Tiny Plasma Cutter: Top Picks 2023

Franklin Foer By, Franklin Foer
Updated
Herocut Plasma Cutter, 45Amp Plasma Cutting Machine
Image credit: Amazon.com

We have a group of professionals in the market research field. They all join hands to survey of tiny plasma cutter in 2023. According to nearly 4,703 reviews from former users, we pick 10 models from well-known brands like Herocut, Lotos, S7, Mophorn, Tooliom, Reboot, Primeweld, Yeswelder, Warfox, Hynade so that you can minimize the product scale more straightforward.

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What to Look For in a tiny plasma cutter?

Actually, when you decide to invest in tiny plasma cutter for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item. 

We’ve highlighted the essential features of the tiny plasma cutter below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:

Weight

When buying equipment, weight is an important consideration. You don't want your equipment to weigh you down. Inverter technology has made most plasma cutters relatively lightweight. A plasma cutter that has an integrated air compressor might weigh a little more, but it will be much easier to transport as all you need is the plasma cutter.

Duty Cycle

The machine's duty cycle is the time it can continue to operate without cooling down. A 35% duty cycle with a fixed amperage and voltage would mean the plasma cutter could run for approximately 3.5 minutes, instead of 10, without needing to cool down. Lower amperage will result in a longer duty cycle. For deep, long-lasting metal cutting, a longer duty cycle with a greater amperage will be more efficient.

Severance Thickness

To cut metal effectively, the plasma cutter must be able to cut up to a severance thickness. The severance thickness will result in a slow cut and the machine not producing enough heat to make a clean-cut. For regular or best results, it is not recommended to cut metal at the thickness of the severance.

Pilot Arc

Plasma cutters with better cutting features will include a pilotarc. This allows you to make cuts without your torch tip coming in contact with any metal. The pilot arc can be used to cut through rusty and painted surfaces. If you plan to cut rusty, or painted surfaces, you will need to wash the spot where the ground clamp is connected. If you are working on metal that has gaps, such as mesh sheets, it is not necessary to stop or start the torch. The continuous arc will keep the torch lit. A pilot arc is a standard feature for most welders, except those made in China.

Consumables

Consumables will cost you an ongoing fee after your plasma cutter is purchased. Consumables include the shield cap, nozzle and shield caps, as well as the swirl ring. Each one has a different life expectancy depending on many variables. However, they will all be damaged when the torch is used to pierce metal or the molten metal returns onto it. Otherwise, the hole must be perfect round. The put depth will affect how the cut is made. Long-lasting consumables are more common for more costly welders. Because of the high quality consumables, Hypertherm machines can be expensive but have low operating costs.

Voltage

The plasma cutters can be used with an indoor power supply that is compatible with 110/115/120V input power. They are ideal for home use or beginners, however they have a limited power output. You will need a plasma cutter with a 220V input if you require more power. This is not compatible with generators. You can choose between two power supply options for your plasma cutter: 110V or 220V. These are my favorites because of their versatility.

Ideal Cut

When choosing a plasma cutter, the first thing to consider is how thick it can cut metal. Consider the thickness of the metal that you will be using most often and search for an optimal cut at this thickness. The machine is capable of cutting mild metal at 10 inches per hour. You won't get as much out of the severance cutter. It will produce less quality results. The ideal cut is the best choice if you want quality cuts.

Safety

Safety should be your top priority. You should read all safety information provided by the plasma cutter. To protect your eyes, make sure to get good safety glasses. Although the arc may not be as strong as welding, it could still cause damage to your eyes. You can try shades 3 and 5 glasses. Avoid synthetic gloves as they may melt or stick to skin. Always use leather gloves. To protect your skin from the sparks and arc, cover your arms, legs and body with durable cotton material. To prevent injuries from metal falling, you should wear steel protection boots while you are chopping.

Built-in Air Compressor

You will need to add an air compressor to most plasma cutters before it can be used. Some plasma cutters have an integrated air compressor. They are more costly but offer more convenience as you don't have to bring your own compressor if you go out into the field. It doesn't require you to connect an air compressor or any other equipment. You can just plug the device in and get cutting. They are worth looking into for a little extra cash.

FAQs

How Do I Choose A Plasma Cutter?

Consider the cost of the plasma cutter and the inputs. Will they provide enough power to cut through the desired thickness?
You should also consider the type of finish you require, as well as whether you prefer a torch with a lead (your project requirements will dictate which lead length you use). Also, you must decide what torch technology you believe will be most effective in achieving the exact cutting you will need as a metal fabricator on the jobsite.

Is A Cheap Plasma Cutter Worth It?

You should not buy a low-quality plasma cutter. It will not deliver the power, durability and quality you need. A plasma cutter with low prices may be able to cut thinner sheets.

How Much Air Pressure Is Needed For A Plasma Cutter?

It is best to buy a compressor with 1.5x the CFM (cubic feet per hour) that the plasma cutter requires. Then, have it delivered at the PSI (pounds/square inch) that the tool needs.
Plasma cutters can operate between 60 and 120 PSI, depending on their output range.

How Much Faster Is A Plasma Cutter?

Plasma cutting is the best method of cutting metal. A good plasma cutter can cut up to 200 inches of metal per minute.
People are still working to increase the speed. Better speed means better products.

Can We Cut Wood Or Plastic With A Plasma Cutter?

It is impossible to cut nonconductive materials. Plastic and wood are both electrically resistant materials.
Prerequisite for the air pressure maintenance and current setting is the metal thickness. To start cutting, bring the nozzle close to the metal.

Why Does My Plasma Cutter Cut On An Angle?

Plasma metal cutters can plasma cut at odd angles for a variety of reasons. These include the following: The torch nozzle is worn; there's insufficient power to thearc; you are cutting too fast for your power rating; there's too much gas going to thenozzle; or the plasma cutter is working too slowly.
It is worth noting, however, that plasma cutters tend to have a slightly "bevel", or angle to cut, of approximately 1-3 degrees. This is due to how the gas jet enters the nozzle. You can decrease this, but it can't be eliminated completely.

What Is Possible To Cut By Plasma Cutting?

Plasma cutting can be done with all electrically conductive metals, as long as there is an electric current circuit running through the workpiece and clamp.
An electric current creates an arc, and the heat from the arc melts metal into ionic plasma. Once it passes through an opening, the plasma expands and speeds up. This causes the air pressure to blow away any molten metal plasma and produce a precise and clean cut.
It can be used to cut metals such as copper, aluminum and brass. The machine can also cut electrically-conductive materials.

How Do You Set Up A Plasma Cutter?

Plasma cutting works on the principle that complete electric current is used. Therefore, a ground clamp will be required. You should choose a safe surface for your workshop that allows you to move freely around the work area.
After rechecking that the compressor is working, it's time to turn on the machine. Connect the compressor to the cutter, and observe the constant flow of air pressure.
Place your workpiece on the table, and attach a ground clamp as close as you can to ensure the best result. Turn on the unit using a flicker and press a button marked power or on/off.

After knowing the suitable kinds of tiny plasma cutter and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy. 

Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on tiny plasma cutter perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!


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