Many hobbyists find plasma cutters more useful than having a good welder. Plasma cutters give clean and safe cuts on any piece of metal, be it mild steel, steel, aluminum, stainless, or even titanium. As a result, many metal workers choose to use this for their projects.
If you are looking to buy a plasma cutter for your home workshop, then we've got a cheap plasma cutter series for you–the Amico plasma cutter series. In this Amico plasma cutter review, we'll look at different Amico models and highlight their key features so you can make an informed decision before purchasing.
4 Amico Power Plasma Cutting Machines for Portable Projects
Amico Electric was founded in 1995 in California for one mission: to provide cutting machines with a high cutting performance at the lowest possible price. Aside from Amico plasma cutter tips and parts, they also manufacture quality welding machines.
There are seventeen plasma cutting machines under the product line Amico Power. In this Amico power plasma cutter reviews, we've narrowed down four of the best plasma cutters for starting welders and hobbyists.
#1. Amico Power CUT-40
Go for a 40 amp machine that makes impressive cuts than a lower amp machine that can hardly cut thick metals. This 100250v wide voltage plasma cutter is a great machine to practice your cuts.
Price
$269
Product Specifications
- Weight: 18.7 lbs.
- Dimensions: 17.91 x 7.87 x 13.86 in.
- Current range: AC 115-230V
- Nominal DC open circuit voltage: 260V
- Output voltage 104F(40c): 40A / DC-96V
- Duty cycle: 60% at 40A & 100% at 31A
- Air pressure: 30 psi – 60 psi
What's in the box?
- 40 amp plasma cutter machine
- 13 ft. PT-31 plasma cutter gun with consumables
- 11 ft. 600A work clamp and cable
- 110V& 230V power adapter
- Air filter and pressure gauge
- Instructions
Highlights
- Design: Weighing at roughly 19 lbs, the CUT-40 from Amico is the lightest machine on our list. It has an LCD panel, an amperage knob, and a power switch for easy reading and access.
- Cutting quality: It can cut up to 3/4 inches and creates 1/2 inch clean cuts. That's perfect for practicing straight cuts and patterns, whether for hobby or work use.
- Comfort: The torch comes with a heat- and impact-resistant grip for better and safer metal works.
- Value and pricing: If you're reluctant to buy expensive plasma cutters, the CUT-40 can offer you great cuts at an affordable price.
Lowlights
- The PT31 gun included in this plasma cutter can create low-quality cuts if you push its severance cut. Therefore, many hobbyists recommend setting it between 25-30 amp.
#2. Amico Power CUT-50
Do you want the same look as the Amico CUT-40 but deeper, cleaner cuts? The Amico 50 amp plasma cutter offers more power designed to work on 1-inch thick metals.
Price
$279
Product Specifications
- Weight: 21.56 lbs.
- Dimensions: 17.91 x 7.87 x 13.86 in.
- Cutter current range: AC 115-230V
- Duty cycle: 60% at 50A & 100% at 38.7A
- Air pressure: 40 psi – 70 psi
What's in the box?
- CUT 50 machine
- 13 ft. SG55 plasma cutter gun with consumables
- 11 ft. 600A work clamp and cable
- 110V& 230V power adapter
- Air filter and pressure gauge
- Instructions
Highlights
- Design: It has two handles on the top for easy carrying. It also has a front digital LCD panel, showing the air pressure gauge, voltage settings, and the like. Unlike the CUT-40, the Amico 50 Amp turns on by flipping the breaker at the back, since many hobbyists accidentally switch the machine off when it is at the front.
- Cutting quality: It has the maximum severance thickness of one inch and produces 1/2 inch clean cuts.
- Comfort: You don't have to worry about working in extreme heat since it has a durable torch grip. Plus, it fits your hand, allowing you to create even longer cuts.
- Value and pricing: It's an upgrade to the CUT-40 plasma cutter. Adding a few dollars can put a stronger machine in your arsenal.
Lowlights
- Despite its increased amperage, this is still not cut out for big projects. We only recommend it for light-duty industrial applications.
#3. Amico Power CUT-50HF
Do you want to cut rusty or painted metals but couldn't? Say hello to the non-touch pilot arc from Amico. It's versatile and easier to cut through different metal materials with minimal slag so that you can finish work faster.
Price
$379
Product Specifications
- Weight: 24.8 lbs.
- Dimensions: 19.0 x 7.6 x 12.9 in.
- Supply power: 95-260V
- Cutter current range: 230V at 20-50 Amp, 115V at 20-30 Amp
- Duty cycle @104F(40c): 60% at 50 Amp
What's in the box?
- CUT-50HF non-touch pilot arc machine
- 13 ft. (SG-55/AG-60) torch gun assembly
- Work clamp (10 ft. 300A)
- 115 -230V power adapter
- Air filter and pressure gauge
- Instructions
Highlights
- Design: The CUT-50 HF only comes with one handle on top. But it has a more user-friendly interface with high-contrasting colors on the pressure gauge, power, and output current.
- Cutting quality: Thanks to its non-touch pilot arc technology, it can cut flawlessly on rusted and painted surfaces. Compared to the CUT-50, it can make 3/5 inch clean and one-inch severance cuts.
- Comfort: Cutting is faster and easier with the CUT-50HF with its newer interface and non-touch pilot arc gun.
- Value and pricing: The CUT-50HF produces better cuts in different metals faster than the CUT-50HF, with only a hundred dollars more expensive.
Lowlights
- Poor packaging. According to reviews, it looked like someone checked if the unit was working but didn't bother to put it back properly. Luckily, the machine is not damaged.
#4. Amico Power CUT-60HF
If you are looking for a higher amperage with a non-touch pilot arc but still an entry-level machine, try out Amico's CUT-60HF. Even professionals appreciate this compact plasma cutter's performance.
Price
$459
Product Specifications
- Weight: 25.0 lbs.
- Dimensions: 19.0 x 7.6 x 12.9 in.
- Supply power: 95-260V, 50/60Hz
- Cutter current range: 230V at 20-60 Amp, 115V at 20-35 Amp
- Duty cycle @ 104F(40c): 60% at 60 Amp
What's in the box?
- CUT-60HF non-touch pilot arc machine
- 13 ft. (SG-55/AG-60) torch gun assembly
- 10 ft. 300A work clamp assembly
- 230V to 115V power adapter
- Air filter and pressure gauge
- Instructions
Highlights
- Customer Service: It has the most responsive customer service among our picks. If you have missing or defective Amico plasma cutter parts, they'll get back to you within hours.
- Cutting quality: With the right settings, you can cut 4/5 inches like you're slicing butter with a hot knife. In addition, it has a maximum severance thickness of 1.2 inches.
- Comfort: The non-touch pilot arc makes cutting less tiring and faster.
- Value and pricing: Priced at $459, it is the most expensive on our list but with good reason. You get a durable, portable plasma cutter with quality cuts and responsive after-sales support.
Lowlights
- Many beginners find it too pricey that it defeats the purpose of being low amperage and compact.
Conclusion
All of them are top-notch cutting machines suitable for welders who are starting. But if you consider versatility and power, you'd have to go with Amico Power CUT-60HF. It has all the robust features of the first three plasma cutters, combined and leveled up.
That's it for our Amico plasma cutter review! Be sure to check out our other welding reviews and buyer's guide before making your final purchase. Happy welding!
August 8, 2022