm it’ll be out the door on it’s way.”

THAT is customer service.

Here’s the 50A primeweld getting sloppily freehanded through a section of 3/8” steel:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC4ZmT8JAKz/?igshid=18d7d2hh0bq4c

I built the entire 5x10ft trailer you see under construction in that video with this plasma cutter, along with several other sizeable projects... and it’s been flawless so far.

 

[liliysdad]

A $1500 Hypertherm is absolutely a better unit...in every way, especially in warranty and parts.

The reality is, however, I can buy 6 of my machines before the Hypertherm support becomes a legitimate value. For my uses, the cheap Cut50 machine is perfect, until I can run across a cheap mainstream machine for crazy cheap.

 

[Jswain]

I have a herocut 50 that I paid $200 canadian for off Amazon and have had for around 2 years. I changed the torch from the pt31 style to the ag60 that riverweld sells, changed the power connector for the torch to a screw style aviation plug(which most of the newer models now use) instead of the push in, added a leather cover for the torch, and changed out the power cord for a slightly longer one to reach anywhere in my garage. All in all with consumables less than $250 invested and surpasses my needs for a plasma cutter as I use it primarily for sheet metal - 1/4". Have used it for 3/8 and had absolutely no problems as well.
The torch upgrade pays itself off as while the consumables for the pt31 are probably half or 1/4 the price but the ones for the ag60 last (at least for me) probably 10 times as long especially cutting thicker or dirty metal.

$250 and probably an hour or two of my time invested to get a plasma cutter that will cut 1/2" plate, its probably half paid itself off in cutting wheels/grinding discs already. Not to mention the time saved breaking down sheet metal

 

[Sportsman762]

I bought my father a JEGS Cut 40 model. It is able to use 110V or 220V. It has the standard PT31 style torch. It will cut sheet metal on 110V, however I would advise using 220V. For the price I paid (about $200) on Black Friday it has been well worth it. He frequently uses it to cut 1/4". I would recommend the JEGS as an excellent low use or "lets try it out" unit. I do not have experience with other units, so I cannot say if the JEGS is better, worse, or equal.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/81545/10002/-1


We put it on the cart that holds the MIG welder so it would not take up any more room in the garage.

 

[Aquamoose]

Wow, that brought back memories about the mass buy of 230 plasma cutters! I recognized some of you who were part of the group buy here and I’m glad to know it all worked out for you. I still have replacement boards that was given to me by the mfg which has never been used.

To the OP, if you’d like, I still have one spare cutter that I bought as a backup that never got used. Let me know!


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[gnpenning]

Thank you Aquamoose for putting that together. I'm sure it wasn't much fun. Forgot all about the extra boards you got in case someone had a problem. That was good of you looking forward to possibility of someone having a issue. If you remember there was some grumbling about new members getting in on the buy. I was one of those and still here.

OP you should check on the extra unit.

 

[IQRaceworks]

Well, I decided to roll the dice on a cheap on.

I ended up ordering this Cut40 off of JEGS. It's got a 1 year warranty, and JEGS can awesome customer service. Amazon has torches, and consumables for it for really cheap.

For $260...it's worth the gamble. And the youtube reviews of it all seems really good.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/81545/10002/-1

 

[IQRaceworks]

I bought my father a JEGS Cut 40 model. It is able to use 110V or 220V. It has the standard PT31 style torch. It will cut sheet metal on 110V, however I would advise using 220V. For the price I paid (about $200) on Black Friday it has been well worth it. He frequently uses it to cut 1/4". I would recommend the JEGS as an excellent low use or "lets try it out" unit. I do not have experience with other units, so I cannot say if the JEGS is better, worse, or equal.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/81545/10002/-1


We put it on the cart that holds the MIG welder so it would not take up any more room in the garage.

Just ordered the same one!

 

[Skin]

Buy once, cry once.

Plasma = Hypertherm

OP: "I'd like a cheap tool to use a handful of times."

GJ Response: "I see you want to start a fabrication shop."

 

[Mr_B]

take the cut50 offered in the thread, known to work, have some spares and pretty much ideal for your scenario .
sure, better machine be nice but if playing with it rather than real work it can be hard front the money unless got no family or other life finance .

 

[GTO]

I love this place,the guy asks for a cheap Plasma Cutter...and you have people telling him to buy a Hypertherm....

 

[American Locomotive]

I love this place,the guy asks for a cheap Plasma Cutter...and you have people telling him to buy a Hypertherm....

Because a lot of people have had bad experiences with those cheap plasma cutters.

But in general, if you just need a few things cut it's just way cheaper to borrow one or have a shop cut them out for you, then to spend $300+ on a tool you are going to use once, that has a high likelihood of blowing up in a very short amount of time.

 

[Mr_B]

I've got a cheaper no brand one at the farm that gets used like 3 or 4 times a year and it been fine and in it's 5th year .
Is a bit of gamble but if he went with cut50 offered in this thread at least knowledge base on the machine and currently spare boards if it did go pop .

Generally if use bit of due dilligence and don't buy complete bottom of the pile junk you do alright .
Spending 3 times as much to sit it in a corner and collect dust ain't always wise .
If the cheaper option pays for itself pretty much first main task then no real loss if no big want of the tool after the main task .
I've taken on plenty jobs where built in price of a required tool for pretty much once in blue moon use and keeping choice sensible cost to required quality always worked out fine and those tools still work/get used or got sold after task completed .
Biggest loss tends be more known brand mid-range **** that basically overpriced rebadged bottom of the pile junk that you were trying avoid .

 

[IQRaceworks]

Well....my 40a Plasma Cutter from JEG's should be showing up today. Can't wait to test it out and see how it cuts. For $270......as long as I can rough out some shapes in 16-14ga steel, I will be more than happy.

And, it looks like Amazon carries all kinds of consumables for it....so that's good.

 

[Mr_B]

^
should do the job and got warranty if goes pop in first year .
Build quality varies so much on these in terms of actual board design and component quality and even same brand/supply chain can vary pending on there suppliers and factories goals at that manufacture point .
Most people I see with issues simply expecting miracles or using them on rather long extension cables and potential high voltage drop and that can stress the igbt boards .
seen a few igbt migs dead and everyone was on silly length extensions.
I have a 300buck powermat inverter mig mma tig I use for odd jobs at the barn shop and the thing brilliant for light to medium mig and mma low duty jobs, welds as good as 1,000 buck machine .
My 60A plasma not as good as a 1,000buck plasma but it does well and has exceeded expectation and it's price .
Some are really junk and worse assembly than a kids easter egg toy, some can be pretty sensible build but you just get unlucky due to low QC quality of components used .
Having some level of usable warranty for first year is good biit insurance to give you time conclude it not a complete lemon and money loss .
The real value is basically a longevity gamble and making honest accurate decision for your real world usage .

 

[IQRaceworks]

Well, I got my little JEG's 40a Cut-40 plasma cutter in yesterday. I cut up a bunch of 14ga and 16ga steel that I had laying around. It worked great!! I haven't tried it on anything thicker yet, but everything I need to cut is pretty thing.

Cut quality is great, I just need to get a little smoother with it. I though that not having a pilot arc would be a pain, but it fires up on the material really easy as soon as you touch it to the material.

This has got to be the best $270 I've ever spend on a shop tool. Sure, it's not $2,000 Hypertherm, but for what I need to do, it's great!!!

 

[Brand X]

The key to the cheaper made china Plasma cutters are watching the duty-cycle, and arc length. Push them, and they will blow.. The newer cheaper IGBT models might be a bit better.. There is certainly a place for the cheaper stuff.. I have always liked the real PT-31XL torch, and consumables.. Although mostly with Esab machines, and real factory/quality consumables. There is no smaller torch setup to this day.. The Hi-freq start with the esab stuff would always work pretty well even with expanded metal Surprised me there.

 

[Jswain]

Well, I got my little JEG's 40a Cut-40 plasma cutter in yesterday. I cut up a bunch of 14ga and 16ga steel that I had laying around. It worked great!! I haven't tried it on anything thicker yet, but everything I need to cut is pretty thing.

Cut quality is great, I just need to get a little smoother with it. I though that not having a pilot arc would be a pain, but it fires up on the material really easy as soon as you touch it to the material.

This has got to be the best $270 I've ever spend on a shop tool. Sure, it's not $2,000 Hypertherm, but for what I need to do, it's great!!!

I feel the same with my cheap plasma, it would be hard to drop <$300 and get a better return for a tool that makes your life easier.

Keep some 1/8 or thicker flat bar around for a straight edge & a metal speed square and that will take care of 99% of your straight cuts.

 

[IQRaceworks]

***UPDATE***

Well, I've been cutting some more material with that little 40a JEG's plasma. Just for the heck of it, I maxed it out and tried cutting some 3/8" x 5" wide steel flat bar with it. It did it, but it sure didn't like it. It was slow going, and when I was done, it looked pretty crummy. It's 10 times faster to cut it with my portable bandsaw, and the cut is nice and clean vs. the plasma that looks horrible, and needs to have all of the slag ground off of it.

I also tried cutting some 1/4" wall square tubing with it....it actually did a pretty decent job....but I wouldn't make a habit of it unless it was the only option.

On 10ga and thinner, it really shines. It cuts great! I've probably put 45min of cut time on it, and it's really doing well. After cutting that thicker stuff, it's ready for a new set of consumables.

For $270, this thing rocks!

 

[liliysdad]

Is that a 110 machine? I have used my little 220v 40A machine to cut half inch stuff without much issue. Of course, the quality isn't great at that that thickness, but it cuts it as quickly as I can feed it.

 

[IQRaceworks]

Is that a 110 machine? I have used my little 220v 40A machine to cut half inch stuff without much issue. Of course, the quality isn't great at that that thickness, but it cuts it as quickly as I can feed it.

It can run on 110 or 220.....I run it on 220. I think I read somewhere that they only recommend cutting really thin stuff while running it on 110 or it will pull too many amps and trip a breaker.

I'm sure it would cut 1/2.... But it would be a slow, gnarly, nasty looking cut.

 

[liliysdad]

That's very interesting.

I just cut some 1/2 plate used as bumper brackets on my old ford, and it cut them like butter. The cuts weren't beautiful, but they weren't slow.

 

[IQRaceworks]

That's very interesting.

I just cut some 1/2 plate used as bumper brackets on my old ford, and it cut them like butter. The cuts weren't beautiful, but they weren't slow.

With a 40a plasma? They only rate them to cut 3/8"....I can't imagine it cutting 1/2" very well. Are you sure you don't have a 50a or 60a machine?


Here's the project I've been working on.......forks for the back of the tractor!

https://i.imgur.com/8zbVBlW.jpg

 

[liliysdad]

I have this exact machine. The seller advertises is at 12mm clean cut, 16mm maximum cut...and so far, those numbers bear true.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4G9J3T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[IQRaceworks]

I have this exact machine. The seller advertises is at 12mm clean cut, 16mm maximum cut...and so far, those numbers bear true.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4G9J3T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ok....it's a 50a plasma, mine is a 40a. It sounds like those 10 extra amps make a big difference.

Also, mine really didn't come with any manual telling you what air pressure to run at different settings. I was run into 60psi when I tried to cut the 3/8....not if if that's enough or not.

 

[liliysdad]

Thats incredibly odd, I remembered it being a 40a unit when I ordered it. Even stranger, my order list from Amazon shows it to be a 40a, but the link directs to the 50a version.

I will have to look to see which one I actually have at home...



Edit; Just checked...I have the 40A like I thought. I was able to find the same machine listed elsewhere. It state clean cut 10mm, max cut at 12mm...I would say that's fairly accurate. it will cut half, and it will cut it fast, but it wont cut it pretty.

 

[IQRaceworks]

What kind of air pressure do you run? I haven't been able to find much info as far as recommended settings go....

 

[Jswain]

Were you maybe holding the torch up off the metal? 60psi should be fine and I think most of then are 75psi max but double check yours. I also found with the pt31 torches consumables do not last long at all at higher amps cutting thicker metal which is why I changed to the ag60 but make sure your consumables are in good shape. I'd agree it should cut 3/8 plate fairly quick.