Best plasma cutters under $ 300 can solve your cutting problems if you are tight on your budget. Yes, you read it right.These cutters are famous for their high-speed action, clean-cut, dual voltage, and minimum slag features. So these best budget plasma cutters bring inexpensive and high-quality cutting machines to meet your DIY and industrial needs.
Because these cutters are cheap, so they have a small and compact size with maximum portability.
We are here to write a complete review article on the top five best plasma cutters under $300. Choosing an inexpensive plasma cutter is really hard, and nobody wants to compromise on quality. So at the end of the reviews, we have written a complete buyer’s guide to help you choose the best product.
TOP PICKS
★★★★★
Lotos LTP5000D
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions: 15x6x12 inches
- Duty cycle: 60% @ 50A
★★★★★
PrimeWeld
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Dimensions: 15x6x12 inches
- Duty cycle: 60% @ 50A
★★★★★
SUNCOO 50
- Weight: 25.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.6×6.1×9.8 inches
- Dual voltage: 110-220V
Contents
Top five plasma cutters under $300 in 2022
IMAGE |
PRODUCT |
DETAILS |
PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |
LOTOS LT5000D 50A Plasma Cutter |
|
|
Best Performance |
PrimeWeld Cut50D Air Inverter |
|
|
Built-in compressor |
SUNCOO 50 Amp Plasma Cutter |
|
|
Best Budget Plasma Cutter |
Goplus CUT-50 Digital |
|
|
Professional Plasma Cutter
|
Amico CUT-50, 50 Amp |
|
Also Check out: Our list of best Plasma Cutters under $200
1. LOTOS LT5000D 50A Plasma Cutter
BEST Overall
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Dimensions with handles: 15x6x12 inches
- Duty cycle: 60% @ 50A
- Dual voltage: 110-220V
- Dual-frequency: 50-60 Hz
- Output current: 10-50Amp
- Cut Thickness: ½ inch
- Severance Thickness: ¾ inch
Lotos technologies always bring the best in terms of quality and precision, so is the case of LT5000D. It also features dual voltage, inverter technology, and portability like other best plasma cutters under $ 300. It has a strong metallic construction with a lightweight of 26 pounds only. This makes the plasma cutter an easy-to-carry option, and you can move it as your desire. You can see the detailed features in the following section.
Features:
Dual Voltage
the plasma cutter works on the dual voltage of 110V-220V. You can either use household electricity or heavy-duty industrial power generators to power the plasma cutter. The dual-frequency of 50/60 Hz makes high output current for a steady and smooth cutting.
Cutting Capability
the cutter can easily cut the conductive metals, including steel, stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, and copper. At 110Volts, it can clean-cut ⅓” metal thickness and maximum severance of ⅖” with 10-35 A DC. At 220Volts, it gives a clean-cut of ½” and maximum severance ¾” with 10-50A DC output. The dual-frequency of 50/60 Hz also makes the plasma cutter a powerful cutting machine.
Easy and one minute Set up
LOTOS LT5000D has a pre-installed NPT ¼” industry type D plug and air filter regulator. These components directly connect to the air compressor that has a stand coupler on it. This whole process takes even less than a minute.
PAPST cooling system
PAPST cooling system does not let the plasma cutter heat up. It makes its performance high while keeping the durability maximum.
PROS:
- Portable
- Strong and sturdy design
- Dual voltage and frequency
- One minute set up and installation
- One-year warranty
CONS:
- Not suitable for heavy-duty cutting
- It can’t handle large volumes.
Because of how well the machine operates, I’m considering purchasing a CNC milling machine for the plasma cutter. Best settings and simplicity of use. I thought the adjustment process to be brief, and I now have two preferred settings. The goods and most definitely the post-purchase help have my highest recommendation. I’m grateful, Lotos.
2. PrimeWeld Cut50D Air Inverter
BEST Performance
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Dimensions: 15x6x12 inches
- Dual voltage: 120-220 Volts
- Output current: 10-50 Amps
- Input phase: single
- Duty cycle: 60% @ 50A
- Severance Thickness: ¾ inch
- Clean cut: Mild steel (5/8 inch), Stainless steel &aluminium (1/2 inch)
Primeweld Cut50 D is the plasma cutter of reliability and durability. Although it comes with a low price tag of under $ 300, it is the best performing cutter for hobbyists or professional operators. It can cut many ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper.
The dual voltage option makes the plasma cutter directly work on either household electricity or industrial power source. You can see all the distinctive features below:
Features:
Dual voltage
The plasma cutter works on the dual voltage of 110-220 V at 50/60 Hz frequency.
It means you can either work on household electricity for small projects or go on industrial power for heavy-duty cutting. Dual-frequency makes the cutter extremely powerful to give a clean-cut and smooth current flow.
Easy cleaning and maintenance
The plasma cutter uses compressed air. Non-hazardous gasses make the cutting harmless and safe for the user. Moreover, it has zero to no maintenance. Easy cleaning options make you go comfortable while keeping the cutter.
Inverter technology
The advanced inverter technology is a plus point of plasma cutters. The MOSFET transistors help to generate high power output for thick metal thicknesses. It makes the plasma cutter work on high frequency to give high output current. This way, it can cut heavy thicknesses up to ½” with maximum severance of ¾” thickness.
PROS:
- Strong and sturdy components with high-quality construction
- Inexpensive and economical
- Can handle DIY projects and industrial work
- Inverter based MOSFET technology
CONS:
- The user manual is confusing written.
For two years, everything operated flawlessly with sporadic homeowner use. It is effortless to connect air, the regulator & filter are already connected to the back, it is silent, and using the light is comfortable. In addition, the trigger guard is great. Consequently, it is superior to just a cutting torch.
3. SUNCOO 50 Amp Plasma Cutter
Built-in compressor
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 25.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.6×6.1×9.8 inches
- Dual voltage: 110-220V
- DC output: 50 Amp
- Duty cycle: 60%
- Efficiency: 85%
- Air requirements: 60-70 PSI
- Maximum cutting thickness: ½”
- Output: 96v DC
SUNCOO 50 Amp is one of the best plasma cutters under $300 because of its built-in compressor features. It uses compressed air to work at high speed and temperature for the cutting process. It features a digital penal that helps to set and maintain all the working parameters of this inexpensive plasma cutter. Ideally, it can clean-cut up to ½ inch thickness with 50 Amp output. Moreover, you can easily cut carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and mild steel with this plasma cutter. The stylistic features are listed below.
Features:
Power and performance
SUNCOO 50 Amp works on a dual voltage of 110-220. It has an automatic adapter that switches the voltage from 110 to 220 automatically. It gives an output of 50 Amps which is powerful enough to give a clean-cut up to ½” thickness.
Control Panel
This plasma cutter features a digital control penal on the front, which is the biggest advantage of this cheap plasma cutter. The LCD gives easy readouts of input voltage, output current, air pressure, speed, and other working parameters. You can easily read, set, and control the parameters to optimize the performance. Moreover, it also has a power pilot lamp and a protection pilot lamp for ease of working.
Safe and reliable
Optimal safety features are built into plasma cutters. It offers overheat protection, under-voltage protection, over-voltage protection, and protection for lack of air compressor. Moreover, the cutter comes with its own protection mask that protects your face in case of any issues. The design has heat dissipation features in it. It dissipates the heat and keeps the internal temperature of the cutter in control.
Strong and sturdy construction
The plasma cutter has a strong and sturdy design. It offers a superior level of strength to have a long life span. You can easily use it in harsh weather conditions without getting any wear and tear.
PROS:
- Strong and sturdy design
- Compact and portable
- Dual voltage with auto adapter
- Protects overheat, over and under-voltage
- 1.8 times the higher cutting capacity as compared to flame cutters
CONS:
- The user manual has misleading information
- Needs expertise before you get a clean cut
Besides those two concerns, I truly appreciate having and utilizing this plasma cutter. It is affordable. Furthermore, it detects whether it is connected to 110 or 220 volts automatically. To put it another way, all you need to do is purchase a plug & connect it to what you have. Two or three additional pairs of consumables are included with it.
4. Goplus CUT-50 Digital
BEST Budget Plasma Cutter
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 24.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 18.5x11x13.5 inches
- Input voltage: 110-220V
- Output current: 20-50 Amp
- Dual-frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Rated output voltage: 96v
- Thickness: 1-12mm
- Air compressor pressor: 4-5kg/ 8.8-11 Ibs
Goplus Cut50 is the best plasma cutter for casual use or small applications because of its low price. It is rated as the best plasma budget under $ 300 and acts great when you have small things to do or occasionally use the cutter. It comes with almost the same features as the other plasma cutters have. So you get portability, reliability, ease of use, and fast action technology at the same time. You can see all of its features in the following section.
Advanced inverter technology
It uses the latest inverter technology to make the plasma cutter compact and low weight product. You get an increased efficiency of 30% with this advanced technology. Moreover, the inverter technology helps to get high output current for fast, clean, and speedy cutting.
Safe and economical
The plasma cutter uses no hazardous compressed air in the cutting process. This makes the plasma cutter safe for the users. It also features an option that can turn on the gas before the process and delays after the cutting is complete.
Dual Voltage
Like many other plasma cutters, it also works on the dual voltage of 110-220V. This makes the plasma cutter versatile. You can either plug it into household electricity or on the industrial power source.
Portable
the plasma cutter is portable because of its compact size and low weight. It also features a handle on its top. This handle increases the portability, and you can easily carry the cutting machine according to your need.
Strong and Sturdy Construction
The plasma cutter has a strong and sturdy design. It can withstand any harsh environment. It can operate at an outside temperature of -10 to 40 degrees even when the humidity reaches a maximum of 80%.
PROS:
- Low price
- Advanced inverter technology
- Dual voltage and high power
- Strong construction
- Portability and moveability
CONS:
- It does not have a built-in compressor
- An additional cost to buy a compressor
Additionally, the set-up instructions are not quite as clear as I might have wanted. But it cuts well. Excellent first plasma cutter. I don’t know if doing so is usual. The compressor performed admirably at five gals when utilized at 0.6 on the provided air gauge for any cutting. Very content thus far. Furthermore, great option no matter the voltage but it is best with 220.
5. Amico CUT-50, 50 Amp
Professional Plasma Cutter
★★★★★
Specifications:
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Dimensions: 18x8x14 inches
- Output current: 15-50 Amps
- Cutting thickness: Mild steel 5/8 inch, Stainless steel & Aluminium ½ inch
- Severance thickness: 1 inch
- Input Voltage: 115/230V
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Duty cycle: 60%
- Power factor: 0.93
Amico CUT50 is famous for its fantastic user experience and customer service. It has reliable consumables, and you can always get back to customer care as needed.
It has all the good features a plasma cutter has. Moreover, it can cut various materials, including stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, aluminium, and copper.
It has a strong and durable torch that withstands high heat and impact. Having an inverter-based technology makes the plasma cutter more powerful to cut high thicknesses. The other features of Amico CUT 50 include are written below.
Features
Auto Voltage:
The Amico CUT50 has auto voltage technology. It includes a plug adapter in the package that automatically adapts to 100-240V.
Torch Design:
The torch has a strong and ergonomic construction. You can easily grip the torch because of its optimized design. Moreover, it has strong resilience to impact and heat.
Easy maintenance and harmless gasses:
The plasma cutter uses non-hazardous compressed air during the cutting process. It generates high-quality plasma without impacting the user’s health. Moreover, the design is so plain and simple that it requires zero maintenance with easy cleaning.
Cutting capability:
It works on 100-240 Volts and gives an output of 50Amp. This output current makes the plasma cutter capable of cutting up to 1-inch thickness.
PROS:
- Inexpensive
- Can switch to a dual voltage between 100-240 V
- Customer care in the USA
- Easy to use the torch
CONS:
- The plasma cutter does not appear to be very durable
Furthermore, they promised to call me back after going out to lunch. No response after two weeks. I reside in Virginia, and it came in five days from Ca. I believed I could get a new arc board after discovering a break in it. Thus, this plasma cutter under $300 proved helpful for me.
How to choose a plasma cutter under $300?
Choosing a plasma cutter can be a hectic task, especially if you are tight on budget. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional operator/welder, a good plasma cutter can benefit during your artwork, sculpturing, or whatever you are going to use the plasma cutter for.
We have written a complete guide about all the factors that decide which plasma cutter is best for you.
Ease of Use:
Choosing a difficult plasma cutter may make your life difficult. As many people buy a plasma cutter for under $300 for their DIY jobs or small tasks, an easy cutter will save you time and money. You can start right away when you get it easy to work with a plasma cutter. Moreover, a user manual may help you to start with your plasma cutter.
Lightweight:
If you buy a heavy-duty big plasma cutter, it may be a great choice but cannot be portable for you. Lightweight plasma cutters are easy to move with, and you can carry them without any hassle. Whether you work in your DIY workshop, or home, site, or industry, a portable and lightweight plasma cutter can move anywhere with you.
Size and type of material:
During your welding or sculpting jobs, you come across many different materials. A plasma cutter has different cutting thickness capabilities for different materials. For example, if it is cutting a hard metal, it may have less thickness capability than soft metal. So before buying a plasma cutter, you must know which cutting capacity your plasma cutter is capable of.
Parts included in the box.
A plasma cutter has many important parts. Some plasma cutters come with all of their parts within the package. These parts may include a torch, cables, air filters and regulators, and other important parts. Look into the parts included in the box before you buy a plasma cutter. If you don’t want to have more investment, buy a plasma cutter with all the essential parts.
Warranty
Warranty is as important as the plasma cutter itself. Many companies don’t offer any kind of customer care services or warranty. So don’t think of buying such plasma cutters. You should choose a plasma cutter that has a warranty from either its seller or manufacturer. It can save your time and money in case you need any repair or replacement.
How to maintain a plasma cutter?
Like every other craftsman, welders should also upgrade and regulate themselves. The same goes for their machines. If you don’t upgrade and maintain your machine, you might end up having a low-quality function. So how do we maintain our plasma cutting machines? We have written all the basic and important steps in the following section.
1. Cleaning of the torch body
You can easily clean the plasma cutter torch by disconnecting the torch from the knob. Take an electric contact cleaner and use cotton wool to clean the torch. Make sure that the torch does not have any damage or leaks on it. The cleaning process can be done before and after using the plasma cutter.
2. Cleaning the power supply
If the PC board has any dust, make sure you remove it from there. Any dust or metallic particles may harm the plasma cutter and can stop the functionality too.
3. Cleaning the machine components
You should clean the gears, racks, and rails very often. Any dust or debris stops the functionality and may lead to some serious issues in the working of plasma cutters. Use dry lubricants like graphite to lubricate the gears. Avoid the spilling of lubricants as they may impair the life of the rail area.
4. Electrode
Maintaining a proper electrode is crucial. The electrodes start wearing out after some time. So keep a regular check on the tip of the torch. If they start wearing out, simply replace them.
5. Ground clamps
Make sure you inspect the ground clamps every month. If they get weak, try to replace them. You may need their replacement after three to four months.
FAQs
How thick can a plasma cutter cut?
The cutting thickness capacity of a plasma cutter depends upon the power of a plasma cutter. Generally, a 50 A DC output plasma cutter can cut a metal thickness up to 1”. The metals are generally mild steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, copper, and aluminum.
Is plasma cutting expensive?
Plasma cutting is a modern technology in the cutting and welding process. This is, of course, expensive if you compare it with other flame-cutting procedures. However, high-quality results are satisfactory and worth it.
Can we buy a cheap plasma cutter?
If you don’t have a high budget and are new to plasma cutting, buying a cheap plasma cutter is a wise choice for you. As you get some experience, you can switch to ultra-modern plasma cutters at a high price.
What should I look for in a plasma cutter?
When you choose a plasma cutter, make sure you know your requirements. Thickness capacity, materials, and the budget can be the bottlenecks. When you know the requirements, then look for price, input and output power, weight, portability, and ease of use are the basic things to consider.
Can a plasma cutter cut a rusty metal?
Yes. High-quality good plasma cutters can easily cut through rusted and painted metal surfaces.
What material can cut with a plasma cutter?
Plasma cutters are designed to cut through conductive materials. So most of the plasma cutters can cut stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, aluminium, copper, and brass.
Conclusion
The best plasma cutters under $300 review article bring a complete understanding of inexpensive top cutters with all the important features and their pros and cons. You can make a better decision depending upon your choice, budget, and requirements. Make sure to have a plasma cutter that fits under the criteria of your requirements. Moreover, the buyer guide can also help to find the best product you are looking for.