Either you are a welder or an automation mechanic; you will need a plasma cutter for cutting alloys and heavy metals. The Best Plasma Cutters Under $2000 should be high quality, user-friendly, and portable.
Getting the best plasma cutter will be worth your investment as it can help you in your professional life. But, there are too many plasma cutters that are available on the market. So before buying one, you should know what things that make a Plasma Cutter worth buying are.
So, What is a Plasma Cutter?
It converts the power supply into the fourth matter state (plasma), which can be used to cut efficiently. The energy that is generated is powerful enough to cut on a 6-inch gauge stainless metal easily.
All the plasma cutter works with the same principle but may have different and various components and structures but they all share three main parts:
- Power Supply
- Arc Stating Console
- Plasma torch
Briefly, it is a cutting technique that allows you to cut conductive metals with precision. They come in many shapes and sizes and at different costs. But there are some features that you need to know before buying one.
TOP PICKS
★★★★★
Hypertherm
- Weight: 22 Pounds.
- Dimension: 14 x 5.5 x 11.5 inches.
- Input Voltage: 120/240 V
★★★★★
Hypertherm
- Weight: 30 Pounds.
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 7.7 x 13.1 inches
- Input Voltage: 120/240 v
★★★★★
Hobart
- Weight: 21 Pounds.
- Dimensions: 13.25 x 9 x 5.5 inches.
- Input current: 120/240v
Contents
Best Plasma Cutters Under $2000 in 2023
IMAGE |
PRODUCT |
DETAILS |
PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
|
Hypertherm Powermax30 XP |
|
|
High-end Plasma Cutter
|
Hypertherm Powermax30 Air |
|
|
Compact Plasma Cutter
|
Hobart Airforce 40i |
|
|
Small Scale Plasma Cutter
|
Forcecut 62i |
|
|
Dual Voltage
|
Victor Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52 |
|
1. Hypertherm Powermax30 XP
BEST Overall
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 22 Pounds.
- Dimension: 14 x 5.5 x 11.5 inches.
- Input Voltage: 120/240 V
- Output current: 15-30A
- Duty cycle: 35% @ 240v, 20% @120V
- Clean cut thickness: 12mm
- Severance thickness: 16mm
- Engine drive required: 5.5KW for 30A output
Providing easy welding life with full safety is the primary purpose of Hypertherm 088079 Plasma cutter. It has an adapter for both 120 and 240 Volts and comes with a hard carry case, eye shields, gloves, shoulder strap, standard consumables, and fine cut consumables.
Duramax LT torch design provides a sure and comfortable grip from the flame and material residuals while cutting metals. It also helps in precise and sure cutting. With easy use, one-knob interface, and superior cut quality make this machine one of the best plasma cutters under $2000.
For perfect cutting and protection, auto voltage safe Only technology uses compressed air. Furthermore, it is lightweight compared to other plasma cutters, so you can quickly move it around the site.
Features:
Cutting capacity
The plasma cutter is capable of cutting up to 16mm. You can easily cut ferrous and non-ferrous materials through this plasma cutter.
Safety Features
This machine comes with a hard carry case, eye shield, gloves, and much more to protect you from flame or material residuals. Moreover, safety gears keep you safe from hazards and make sure you work professionally.
Duramax LT torch
The high-end torch allows you to cut precisely with a sure and comfortable grip. The torch is made up of high impact strength, heat resistant material that provides a handy, easy grip and works with the torch.
One-knob Interface
The plasma cutter has the easiest interface, and any newbie can work with this cutter.
It is effortless to use due to only one knob interface and superior quality cutting for less edge preparation.
Portable
Weighing only 22 pounds makes the plasma cutter highly portable. You can easily carry the cutter along with you either in your workshop or for any site work. Space-saving and portable features make this plasma cutter high in demand for newbies and professionals.
- Package Includes
120 and 240 Volts adapter, a hard carry case, eye shields, gloves, shoulder strap, standard consumables, and fine cut consumables.
PROS:
- Easy to use.
- It comes with safety gear.
- Precise cutting.
- 120v or 240v both adapters.
- Portable and Durable.
- Also best for thin metal cutting.
CONS:
- It doesn’t have any cooling system like Hobart plasma cutters.
Anyone never encounters a problem with this machine, but I’ve cut out a lot of designs, and I’m using the sampling packs of consumables! The consumables last as long as you possess an excellent air compressor filter (I suggest the 175.00 one of these from Hypertherm). I would also advise obtaining the leather wrapping for our 17′ cable because replacing it would cost $500 and you might easily damage it.
Hypertherm 088079 Powermax 30XP Plasma Cutter is famous for its versatility and portability. It came with safety gear, including a carry case, an eyes shield, gloves, and many other items. Moreover, I don’t need any special arrangements for electricity as a dual voltage option is available. I highly recommend this plasma cutter as the safest cutter on the market.
Related:
2. Hypertherm Powermax30 Air
High-end Plasma Cutter
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Product Weight: 30 Pounds.
- Product Dimension: 16.5 x 7.7 x 13.1 inches
- Input Voltage: 120/240 v
- Output current: 15-30 A
- Duty cycle: 35% @ 240V, 20%@ 120V
- Clean cut thickness: 10mm
- Severance thickness: 16mm
- Battery Required: No.
- Main Feature: Air T30 Torch with internal Air Compressor.
A machine that can be operated anywhere for cutting with high precision is Hypertherm 088096 Plasma cutter. Despite its small size, the performance of this machine is of top-notch quality. It can be plugged into 120V or 240V by using an adapter for connection.
Air T30 Torch is designed to withstand the toughest conditions and work fine in them. Now you don’t have to cut a second time with smart and clean cutting technology. It has an internal compressor, unlike other plasma cutters that need an external air compressor to work.
This is very easy and straightforward to use; just plug it and attach the work clamp, and you are good to go. It is portable and only requires a single phase of power to run and cut like a beast. Due to its portability and performance, we have listed it among one of the best plasma cutters under $2000.
Features:
Air T30 Torch
It can withstand the toughest environment and provide efficient performance through these conditions.
Plug And Cut
It comes with an internal air compressor and with a 120 or 240 volts adapter. Now you can plug and use it anywhere as it requires only single-phase power.
Portable
Weighing only 35 pounds, making it highly portable, and you can use it anywhere without extra equipment.
Hypertherm Plasma Cutter
With new technology, cutting any metal, either be heavy or light, has become easy and clean.
Package Included
15 Feet Lead, Essential Consumable Kit, Input power cable length 3 m (10′).
PROS:
- Powermax30 Air Kit.
- Portable.
- Easy to use and operate.
- High performance with constant workflow.
- Single-phase power is needed to run.
CONS:
- Have a plastic cop.
This device is incredible. Further than the fact that it is American-made and exceptionally well constructed, it is incredible to be able to plug it into any outlet, turn on the switch, & begin cutting. Plus, this providing enough air to cut is typically a big hassle, but if you have a big truck-mounted compressor or are working in a shop environment. The inbuilt compressor is efficient, robust, and quiet. Hypertherm 30 Air is a high-end machine that provides a clean cut with precision at high speed as it has a built-in compressor, so there is no need for a separate compressor. For heavy and professional work, this machine is a great choice.
3. Hobart Airforce 40i
Compact Plasma Cutter
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 21 Pounds.
- Dimension: 13.25 x 9 x 5.5 inches.
- Input current: 120/240v
- Max Amperage: 40A
- Battery Required: No.
- Clean cut: 5/8″
- Main Technology: XT40-R Torch
Cutting light and heavy conductive metals, both with high precision, is the primary purpose of Hobart Airforce 40i. XT40-R torch is specifically designed for increased comfort of cutting down any kind of metal with faster and clean precise cutting.
With Dual voltage capability, you can connect to both 120V or 240V using an adapter that fits the receptacle without using the external tool. Furthermore, it has a cooling system that operates only when there is a need to cool down the machine to avoid inconvenience.
Power factor correction provides a considerable benefit to your electric usage by drawing 30% less energy with the same cutting level than other plasma cutters. It can handle up to ⅜” aluminum, stainless steel, ⅝” mild steel, 3/16″ copper, ¼” brass.
Post flow cooling system extends the life of consumables and torches by cooling them after the trigger is released with post-flow air. For detailed features, you can see the list below.
Features:
XT40-R Torch
The tool can slide through light and heavy metals, either titanium or copper; it cuts with high precision, cleaner, and faster. XT40-R Torch has an ergonomic trigger that is easy to hold. It offers a firm grip enabling the user to work efficiently.
Multi-Voltage Plug
You can plug this machine into a 120V or 240V socket, both depending upon your nee,d just by using an adapter that fits the receptacle. The dual voltage facilitates you to plug into different power sources, either household or industrial.
Power Factor Correction
It draws 30% less electric energy while giving the same output as other plasma cutters, making this energy-saving cutter. Moreover, it extends the work area because of the extension cord and minimizes the breaker trips.
Post flow Cooling System
The post-flow cooling system ensures the heat does not increase beyond the endurance limit and the consuming-end main safe. It maintains a post-flow air on the consumables and keeps them cool.
Portability:
It only weighs 21-pound meaning you can move it according to your needs and cuts heavy metals with precision and ease.
Package Included
10 ft. power cord with 240 V L6-30P twist lock plug MVP™ Adapters, 12 ft. work cable with clamp.
PROS:
- Durable Material.
- High-end cutting torches and consumables.
- Cut many metals ranging from heavy to light.
- Advanced Cooling system.
- Energy-saving.
- Portable.
CONS:
- No drawbacks found yet
I’m pleased overall, excellent & quick cuts! I’ve sliced up to 7/8 without any problems. However, I really don’t like the ground clamp wire. In fact, this Hobart Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter 500576 appears cheap, is made of poly coating rather than rubber, and tries to maintain its coiled-up shape. Even the inferior knockoff plasma I previously owned used to have a superior ground cable.
Hobart 500576 Airforce 40i is a high-end plasma cutter that hits the sweet spot of versatility, portability, and reliability. The cutter is highly portable, lightweight, and offers precision cutting. I highly recommend this plasma cutter if heavy industrial work is your foremost priority.
4. Forcecut 62i
Small Scale Plasma Cutter
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 61 pounds.
- Dimension: 23 x 12.5 x 16.5 inches.
- Input voltage: 220v
- Input phase: 1 phase
- Clean cut: 30mm
- Severance cut: 35mm
- Battery Required: No.
- Main Feature: Blowback start pilot arc technology
This plasma cutter is for you if you are looking for a high-quality plasma cutter for small-scale industrial work.
It aims to make your small works easy and simple, capable of cutting 30mm quality cups and even up to 35 mm rough cuts. With superb quality, it is best for small-scale use.
Furthermore, it has an impressive duty cycle of 95% at 60 Amps, making it robust and durable while cutting for a long time. It is the best machine for cutting on the CNC table.
Using any compressor that puts out 45-60 psi will be able to cut any metal fast and clean with high precision. You can see a list of detailed features in the list below.
Product Features:
Blowback Arc Technology
Spring-loaded electrodes use a dead short, which is firmly seated against the nozzle, and air pressure is applied. The blowback arc technology makes sure that powerful plasma cuts through the metal without any further surface post-treatment.
Impressive Cycle
At 240V, it provides an impressive cycle of 95% at 40 Amps. Moreover, it can cut 1-3/8″ steel thickness, making the plasma cutter strongest and valuable for heavy-duty cutting.
All Metal Cutter
It cuts any kind of metal as it is not explicitly made for any specific metal, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
CNC Dedicated Port
It has a CNC dedicated port making it best suitable for the CNC table. So you don’t need to buy another plasma cutter for the CNC table.
Package Included
20 ft plasma torch, ground clamp, consumables.
PROS:
- Precise cutting.
- CNC port.
- Impressive cycle.
- Any kind of metal can be cut.
- Durable material (iron).
CONS:
- Is it a little bit heavy as it also requires an air compressor of 45-60psi?
I can always access power to the arc thanks to Pilot Arc technology, which speeds up cutting & helps with rough cutting surfaces. The FORCECUT 62i generates the arc without relying on high frequency by forcing the electrode against the nozzle that uses air pressure. This eliminates the concern over interference and enables a more superficial CNC table connection.
Forcecut 62i is a highly qualified plasma cutter for small-scale precision cutting. I can use it for heavy thicknesses up to 1-⅜” without getting any hassle. The plasma cutter is highly efficient as it offers a 95% duty cycle. So you can have a non-stop cutting without heating the cutter. Although the cutter is heavy and needs an air compressor,I can easily use it with CNC tables.
5. Victor Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52
Dual Voltage
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 43 Pounds.
- Dimension: 15 x 12 x 24 inches.
- Input voltage: 208-480 V
- Output current: 20-60A
- Output power: 6.2 KW
- Max cut thickness: 1-1/8 inches
- Duty cycle: 40% @ 60A
- Main Feature: SL-60 Plasma System
Victor Thermal Dynamics has been designed to perform high-precision cutting with the clean and fast method. It has a front panel with LEDs indicating the status condition to provide maximum efficiency according to conditions.
A storage compartment is also there for easy access to parts and consumables. You can plug this machine from 208 to 410 volts due to multi-power voltage. Furthermore, it is lightweight to provide easy portability.
AutoPilot restart feature instantly reignites the pilot arc while cutting expanded metals, and the process of this machine is manual air plasma cutting. SL60 hand automated and mechanized torches are specified in the torch for best quality.
Features:
SL-60 Plasma System
It has been designed with the SL-60 torch that helps cut metals fast and clean with high precision.
LED Panel:
Another fantastic and useful feature is the LED panel. Status conditions are shown on the LED screen and can be adjusted to provide maximum efficiency.
Portable
It has a lighter-weight design for maximum portability, so you can move it around the site just as you want. The portability makes the plasma cutter an on-the-go tool for every professional or domestic user.
Duty Cycle
When you run the plasma cutter at 60 amps, it gives a duty cycle of 40%. At 55 amp, the duty cycle is 60 %, while you get 100% duty cycle at 50 amps.
Wide applications
The plasma cutter is widely used in industrial applications like construction, repair, and fabrication. A variety of applications make it the best plasma cutter for long-term use.
Package Included
60 amp SL60 torch with 75-degree head, 20 foot (6,1 m), or 50 ft leads (15,2 m).
PROS:
- High Precision Plasma cutting.
- LED Panel.
- Portable.
- High Duty Cycle.
- Professional Use.
CONS:
- A little bit heavy for a regular plasma cutter.
In addition, this feature is beneficial when I put the device in my trunk, truck bed, or even on your workbench. I can simply take the unit regardless of the machine’s orientation. Additionally, the Cutmaster 40 does have an IP23 rating. Particularly for a machine at this price, there is a lot. Hafnium, which serves as the core material, is, in a nutshell, significantly more resistant against plasma arc.
The light design plasma cutter is one of the best plasma cutters under $2000 because of the portability, dual voltage, and 100% duty cycle at 50 amps. I can run the plasma cutter without any downtime to have maximum work efficiency. Moreover, the LED front panel makes the operation extremely easy as I see the status conditions. The storage compartment keeps all the consumables handy and accessible, which is a plus point of this plasma cutter.
Buying Guide for Best Plasma Cutters Under $2000
Before buying a plasma cutter, you should know some of its features like fast and precise cutting: The best plasma cutter precisely cuts metal with 40,000 F temperature on running.
Portability:
You may need to move the cutter instead of the object that required cutting. So, the best plasma cutter is not that heavy and can be easily moved.
Versatility:
A good plasma cutter is versatile and can be used for a variety of metals. You can either cut ferrous metals like steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, or non-ferrous metals, including copper, aluminum, brass, etc.
Safety equipment:
Before using a plasma cutter, you need to beware of safety equipment. It may be easy to use and can be used without initial training, but working with it without wearing safety equipment can be dangerous to your health.
Discharging fume and hardened edges can damage you, so you must wear protective gear such as an auto-darkening helmet, gloves, and a welding jacket. Here is a review of the top 5 Best plasma cutters under 2000$ that are worth buying.
Conclusion
Best plasma cutters under $ 2000 are high-end plasma cutters, but they last long, providing high precision cutting and generally working on dual voltage technology. You can easily take them anywhere, either on-site or for industrial use. The top-rated plasma cutter on our list is Hypertherm 30XP. It offers 30% more work efficiency than other plasma cutters, along with other extraordinary features. You can choose anyone among all the cutters listed above as they are matchless in quality, precision, and clean cutting. All come with high price tags, but still, they are worth it.
