Lotos LT3500 35 Amp Air Plasma Cutter, 2/5 Inch 10 mm Clean Cut, 110V/120V Input with Pre Installed Air Filter Regulator with NPT Quick Connector, Brown

I was very hesitant to get a cheap import plasma cutter, but simply can’t afford the blue, red, or grey branded ones. I had a large project scheduled and decided to take the plunge. I have been nothing short of thrilled with it! I have only had it for 2 weeks, but can’t stop using it! I have used in on every possible project I can think of just to make sure it breaks within Amazon’s return period if it’s going to break. I have even been using it to cut angle and narrow bar stock instead of using the chop saw. I haven’t even had so much as a hiccup from it and it has worked absolutely flawlessly! The cut capacity stated is actually conservative. I have no problem cutting 1/2” stuff and even did a small piece of 3/4” plate just for kicks. It wasn’t pretty, but it was more than acceptable for just rough cutting or hacking off large bolt heads. Sure beats using an angle grinder! I have used this thing on thick stuff, thin stuff, and everything in between. I have even been using it to rough cut railing bottom brackets instead of using the chop saw just to get some hours on it and it is trucking right along. Just for kicks I even used some scrap sheet and cut out some name plates and mounted them on my dogs’ crates. My wife was thrilled! Consumable life is actually great! I think people that complain about consumable life either have unrealistic expectations or may need to work on their technique. This also uses regular pt31 consumables so no need to use the more expensive Lotos branded stuff, although the consumables shipped with the unit did last longer than the replacement ones I ordered. It actually may be worth getting the Lotos branded ones in the long run although, I haven’t tried nickel plated ones yet. I have no problem recommending this plasma cutter to anyone looking for an inexpensive, but great unit.

I don't have access to 220 volts in my little shop, but I was also worried that the 120 volt would not be enough. The reviews seemed to be good for the most part so I thought I'd give it a try. Please note that a regular 15 amp outlet will not work. My shop has a 30 amp outlet that I use for the camp trailer. Works perfect. The machine was very easy to set up and the air fittings matched what I already had, so we're talking maybe 5 minutes tops. First thing I tried was an old lawnmower blade. Cut right through it. The description says the machine is good for up to 10mm thickness, so I tried a 3/8 steel bar. At the max amperage (35), it cut through it with no problems. I was told that rusty metal could be a problem, so tried an old muffler bracket. Still no problem. I don't plan to use this for any kind of mass production, so I think it's a great machine for the money.

With name brand plasma cutters costing in the thousands – how much can you expect from a $180 plasma cutter? It feels solid. All you’ll need is a compressor and a welding helmet to get started. Consumables for the PT-31 torch are easy to find and cheap. Manual is mediocre, but who needs ones. The LT3500 slices through sheet metal like a hot knife through butter. Nice thin kerf. The lack of a pilot arc is a non-issue – unlike with a stick-welder, the electrode doesn’t ‘stick’ when you strike it; and under 40 amps you supposedly don’t even have to lift it off. However, cleanly cut 2/5” steel? Not with this machine, not in my garage, not even close. Even ¼” steel is a big struggle. I use a dedicated 20 amp 120V outlet (nothing else on that circuit) for the plasma cutter, and a different 120V 20 amp circuit for the compressor. On the max. 35 amp setting, the circuit breaker trips reliably after 5 seconds. At the 25 amp setting, after about 8 seconds. It does work, though, to cut for 4 seconds (or 7 seconds on on the 25 amp setting), let go of the trigger, let things cool down for 15 second, and repeat… but cutting takes a long time if you have to do ½” lengths at a time. I’d recommend the LT3500 if you want to cut *thin* metal – it’s a lot faster and easier than using a hacksaw or grinder. But unless you have a 120V-30 amp outlet in your shop, I 'd look for something else if you plan on cutting anything thicker than 1/8” steel. UPDATE: Installed dedicated outlet with #10 wire and 30 amp breaker: works fine now, even at max. setting. Cuts 1/4" steel plate fairly clean, as long as you are careful with the torch angle and move slowly.

After using the LT3500 on many projects over the last year, I can confidently recommend this and rate it 5 stars. It just works and hasn't let me down. I have never used a plasma cutter before this, but I do some hobby welding. It is very intuitive to use. No issues running it on a 20 amp breaker. Just a shockingly useful tool for the price.