How to Choose a Plasma Cutter

Plasma cutting is an intricate affair as there are many factors to consider and different choices of machines to select from. The plasma cutters come in a wide range depending on the type of task you want to perform. It is always important to make the right choice that will give you the best performance and, at the same time, be pocket friendly. You can check out a comprehensive review of the Best plasma cutters for 110V and 220V to be well informed to make the best choice.

The following are factors that can guide you to make an informed decision when looking for a plasma cutter.

Output Power

You need to check the output power level (amperage) of the machine. This is what shows the thickness of the material that the device can cut. Plasma cutters are rated on their output amperage and this gives the optimal range the machine can cut.The thickness range should always align with the material you need to cut, keeping in mind that the thicker the material is, the higher the amperage you will need to cut it.

User’s Needs

You have to know what you need from your machine to choose the right product. This information will make you narrow down on the cutter that fits your needs. Some things to consider include portability, frequency of use, the power source, the material to be cut, and the environment where you will use -on the table or by hand. If you combine all these factors, you will purchase a machine that will give value for money.

Cutting Speed

plasma cuttingKnowing the cutting speed of your machine considering the material you want to cut, helps calculate the output level it will produce. This helps to maintain efficiency and, at the same time, maximize productivity.The manufactures do the calculations and display the information for you to compare a range of machines. As you check the cutting speed, lay special emphasis on Inches per Minute value.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle is the length of time a machine can operate before stopping to cool down within ten minutes. For example, a four duty cycle means that a plasma cutter will run for four minutes and cool down for six minutes. Deep or long cuts require long duty cycles, while small cuts require shorter duty cycles.


With the above  information,  you can easily  purchase a machine that conforms to your requirements.You also need to consider the price since it has to be within your budget.