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How Much Do Plasma Cutters Cost?

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Jacky C

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A plasma cutter is a great addition to any workshop. But how much do they cost? In this blog post, we’ll break down the cost of plasma cutters so you can make an informed decision.

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Prices of Plasma Cutters

Plasma cutters are a great addition to any welding shop. They are versatile and can cut through any metal quickly and easily. But how much do they cost? In this article, we will discuss the prices of plasma cutters so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing one.

Low-end

Plasma cutters can be found for as little as $200, but these units are generally only good for very light-duty work and may not hold up well to extended use. If you’re planning on using your plasma cutter for anything more than the occasional home project, you’ll probably want to spend a bit more to get a better quality unit.

Mid-range

If you’re looking for a quality plasma cutter that will provide you with years of reliable service, then you’ll need to spend a bit more money upfront. Mid-range plasma cutters usually cost between $500 and $1,000, but they offer a lot more in terms of features and performance.

Plasma cutters in this price range are usually capable of cutting thicker materials, and they come with more powerful motors that can switch between 110v and 220v power sources. You’ll also find that mid-range plasma cutters often come with digital readouts, which make it easy to see how much power is being used and how long the current session has been running.

High-end

If you are looking for a high-end plasma cutter, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000. These units will offer more features and capabilities than lower-priced models, and they will be better suited for heavy-duty applications.

-Heavy duty: $1,000-$5,000
-Mid range: $500-$1,000
-Budget: $200-$500

What to Consider When Buying a Plasma Cutter

When it comes to plasma cutters, you get what you pay for. A cheaper model may be tempting, but it may not have the features you need orlast as long as a more expensive model. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are shopping for a plasma cutter.

Cutting capacity

When deciding on a plasma cutter, one of the key considerations is the cutting capacity. This refers to the thickness of the metal that the cutter can handle.

For most home and hobbyist users, a cutter with a cutting capacity of 1/4″ to 3/8″ will be more than sufficient. If you need to cut thicker metal on a regular basis, then you will need to look for a cutter with a higher cutting capacity.

Keep in mind that the cutting capacity is not always linear. For example, a cutter with a 3/8″ cutting capacity may not be able to cut material as thick as two pieces of 1/4″ material. In general, it is always best to get a cutter with more power than you think you will need.

Duty cycle

Duty cycle is one of the key things you need to consider when looking for a plasma cutter. It is a measure of how long the cutter can run before it needs to take a break. A good quality cutter will have a higher duty cycle, which means it can run for longer periods of time before needing a break.

The duty cycle is usually expressed as a percentage, so you will see things like “20% duty cycle at 100 amps” or “60% duty cycle at 40 amps.” This means that the cutter can run for 2 minutes out of every 10 minutes at 100 amps, or 6 minutes out of every 10 minutes at 40 amps.

Amperage

The output of a plasma cutter is measured in amperes, or amps. Amps is a unit of measurement that defines the rate of flow of an electrical current. In general, the higher the amperage, the higher the output of the plasma cutter will be. Plasma cutters typically have an output of anywhere from 30 to 200 amps.

The amperage you will need depends on the thickness of the material you will be cutting. For example, if you are going to be cutting through 1/4 inch steel, you will need a plasma cutter with at least 40 amps of output. If you are going to be cutting through thicker materials, such as 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch steel, you will need a plasma cutter with at least 60 amps of output.

You may also want to consider getting a plasma cutter that has a higher amperage than you think you need. This way, you will be able to cut through thicker materials if you ever need to.

Plasma gas

There are three types of gas used in plasma cutting: compressed air, nitrogen, and argon.

Compressed air is the most common and least expensive type of gas used. It works well for most applications, but can be affected by dust and moisture in the air which can cause problems with the cut quality.

Nitrogen is often used for stainless steel and aluminum because it provides a cleaner cut with less slag. It is also less likely to cause warping when cutting thicker materials.

Argon is often used for aluminum because it provides a very clean cut. It is also less likely to cause warping when cutting thicker materials.

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