Best Plasma Cutter Under 500 in 2023: Reviews + Buying Guide

If you need to do auto repair/maintenance, metal processing, or duct work, a plasma cutter can be very useful. In this article we will take an in-depth look at several amazing products that have a lot to offer. The following reviews will help you choose the best plasma cutter under 500.

Our top choice is the Lotos LTP5000D, which has a dual voltage design that will meet all of your needs. This non-touch pilot arc machine can easily penetrate rough, corroded, and even painted surfaces with ease. It is one of the most efficient models available on the market today.

Before you decide on a certain plasma cutter, we encourage you to learn about the following products.

How We Picked The Best Plasma Cutter Under 500

As we put together our best plasma cutter under 500 list, there were a number of things that we focused on. We first considered the versatility of each model. Many of these machines offer a dual voltage design. This will allow you to cut with impressive precision and accuracy.

We also made a point of selecting machines that are well-built as a whole. This makes all the difference when it comes to getting your money’s worth. You’ll find that these plasma cutters are very powerful and can cut through a variety of materials. They are also very easy to use, even for those who do not have much experience.

A Spotlight On Some of The Best Plasma Cutter Under 500 in 2023:

 

Lotos Technology LTP5000D Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter

The Lotos Technology LTP5000D is a pilot arc plasma cutter with a non-touch design. This means that you can cut without the tip making contact with the material. It is capable of cutting through rusted, painted, and rough surfaces with impressive ease and efficiency.

We were very impressed with this machine’s precision cutting, which makes it a great choice for all different tasks. It can cut through alloy steel, mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.

You’ll be able to set up this plasma cutter within just a minute. It features a type-D plug as well as an air filter regulator that allows for a fast an easy connection to the air compressor.

This machine offers a half inch ideal clean cut and a ¾ inch maximum severance cut with a 220/240 voltage. You can achieve a 1/3 inch ideal cut and a 2/5” max severance cut with 110/120 volts.

One of the reasons that we chose the LTP5000D for our best plasma cutter under 500 list is its superior cooling system. It is designed to keep this machine working smoothly over the long term. You can therefore expect consistently stable and reliable performance. There are ventilation slots on the sides and front to allow for optimal airflow at all times.

We also have to mention the rugged overall construction of this machine. It boasts sturdy metal housing that is highly resistant to damage and wear. You won’t have to worry about it rusting or getting banged up over time. It also has a handle on top for easier transportation.

This set comes with a pre-installed type-D plug, an air filter regulator, ground clamp, and consumables. You will also receive an instruction manual to help you get started.

Pros:

• Capable of cutting through rough and corroded surfaces very efficiently
• Allows you to cut through many different types of metal with ease
• Easy to set up within just a minute
• Comes with all essential items and instruction manual
• Extremely sturdy metal housing will stand the test of time
• Integrated cooling system ensures years of reliable use

Cons:

• No PSI markings on the air regulator gauge

 

S7 CUT50 Dual Voltage Plasma Cutting Machine

The S7 CUT50 Dual Voltage Plasma Cutting Machine has a 50-amp motor and is specifically designed for efficiency. It allows for cutting mild steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, copper, and a number of other materials. The powerful design of this machine lets you cut through very tough surfaces without much effort.

You can switch between 110 and 220 volts as needed without an external conversion plug. The sheer versatility of this machine makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of tasks. The current range is 20 to 50 amps.

We especially like the LCD display on this machine, which is bright and easy to read. It allows for easy use, even if you have little prior plasma cutting experience.

You’ll be able to cut from 1 to 20 millimeters, depending on the voltage used. The optimal cutting thickness for this particular model is 10 millimeters.

This package comes with a pressure reducing valve, an earth clamp, cutting torch, air hose, electrode nozzle, diverter, 220-volt plug, and 220-110v conversion line. You will receive everything needed to get started.

There’s no question that the powerful and versatile design of this machine makes it an excellent overall choice. It is definitely worth taking a close look at for best plasma cutter under 500.

Pros:

• LCD display makes machine easy for everyone to use
• Powerful motor can handle a variety of tasks with no issues
• Dual voltage design gives you maximum versatility to match your needs
• Comprehensive package comes with lots of useful accessories
• Cuts material smoothly with no need for polishing
• Feet on bottom of machine keep it stable at all times

Cons:

• Instructions are a bit lacking

 

Herocut CUT35 Plasma Cutter

The Herocut CUT35 Plasma Cutter has a useable voltage of 110v and a maximum current of 35 amps. It has a versatile design that can cut copper, alloy steel, mild steel, and stainless steel. This makes it well-suited to a wide range of tasks.

You can material up to 10 millimeters thick at 40 amps and 60 PSI with this machine. It is definitely one of the most efficient models available on the market right now.

One of the reasons that we chose the CUT35 for our best plasma cutter under 500 list is its simple design. It doesn’t have a lot of buttons or switches that you’ll have to deal with. In fact, you can adjust the current with a simple dial on the front. This makes it easy for pretty much everyone to use. It is an especially good choice for beginners.

When you purchase this machine, you will receive a number of useful items. This package includes an earth clamp, air filter, air hose, two nozzle tips, and two electrodes. You will have everything you need to start cutting.

We also have to mention the IGBT inverter technology that this plasma cutter uses. It is designed for incredibly efficient performance over a long period of time.

Pros:

• Very simple design makes it a great option for beginners
• Handle on top of machine makes it easy to transport to job sites
• Excellent ventilation on front and sides prevents overheating
• Uses modern inverter technology to ensure long-term efficiency
• Capable of cutting a variety of materials up to 10 millimeters thick
• Impressively solid overall construction will serve you well for a long time

Cons:

• Does not offer dual voltage

 

Warfox CUT50D Dual Voltage Plasma Cutter

The Warfox CUT50D Plasma Cutter has a dual voltage design that allows you to switch between 120 and 240 volts. It offers a maximum current of 50 amps for high-efficiency cutting. The air post time can be adjusted from 2 to 20S for maximum versatility.

This machine’s IGBT technology gives you a power of 50/60Hz, which is ideal for metal arc. The control panel features an LCD current display and voltage indicator. You’ll also have a torch switch, post time knob, air pressure gauge, and current adjustment dial.

One of our favorite things about this particular model is its 14-millimeter maximum cutting thickness. You can cut down to 10 millimeters with 240 volts at 65 PSI and 50 amps. It has a severance cutting thickness of 12 millimeters, and a quality thickness of 8 millimeters.

You can use this machine to stainless steel, carbon steel, and regular steel with no problem. It comes with a 2.5M earth clamp, five electrodes, five tips, a two-meter air hose, an adapter, and four hose clamps.

The significant power and efficiency of the CUT50D makes it worth looking at for best plasma cutter under 500. It will serve you well over the long term with very little maintenance required. You can count on this machine to keep working perfect for years to come.

Pros:

• Built-in fan keeps protects internal components from overheating
• IGBT inverter technology ensures a long useable life
• Capable of cutting numerous tough materials up to 14 millimeters thick
• Straightforward control panel design is clearly marked for ease of use
• Variety of high quality items included with machine
• Portable design makes it easy to carry and travel with

Cons:

• Doesn’t cut quite as smoothly as some other models

 

Reboot CUT50D Plasma Cutter Machine

The Reboot CUT50D Plasma Cutter Machine boasts a maximum cutting thickness of 16 millimeters. It can be used for cutting mild steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy, and aluminum materials.

This machine is designed to cool the torch head for three seconds after it is released. This helps to preserve the overall integrity of the torch head as well as the various consumables.

We really like the dual voltage and frequency design that the CUT50D offers. You can choose between 110/120 volts, and 220/240 volts. It also allows for 50/60Hz frequency settings. This versatile design is just one reason that we put this machine on our best plasma cutter under 500 list.

When this machine gets too hot, it will automatically shut down. The built-in fan starts working immediately to cool it down. You therefore won’t have to worry about any of the internal components getting damaged.

There is rubber feet on the bottom of this plasma cutter to keep it stabilized at all times. This prevents movement while you are working, which ensures steady and reliable performance.

If you are looking for an incredibly powerful plasma cutter that is made to last, this model is a superb overall choice. It is also amazingly versatile and can meet all of your needs. Whether you need to do automatic repair or metal processing, this machine has a lot to offer as a whole.

Pros:

• Incredibly powerful design can cut up to 16mm thick
• Dormant fan quickly cools down machine in the event of overheating
• Automatic dual voltage and current gives you maximum versatility
• Very sturdy and solid construction is not prone to damage or wear
• Simple control panel design features simple knob for adjusting current
• Rubber feet on bottom of machine keep it stable

Cons:

• Some customers had issues with adjusting the air pressure

 

Best Plasma Cutter Under 500 Buying Guide

As you seek out the best plasma cutter under 500, there are a number of factors to consider. The following list of criteria will help you make an informed decision that meets all of your needs.

Power

One of the first things to consider when trying to find the best plasma cutter under 500 is the amount of power they offer. You’ll want to purchase a machine that offers at least 50 amps of power. This will allow you to cut through a variety of materials.

Dual Voltage

You should also strongly consider buying a model that has a dual voltage design. The very best plasma cutter under 500 will allow you to switch between different voltages. This will help you make precise cuts with a stunning degree of accuracy.

There are a number of models on the market that will let you choose from voltages of 90-260 and 110-220v. Other machines offer 110/120 and 220/240 volt options.

Cutting Thickness

Make sure that you take the time to find out the maximum cutting thickness of each machine. You should think about which types of materials you plan on working with first.

Some of the best plasma cutter under 500 models allow for cuts up to 16 millimeters thick. You’ll want to look at the measurements for clean cuts versus severance cuts as well. This will help you get all of your needs met.

Construction

We also recommend that you select a plasma cutter that boasts a sturdy overall construction. Look for models that feature steel or aluminum housing. This type of design will greatly reduce the chances of damage and wear over time.

Ventilation and Cooling

The machine that you end up purchasing will also need to have adequate ventilation. You will need to select one that has slots on the front and side that allow for optimal airflow.

You’ll find that the best plasma cutter under 500 will definitely have a built-in fan as well. This will minimize the likelihood of damage to internal components from overheating. In fact, we recommend that you purchase a model that automatically shuts off when it reaches a certain temperature.

Touch vs. Non-Touch

If you are interested in finding the best plasma cutter under 500, you’ll need to look at touch and non-touch models. Each of these machines has something to offer, so it is important to learn about each one.

Non-touch plasma cutters use a higher frequency to eliminate the need for making contact with the materials. These machines are known for their impressive overall efficiency.

Touch models are typically much cheaper and allow you to work with any type of conductive material. They are a bit more versatile, which is something to consider before making a final decision.

Ease of Use

The fact is that the best plasma cutter under 500 will have a simple overall design. Take a close look at the control panel on each model so you can choose the right one.

You should have a basic dial for adjusting the current as needed. Look for an LCD screen that will show the current at all times while you are working.

Size

If you plan on traveling with your plasma cutter on a regular basis, you will need one that is relatively compact. You should make a point of looking at the dimensions and weight of each model as you research your options. We also recommend that you buy a machine with a handle to make carrying it easier.

Accessories

There are certain items that you should receive with the best plasma cutter under 500. Some of these accessories include a cutting torch, tips/nozzles, clamp, air filter, air hose, electrodes, and user manual. This will ensure that you have everything necessary to get started.

Conclusion

In order to select the best plasma cutter under 500, you will need to look for a model that is powerful and efficient. It should allow you to make cuts at least 12 to 14 millimeters thick. Make sure that the one you choose has a sturdy overall construction as well. Feel free to drop a comment below so we know what you think about our list.