How long has it been since you first bought your reciprocating saw? You can get away with using a metal-cutting blade to go through mild steel and alloy steel. However, you cannot depend on the reciprocating saw for more complex and sophisticated cuts. For instance, if your welding project requires smooth curved cuts, a reciprocating saw will produce a less-than-ideal output.
That's why you may need an upgrade.
It's high time for you to take home a plasma cutting machine with you. Using such a powerful cutting device, you can work with various metal and steel materials (such as aluminum, alloy steel, and stainless steel) and achieve the ideal clean cut. Moreover, no matter how complex the cuts you have to make, you can easily do so with near-perfect quality.
Keep reading to discover our best pick for your first plasma cutter!
Which 110 Volt Plasma Cutter Should I Buy?
Don't go buying a Miller 110 plasma cutter just yet! We know how this plasma cutter from a well-known and reputable brand in the metal fabrication industry seems like the go-to choice for fabricators. However, as a cash-strapped and novice metal fabricator, you should be more discerning about buying your first plasma cutting machine.
But, then, who knows, you might be missing out on a hidden gem! The Tooliom TL-50C could be your first plasma cutter! This cutter will meet your expectations without costing you thousands of dollars. Read more and see for yourself how this compares to its rivals!
Tooliom TL-50C Specs at a Glance:
- Available on Amazon for $269.99
- Delivers a maximum output of 50 amps
- Performs at a 60% duty cycle rating
- Accepts 110-volt power sources
- Capable of cleanly cutting metal with up to 1/2-inch (12.7 millimeters) thickness
- Weighs around 13 pounds (5.89 kilograms)
- Can cut metal workpieces with less than perfect surfaces
- Saves consumables by utilizing non-touch arc
- Works with an adapter for 220V power outlets
- Comes with safety features certified by ETL
What’s in the Box:
- Tooliom TL-50C plasma cutting machine
- Plasma cutting torch
- 110V to 220V adapter
- 100-feet ground clamp
- 8-feet gas hose
- Air pressure regulator
- Electrodes (3)
- Nozzles (2)
- Tips (3)
- Brush
- Instruction manual
Saves Consumables
Other cutting processes such as oxy-fuel have the advantage of being inexpensive upfront. You don't have to spend too much on the proper equipment and the appropriate fuel. However, plasma cutters are expensive, and their consumables can quickly cost you more money over time.
Equipped with a non-touch pilot arc torch, the Tooliom TL-50C prolongs the lifespan of its consumables. In addition, since you no longer have to replace your consumables as frequently as those plasma cutters with no pilot arc feature, the Tooliom plasma cutter saves you money and becomes more cost-efficient as time goes by.
Works on Imperfect Surfaces
If you see yourself frequently working with metal material with imperfect surfaces, you will surely love the non-touch pilot arch feature of the Tooliom TL-50C. The non-touch pilot arc lets you cut through metal material and achieve the ideal clean cut without touching the metal workpiece. So, for instance, you can easily work on sheet metal that has been painted over or covered with rust with little to no problem.
Lightweight and Compact
Looking at the Miller plasma cutter (110 volts), you might appreciate how compact and lightweight it is. Surely, such a portable plasma cutting machine will help save space and improve your workflow. Weighing at around 13 pounds (5.89 kilograms), the Tooliom TL-50C is incredibly easy to carry around. In addition, you can find its lightweight design useful, especially when working on large welding projects.
Drawbacks
Based on submitted customer reviews, the Tooliom TL-50C looks like it suffers from quality control issues. For example, many customer reviews say that the plasma cutting machine fails after starting the plasma arc a few times. Others even report that their plasma cutter didn't start at all. Hopefully, you can count on the manufacturer's warranty and after-sales support to address these concerns if it ever happens to you.
Aftersales
In the unfortunate case where you have to return the Tooliom TL-50C, you can do so within 30 days of purchase. If you encounter anything wrong with the unit, document the problem and ensure that the packaging and its contents remain in perfect condition. Tooliom will issue a full refund after it has inspected the returned unit. Unfortunately, they will deduct a 10-percent stocking fee from the total refund amount.
Alternatives
Did you not find the features you are looking for? Or did some of the shortcomings of the Tooliom TL-50C turn you off? If you are still searching for other 110-volt plasma cutters to check out, you can take a look at the following Tooliom TL-50C alternatives. Some of these alternatives are in the same price bracket as the Tooliom plasma cutter, while others will have you spending a little bit more.
LOTOS LT5000D
Designed by a company known for its reliability and build quality, the LOTOS LT5000D can cut through different mild steel and aluminum metal materials. In addition, it exhibits a compact and portable design, perfect for fabricators who need to move around a lot and bring their equipment with them. The dual voltage feature complements the portable design as it lets you plug into most electrical power outlets.
You can also check out the LT3500 35 amp 110 voltage air plasma cutter from the same manufacturer.
YESWELDER CUT-55DS
While it does cost more than a hundred dollars more than the Tooliom TL-50C, the YESWELDER CUT-55DS shares many of the specs and features found on the former. First, it comes with overload, overheating, and overcurrent protection, all certified by ETL. Lastly, like the Tooliom plasma cutter, the Yeswelder plasma cutting machine features a non-touch pilot arc that prolongs consumables' lifespan.
FLARING FC-500D
Built with a dual voltage configuration, the FLARING FC-500D works with 110-volt and 220-volt power outlets. However, it only has a maximum severance cut rating of 10 millimeters when running on 110 volts. Moreover, it features an upgraded torch with a heat-resistant rubber material for extra safety. It also has an extended cable length of 16 feet to allow greater flexibility and freedom of movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
New fabricators like you probably have many questions about owning and operating a plasma cutter. We have gathered some of the most common questions that new metal fabricators ask. These questions cover the basic things that you may stumble upon when setting up and operating your brand new plasma cutting machine for the first time.
What Can a Plasma Cutting Machine Be Used For?
If you are a metal fabricator, you know how welding or joining metal workpieces together isn't enough. To do a successful project, you need to cut the metal workpiece into sizes and shapes according to your designs. As such, a creative fabricator like you will see the countless potential that such a sophisticated piece of equipment unlocks.
For instance, you can make metal signages for your home or workplace due to how precise a plasma cutting machine can be. Creative professionals use handheld plasma cutters to make metal sculptures. But, of course, you can still use the plasma cutter for more practical projects.
Which Kind of Metals Can a Plasma Cutting Machine Cut Through?
The rule of thumb is that most, if not all, conductive metals can be used with a plasma cutter. Mild steel, aluminum metal, stainless steel, and alloys such as cast iron, copper, and brass are all examples of materials that work with a plasma cutter. Meanwhile, you cannot use a plasma cutter to cut through non-conductive materials like manganese and tungsten due to their poor electrical conductivity.
Can a Plasma Cutting Machine Be Used to Weld?
Cash-strapped fabricators may find buying separate machines for their weekend projects expensive and impractical. If you are one of them, you might be happy to hear that there is an alternative to spending your hard-earned cash on two expensive pieces of equipment. Some machines on the market combine the functionalities of a welder and a cutter. As a result, these two-in-one machines offer a greater value for those who are low on cash.
How Long Do Plasma Cutter Consumables Last?
If you are anxious about frequently buying consumables, better consult the plasma cutter's manual. The manual provides accurate information regarding the operation of the machine, including how fast it goes through consumables. Remember, if you use the torch less frequently, the longer your consumables will last. Likewise, you can prolong the life of your consumables if you use the machine at a lower current.
Final Thoughts
A plasma cutter completes your essential metal fabrication toolkit. As such, you cannot cheap out on this very important piece of equipment. That's why you should consider the Tooliom TL-50C as your first plasma cutter. It has an impressive set of specs and features and, most importantly, a price tag affordable enough for most new fabricators.
If you crave more fabrication news and product reviews, visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!
July 18, 2022