Best Cheap Plasma Cutter under $500

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We have selected the top five cutting machines on the market so that you can make an informed decision about which is the best cheap plasma cutter for your needs.

You can jump to our table below to see our top choices or alternatively, our top choice is the Lotos LT5000D.

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This machine is a piece of equipment that should provide you with the easiest time cutting through any material. 

They are usually used for cutting through aluminum, copper, and other material. They could also be used for metal works that include stainless steel as a material for the final product.

Best Cheap Plasma Cutter Under $500Best forBuy Now
Lotos LT5000D
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Top Choice[amazon fields="B004VFJL14" value="button"]
Forney Easy Weld 251
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2nd choice[amazon fields="B078TZ9WMM" value="button"]
ZENY 50AMP
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Price[amazon fields="B018UFHLO4" value="button"]
CUT-50, 50 Amp Pro
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Carrying handles[amazon fields="B07D9V9JZ7" value="button"]
Super Deal Cutting Machine
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Accessories[amazon fields="B018XFZUA8" value="button"]

They are designed to convert gases into plasma which works to work through a variety of materials which include metals like aluminum and stainless steel. 

The gas in the first place is passed through a tiny nozzle and this increases the speed through which it passes through this section. 

The gas which is at high speed is passed through an electric arc that has a high temperature and this transforms it into plasma which is another state of matter.

What happens next is the plasma cutting device provides a heated torch and is capable of cutting through materials that include tough metals. 

There are a variety of cheap machines that you could get for your works. This is because most of the cheap plasma cutters have a lot to offer when you are working on a project in your workshop. 

Some Of The Best Cheap Plasma Cutters Under $500

1. ZENY 50AMP

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The ZENY DC Inverter 50AMP is the best candidate for use when you want to shape the metal you are working with into small pieces. You can use it to make metals of different sizes as you design a final product.

The equipment comes along with useful equipment that you can use for the project you are undertaking. The equipment includes a cutting torch, plasma tips, grounding clamp, a wire brush, and a face mask for the protection of your eyes.

It is designed with enough amperage that provides it with the ability to cut through thick metals quite easily. It also makes the work be completed within the shortest time possible.

For increased productivity, there is a delay switch and a heavy-duty cord that is comfortable for working within your workshop.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Light in weight thus it is easily portable
  • Does not require professional skills to set up
  • Affordable
  • Works for the cutting of different types of metal
  • An excellent performer which is seen in the type of cuts through metals it produces

Cons

  • Does not have the best organization for its manual
  • Not the best for cutting through the thick metal of ½-inch especially if the metal is cut in high grade
  • You will have to buy an air hose and the plug separately

2. Lotos LT5000D

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The Lotos LT5000D is one of the top cutters under $500 in our opinion. It is one of the top machines that you could get within this price range. 

This is because of its capability to work for both domestic metal cutting and even for some professional projects. 

It is also one of the best-recommended machines because of its ability to withstand some of the harshest environmental conditions and still be reliable for the work you want to use it for.

It is designed optimally to provide you with one of the most reliable you can ever work with. It has enough power output that enables you to use it for the cutting of thick metals. 

This will be suitable for working on different types of metals that you would want to use for your projects.

It is fitted with an inverter which is ideal for convenience when you are working on a project. 

Its design provides it with the capacity to cut comfortably through alloy steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. With this brand, you get a machine that is quite affordable and it is quality equipment that you could use.

Unlike most other devices that you might have worked on within your workshop, this particular one does not need too much maintenance. 

You should also relax because it is not a risk of causing fire hazards that might not work out positively for your workshop.

You can customize the torch trigger so that you could use it with either your fingers or your thumbs. 

This will provide you with an easy time when you are working with it in difficult positions. 

They provide you with a comfortable time when working with and you will be able to make artistic slices through metals of different types quite easily.

You can see our full Lotos LT5000D review here.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • It is fitted with a sturdy handle that makes it comfortable for use
  • Has a dual voltage capacity that makes it efficient for use
  • Has a year’s warranty which will have you covered in case of premature damages
  • You will have an easy time using the controls to set it up before use
  • It works at high frequency which is ideal for making finer slices through metal
  • You will have an easy time working with it

Cons

  • If you are a beginner, you might have a difficult time making cuts
  • You will need to connect the plugs before you start working with it
  • Is not fitted with power plugs

3. Super Deal Machine

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This is the best plasma cutter on sale you could get at this price range for use for professional metal cutting. 

It has a high duty cycle that makes it work with low power consumption. This is ideal if you do not want to be burdened with high electricity bills.

It has a digital Led display that makes it easy for your to work. You also get a clear knowledge of the air pressure that the machine is working. 

You can then easily make settings and use them for your work.

You also get a mask and a wire that is included for your safety. They will work to prevent you from sustaining some injuries when you work with the machine. 

You are also protected from consequences that arise due to over-voltage from the machine. You should also not worry about too much heat emitted from the machine.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • The best for use for thin metals
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • LED digital display

Cons

  • The cables are unterminated
  • Not the best for very thick metals
  • Does not have a pilot arc technology

4. CUT-50, 50 Amp Pro

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This is a great affordable plasma cutting machine that has the added benefit of some handy carrying handles, making it somewhat portable.

The automatic voltage setting can adapt to 100-240V input power and has plug adapters included.

This is a very nice addition because depending on how you are running your workshop, having an adaptable voltage device can be super helpful.

The torch design is sort of ergonomic but provides a comfy grip so you don’t tire your hands out on particularly long cuts. The handle is also made from heat and impact-resistant material.

You can cut:

  • Stainless steel
  • Alloy steel
  • Mild steel
  • Copper aluminum
  • Other metal materials

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Nice price
  • Carrying handles
  • Adaptable voltage and includes different plug adapters
  • Can cut through a wide array of metals

Cons

  • Not made in the USA
  • Some have reported faulty air valves

5. Forney Easy Weld 251

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The Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P is constructed remarkably well for its intended design and is easy to use.

Cutting metals 1 / 4” and under is seamless and the actual cutting action really feels effortless.

The end is clean cuts and requires a little cleanup in the form of filing.

Rusted and painted metal can be cut through, but with varying degrees of success…just be patient with it and you should be fine.

As this is a Forney, you can expect not only decent accessories in the box but also a plethora of add ons, making this a very dynamic plasma cutting machine.

It is slightly larger than its peer in this list, (the Lotos LTP5000D), but is also a bit lighter in weight, thus making it somewhat more portable.

The reason that we have placed the Lotos as our top choice rather than the Forney, is because its voltage and amperage outputs are lower making it less useful when dealing with thicker metals.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Solid build
  • Our second choice
  • Drag torch tech
  • 35% duty cycle at 20 amps
  • Lightweight at just 21.5 pounds
  • All you in the box
  • Solid customer service

Cons

  • A bit breathless on anything over 1/4 inch
  • Weaker voltage and amperage outputs vs the Lotos

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you buy a cheap plasma cutter?

You can buy a cheap plasma cutter in many places ranging from your local hardware stores, to online via Amazon or other online hardware merchants.

What is the best plasma cutter for the money?

The best one that you could get for under $500 is the Lotos LT5000D because it is a versatile machine. Its seamless design and features make it ideal for use for both domestic slicing of metals and even in professional metal cutting projects.

How much does a plasma cutter cost?

You could get a very good and affordable one for not more than $500. Those in this price range are much reliable for the job at hand because of the useful features they possess. Some of the best ones may not even cost more than $500. They may be rated with the best suitable voltage and amperage that would work with any type of metal.
A good one should be able to cut through thick metal quite easily. It should give you an easy time and you should be able to get the job done within the shortest time possible.

What is a pilot arc plasma cutter?

There are some that are designed with advanced technology that makes them more effective and efficient when in use. One advanced feature is a nontouch pilot arc that will provide you with the capacity of cutting through the material you are working on without having to touch its tip. The brands of machines that are designed with this feature have a longer lifespan as the technology enhances their lifetime. It also works for the cutting of mesh slots and specific wires that might be difficult to work through using other brands that may lack these features.

Conclusion

Shopping for an excellent choice of a plasma cutter with a decent duty cycle should not be difficult anymore. 

You can use this review for reference on how to spot one of the best plasma cutters on sale that would be ideal for cutting through thick metals.

Most of the brands in this list are designed in a manner that makes them effective for use and also durable for any type of metal cutting project.

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