Best Plasma Cutters for Metal Art

Do you enjoy cutting metals into various shapes or letters or figures? Metal art is old, but technology has changed the way artists craft something out of sheets and pieces of steel or aluminum. Plasma cutting, for instance, revolutionized metal cutting, making it accurate and efficient. There’s no other tool that cuts metal neatly apart from plasma cutters. 

If you’re taking your hobby to the next level, it’s only right that you look for the best tool for the job. You can also read our comprehensive Plasma Cutter Guide to learn about all of the best plasma cutters on the market.

The following are 5 of the best plasma cutters you can count on for metal art. 

LOTOS LTP5000D 50 Amp Plasma Cutter

This is a powerful compact plasma cutter from LOTOS. Weighing only 19.4 pounds, it’s light enough for you to carry it around. The cutting thickness of 1/2” is more than enough for the average artist or fabricator.

The best thing about this plasma cutter is its non-touch pilot arc, which allows you to cut metals with precision. That means you don’t need to touch the tip of the torch to the workpiece. A pilot arc also eliminates the need for thorough preparation of the metal prior to cutting as it allows your plasma cutter to slice through paint or rust. 

The Lotos LTP5000D is not to be trifled with when it comes to performance. With an output of 10-50 amps DC, it can cut metals up to half an inch thick without any problem. Its severance thickness is rated at 3/4 inch, but don’t count on it if you’re cutting metals that thick. Most plasma cutters would struggle cutting through metals at their severance thickness. Anyway, the cooling system helps provide a stable arc. 

When it comes to portability, it’s one of the best. Again, it’s lightweight and has a gripping handle. Taking it anywhere is not a problem. Indoor or outdoor metal cutting won’t be a health or an environmental issue as this machine uses non-toxic gases.

Miller Electric Spectrum 375 Plasma Cutter

Miller doesn’t disappoint, especially with this X-Treme series plasma cutter rated at 30A. This machine comes with an XT30 torch. It comes with other accessories (e.g. MVP plugs, a shoulder strap, and some consumables).

This is a versatile plasma cutter capable of doing light to moderate metal cutting. It cuts up to 3/8 inch of steel. You can cut sheet metals or truck frames with no issues. The cuts are precise, and precise cuts are ideal for metal art.  

Miller makes durable machines, and this one is no exception. The metal plate may feel delicate, but the whole unit is robust. Also, keep in mind that Miller’s customer service is quite reliable. 

Hobart Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter

One of the good things about high quality plasma cutters is they are lightweight. You would expect these things to be bulky and heavy, but they’re not. Weighing only 21 pounds, the Airforce 40i doesn’t break away from this advantage. It’s 30% lighter than its predecessor, so you know Hobart is constantly improving their offerings. To make it more portable, it has a strap to allow you to take it anywhere.

There are a number of things that enhance the usability of this tool. It’s a pilot arc plasma cutter, so there’s no need to touch the tip to the metal piece. Its long torch allows you to see more of the work area. It also comes with air regulators, so you have more control over the gas flow and usage. 

The Hobart Airforce 40i Plasma Cutter includes features that ensure its longevity. For instance, the self-coolant prevents overheating. Its fan only works when needed. This prevents dust from building up too soon. This machine is also equipped with a wind tunnel to keep dust and debris from getting into the internal components. All these features prolong the lifespan of the device while reducing the need for cleaning and maintenance.

Hypertherm Powermax30 XP Plasma System

The Hypertherm 088079 Powermax30 XP Plasma System is a noteworthy mid-range plasma cutter. There’s really no need to lay down everything that this machine can do. You can check out the specs of this machine, or you can just take comfort knowing this comes from one of the most trusted brands out there.

The cuts you make with this machine are clean and precise even at lower power. One thing you may like about this unit is its Duramax LT Torch, which fits right in your grip. 

Freebies are always great to have. The Powermax30 XP comes with gloves, eye shield, hard carry case, and shoulder straps. It also includes regular and fine tip consumables. With fine tip consumables you can make accurate cuts. Again, we love accurate cuts for metal art. 

This dual voltage plasma cutter is nowhere near disappointing. With a cutting thickness of 5/8” at 220 volts and 1/2” at 120 volts, it’s hard to look elsewhere. In fact, it is impossible to find something better than this within its price range. 

Conclusion 

Many plasma cutters may be good enough for your hobby even though they don’t satisfy the features that make them the best in this regard. The best plasma cutter for metal art is the one you have right now. But if you’re planning to invest in a more capable machine, you can count on any of these machines. 

You might like to read more about multi-process welding machines.