Inexpensive Plasma Cutter Under 500 Dollar
Deciding which plasma cutter to choose for your work is not always easy, we understand… plasma cutters tend to be pretty expensive. And if you’re a DIY enthusiast, certainly you wouldn’t want to spend $700-$900 behind occasional metal cutting or welding! Absolutely logical!
Now, if you’re a professional, you definitely require a welding unit. The cutting machine must include dual voltage, protective layer, high amperage, clear screenplay, high-speed cutting torch, precise cut – all for legit work purposes… Does that mean you, lavishly, need to spend $1000 for a machine?
Well… Not at all! Why waste that much when you can cover all criteria under a compact budget of $500?
You can be both economical and proficient in plasma cutting within only $500 invested. How? To know that, keep hooked on below – to our extensively researched reviews – on the seven best plasma cutters under 500 dollars along with, bring the best of 2021 to your home as well!
Quick Comparison of Top 7 Best Plasma Cutter for the Money
| Product | Key Specifications | More Info |
|---|---|---|
 Lotos Plasma Cutter LTP5000D | Output: 10~50A Cutting Depth: ½-inch Weight: 26 lbs. Input Power: 110V/220V | Price |
 SUPER DEAL CUT50 Cutter | Output: 20~50 Amp Cutting Depth: 1/2-inch Weight: 24.4 lbs. Input Power: 110V/220V | Price |
 PRIMEWELD 50A CUT50D | Output: 10~50 Amp Cutting Depth: 1/2-inch Weight: 22.5 lbs. Input Power: 110V/220V | Price |
 AMICO CUT-50 Plasma Cutter | Output: 15~50A Cutting Depth: 3/4-inch Weight: 31 lbs. Power Source: Cordeed Electric | Price |
 SUNCOO CUT50 Plasma Cutter | Output: 20~50A Cutting Depth: ½-inch Weight: 25.1 lbs. Power Source: Cordeed Electric | Price |
 LOTOS LT3500 Plasma Cutter | Output: 10~35A Cutting Depth: 2/5-inch Weight: 17.55 lbs. Power Source: Cordeed Electric | Price |
 LOTOS CT520D Plasma Cutter | Output: 10~50A Cutting Depth: ½-inch Weight: 38.5 lbs. Power Source: Cordeed Electric | Price |
Top-Rated 7 Plasma Cutter Reviews
After going through 117 Hours of Extensive Research, Market Observation for 250+ Products, and nearly 1000 User Reviews – we’ve neutrally sorted out for you – the top 7 plasma cutters within your budget of 500 USD.
Here’s a sneak peek over the best 7 choices for your possibly very first plasma cutter:
- LOTOS LTP5000D Plasma Cutter – Best for DIY Enthusiasts
- SUPER DEAL CUT50 Plasma Cutter Welding Machine – Best for Low Budget
- PRIMEWELD 50A CUT50D Plasma Cutter – Best for Air Inversion
- AMICO CUT-50 Plasma Cutter – Best for Professionals
- SUNCOO CUT50 Plasma Cutter – Best for Power-Efficiency
- LOTOS LT3500 Plasma Cutter – Best for Compact Design
- LOTOS CT520D Plasma Cutter – Best Three-in-One Combo
Keep reading, and we’ll help you to make the best buying decision.
1LOTOS LTP5000D Plasma Cutter– Best for DIY Enthusiasts
- Output: 10~50 Amp
- Cutting Depth: 1/2-inch
- Weight: 26 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Easy-to-operate for beginners
- Dual voltage capacities (110 V/ 220 V)
- Pilot arc brilliantly cuts through rough surfaces or dirty metals
- Cuts through thick metals due to IGBT/ MOSFET-based transistor
- Compact-designed & Portable
Lotos technology has earned prominence for the latest technology’s IGBT/ MOSFET based on precise and consistent current to the cutting surface. With a reasonable price, its LTP5000D plasma cutter cuts through any DIY project just like a knife to the butter!
The Lotos LTP5000D features a non-touch pilot arc. Now without even touching the tip to metal, you can work efficiently through those rough and rusty surfaces. Best part? – Generates the most minimal slag!
Perfectly suited to light-duty jobs and home projects, this plasma cutter provides a sharp, clean-cut thickness of up to ½-inch. Especially, non-hazardous compressed air magnificently cuts through – Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Alloy Steel, and Mild Steel – up to ¾ inch of severance thickness.
2SUPER DEAL CUT50 Plasma Cutter– Best for Low Budget
- Output: 20~50 Amp
- Cutting Depth: 1/2-inch
- Weight: 24.4 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Energy-efficient
- Amplified cutting speed
- Reliable & sturdy construction
- Better heat dissipation
- Clean, polished metal cutting
- Super budget-friendly.
Fanatically searching for a dual voltage plasma cutter at a super-low price? That can handle both 110 V and 220 V support? Viola… The solution is here – Super Deal CUT50 for metal cutting!
Best part? It comes with a digital LCD screenplay! Now you can easily read the front panel air-pressure gauge, experience ZERO noise, and save loads of energy.
High-cutting speed ensures smooth cutting without any need for further polishing! Whether you are a professional or DIY user, without a doubt can use it for your light industrial work, site work, automotive work, ducting work, sheet metal fabrication, automotive, repair & maintenance services.
3PRIMEWELD 50A CUT50D Plasma Cutter – Best for Air Inversion
- Output: 10~50 Amp
- Cutting Depth: 1/2-inch
- Weight: 22.5 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Reliable & precise welding
- Dual voltage (110V & 220V)
- Easily portable
- For Thick Metal- High power output
- For Thin Metal- Steady output
- Lesser cleaning is required.
Plasma cutting is in massive demand now due to its efficiency with real faster speed and more than perfect outputs. Embedded with the newest technologies, one of the most-in-demand plasma cutters is the PrimeWeld’s 50A plasma cutter/ 50A air inverter.
If you want to accomplish some extraordinary substantial cuts, then this DC inverter air plasma cutter should serve your purpose just right! What grooves us to it most is that despite being a professional and heavy-duty plasma cutter, it’s still equally user-friendly!
An efficient industrial welding tool for Steel and many other electro-conductive metals – Yes, that’s what it is.
4AMICO CUT-50 Plasma Cutter – Best for Professionals
- Output: 15~50 Amp
- Cutting Depth: 3/4-inch
- Weight: 31 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Unique-design cutting torch
- Digital control system
- Automatic dual voltage (110V – 240V)
- Heat-resistant grip
- Impact-resistant material.
Designed for industrialists, construction works, hobbyists, and light work – this specialized plasma cutter is sure to win any professional’s heart! The Amico CUT-50, with a high-performance cutting torch, goes all the length to make newer and exciting innovations!
The first point first, this one is surely power-efficient. Its auto voltage capacity enables automatic adapting to 100 V – 240 V input power.
Digital air inversion is also one of the highlights of this Amico plasma cutter. In the case of Stainless Steel, Mild Steel, Alloy Steel, Copper, Aluminum, and different other materials- it can handle up to 1-inch of refined cuts.
5SUNCOO CUT50 Plasma Cutter – Best for Power-Efficiency
- Output: 20~50 Amp
- Cutting Depth: 3/4-inch
- Weight: 25.1 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Quick thick metal-cutting till ½ inch thickness
- Dual voltage
- Brilliant heat dissipation
- Protection from Over-Voltage
- Protection from Over-Cutting
- Error-free display with digital LED
- Energy-efficient
- Safer operation.
Suncoo Cut50 plasma cutter has been world-famous for its numerous genres of application. Speak of sheet cutting, drilling, groove cutting, Wabu, industrial CNC uses, machinery, metal structure manufacturing – everywhere it turns out to be a blockbuster star!
Including a 60% duty cycle, the cutting torch has proven its efficiency to 85%. With a high-frequency (HF) start, this plasma cutter exhibits a rated output voltage of 96 V.
The main control panel features a Power pilot lamp and a Protection pilot lamp. The strong ability of heat dissipation helps to cool down the components’ temperature and, thus, increases your Suncoo plasma cutter’s lifespan.
6LOTOS LT3500 Plasma Cutter – Best for Compact Design
- Output: 10~50 Amp
- Cutting Depth: 3/5-inch
- Weight: 17.55 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Greater portability
- Lightweight
- Compact design
- Purified air due to filtration
- Effective cooling system
- Quick setup.
The Lotos LT3500 is regarded as the most compact unit in the plasma cutting market with only 8 kg of weight.
An ideal choice for hobbyists, this LT3500 can accomplish cutting thickness to 3/5 inch or 15 mm. Combined with high-speed and precise cut, the Lotos plasma cutter is more cost-efficient than any Oxyhydrogen cutting.
Compared with Lotos LT3200, it has the upper hand in pre-installed air filter, air gauge, and higher amperage range.
7LOTOS CT520D Plasma Cutter – Best Three-in-One Combo
- Output: 10~50 Amp
- Cutting Depth: 1/2-inch
- Weight: 38.5 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- 3-in-1 combo
- Long-terminal durability
- Solid construction
- Compact & lightweight
- Easily portable
- Adjustable flow control
- Safe-to-operate.
When a brand gets mentioned thrice, that means it certainly must have been great to earn such honor three times, in the midst of a hundred other brands. The Lotos CT520D is not only an air plasma cutter but also equally a 200A stick welder and 200A TIG welder at the same time!
The 50A compact plasma cutter uses non-hazardous compressed air and a portable handle for maximum mobility. Smoothly cuts through Alloy Steel, Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper, etc.
200A TIG welder performs its sharp welding magic on Stainless Steel and thinner gauge materials. 200A Stick/ MMA welder’s adjustable hot striking arc current significantly improves the arc-starting function.
Buying Guide
Things to consider before buying the best budget plasma cutter under 500 dollars:
Right Amperage
Plasma cutters use electricity to produce the electric arc. And it is measured in terms of amperage. Amperage shares a positive correlation with the cutting speed.
You need to pre-determine the thickness of the metal cut and the source of power you shall be using. Only after that, you can estimate the exact amount of Amperage to pair with your working material.
For heavy-duty metal-cutting purposes, it is wiser to aim for a plasma cutter with higher amperage. On the contrary, you can make do with a lower amperage for light-duty or thinner metal-cutting purposes.
For instance, with a 50 amperage plasma cutter, you tend to achieve metal-cutting thickness up to ½-inch. Whereas with a 25 amp of the plasma cutter, you can accomplish metal-cutting thickness up to ¼-inch.
Dual Voltage
Plasma cutters tend to operate on either 110/ 120V or 230/ 240V.
For light-duty operations, only a 110/ 120V can serve your purpose.
However, 110/ 120V isn’t sufficient for heavy-duty operations since it can’t cut thicker than ½-inch. To accomplish professional means, you will require 230/ 240V also.
And hence, for professional and construction requirements, our research team recommends using a dual-voltage plasma cutter… A dual-voltage plasma cutter operates on both 110/120V and 230/240 V. That way, you can do not only heavy-duty tasks but also DIY and home projects!
Easily Portable
Portability is like a boon for professionals, especially when they need to move around a lot. For a home user, however, a portable plasma cutter is never compulsory.
When as a high-end worker, you’re aiming for a portable plasma cutter, features you want to consider are:
- Weight of machine
- Compact design
- Voltage coverage (to connect anytime, anywhere)
Torch Category
A high-performance and high-speed cutting torch melts the metal and hence paves the first way towards metal-cutting, making that one of the essential criteria.
Out there in the marketplace, you will usually find 4 types of torches:
- Lead Torch
- Touch-Start Torch
- High-Frequency Non-Touch Torch
- Drag Technology Torch
Now coming to their prototypes, the lead torch is nearly flawless when it comes to functionality but extremely expensive at the same time. So we won’t be recommending that under $500 criteria, which leaves us with the touch-starch, non-touch, and drag torches. As suggested by the name, the touch-start needs the user to touch the torch for a head-start manually. The drag torch’s operation tends to be a bit troublesome.
Considering all the options in hand, HF’s non-touch torch is the most practical choice… Costs comparatively low also get started without any need to touch. And so, prevents accidental burns.
Indicator and Control
Appropriate control boards and indicators are the first sign of a comfortable plasma cutting experience.
We’d recommend choosing an LED indicator board plasma cutter for the best experience with all modern immunities. Correctly display all required information, easy to switch, and also visually pleasant!
Finishing Cut
Now, this is going to vary based on the metal used and requirements. How precise you want the cut to depend on that mostly.
If you want intricate letter curving done on metal, then you’re going to need a high-quality plasma cutter with the capacity to cover minimal thickness.
On the other hand, if you intend to work on rusty, hard surfaces for regular cutting, the finishing shouldn’t be that much of an issue.
Regardless of the different circumstances, we’d recommend using a plasma cutter that provides a polished cut so that you don’t require polishing again after cutting.
Additional Information/FAQs
All About Finest Plasma Cutters under $500
What is actually plasma cutting?
Plasma – the fourth state of metal – is the prime component of plasma cutting. An accelerated jet of hot plasma is used to cut metals, essentially electrically conductive materials.
In a gist, by plasma cutting, we speak of a process – which typically cuts through Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, Copper, Aluminum, and other such conductive metals – with an accelerated force of hot plasma.
What kind of technology does a plasma cutter use?
The dawn breaks of the 21st century have introduced a plasma cutter with smaller nozzles and thinner plasma arcs. It helps to accomplish laser-like precision with cutting.
Initially, plasma cutters used MOSFET technology in transistors. But now, with the recent tech revolution, plasma cutters under $500 are using IGBT technologies.
Why should I opt for a plasma cutter?
Opting for a plasma cutter is always a cost-effective alternative. Benefits of owning a plasma cutter under $500 include:
- Enhanced Cutting Speed: Plasma cutters, on average, are 5 times faster than traditional torches. Usually, these can cut nearly 500 inches every minute.
- User-Friendly: Even with minimal training, beginners can start using a plasma cutter.
- Budget-Friendly: Plasma cutters within $500 are not only economical but also efficient.
- Multi-Functional: Plasma cutters can be used for multi-purpose such as guardrails, gauges, lining up material, etc.
- Safe-to-Operate: The compressed gas used during plasma cutting is NOT one of the highly flammable materials. Top to it, plasma cutting doesn’t heat metal. Rather it keeps the material surface cool.
Up to how much thickness can a plasma cutter cut?
If your plasma cutter’s cutting capacity mentions up to ¾ inch, then in most cases, you should use it for cutting till ½ inch only. The reason behind – pushing a plasma cutter to its limit – is NOT the wisest choice… Otherwise, the finishing will come out as rough and poor.
As far as the amperage is concerned, 80 Amp plasma cutters can effortlessly cut from ¾ inch to 1 inch thick metals. 50 Amp plasma can swiftly cut till ½ inch thickness of metal. And for a clean cut with a thickness of ¼ inch, a 25 Amp plasma cutter should always suffice!
Which kind of accessories do I need while plasma cutting?
For a safe and hazard-free working experience, proper safety measures should be taken during plasma cutting. Listed as the following:
- Eye protection of shades #5 to #9
- Face shield
- Leather gloves
- Apron
- Jacket
Final Words
Less expensive plasma cutters may not have been your first choice, but some of their best can deliver 80% of your expected performance. So for half the price of expensive ones, you get a well-functional and cost-efficient plasma cutter. That’s what the specialty of plasma cutters under $500 is!
Those require no preheating, cut quickly, include an air compressor, and most importantly, the torches are extremely versatile… With the best of under $500 plasma cutters, you get typical smooth cutting like the expensive ones. And if you manage to get your hands on the extremely precise cutting-torches, then thankfully, you’re going to require little to no sanding!
So as we always say, “take your time, compare the products, scrutinize the reviews, and make the best call”… Here’s to your next successful plasma-cutting adventure!
