Plasma Cutters

I have included a few pictures of my first cutting project with my new Lotos LTP5000D that I got yesterday evening. I am making a type of hanger that goes outside by the front door. It will be a half circle with a circular image hanging in the middle of it. I had to use a plate from the kitchen to go around with the cutter - it was unbelievably easy! The half circle I had to do by hand - and had to clean it up with the grinder...but I expected that. Next I'll cut out the design that goes in the circular part, and then hang it within the half circle, weld a mounting plate to the half circle, and probably hang it outside. I am using 1/8" flat plate steel. I have a rather large, older plasma cutter I picked up at Harbor Freight many years ago. I tried to use it about 6 months ago and it's not working. I am getting back into metal work in the garage and wanted to get a new, portable plasma cutter. 3 days ago, I went to the 2 big box stores (L. & H.D.) and was disappointed to find that they don't even carry them in the store. I'm glad now that they don't. When I got back home, I went online and started reading info and reviews on diff. machines. Initially I looked at a couple in the $150-180 range on Amazon, but decided to spend more and get a much better one. I didn't know what pilot arc was but I ended up buying the Lotos LTP5000D...and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! My 220 in my garage I and a friend put in many years ago when I got my first plasma cutter. However, the 220 plug on the Lotos is the 3-prong circular pattern plug, which doesn't match my existing outlet. I looked at different ways to make it work, and eventually decided on this: I bought an adapter that has the circular female side and the male side is the two vertical blades (one wider than the other) and the round piece. I also ordered a matching 3-prong outlet, which I wired in place of the existing 220 outlet. It was simple...the two 110 hot wires to the two blades, and the ground (green) to the round one. I did have to go to Lowes this am to get a mounting box to install it. Found one cheap, got it installed, and started cutting metal. Yesterday, I had used the circular plug with the 220 to 110 pigtail and it worked fine...the first time with low amps because I was cutting out the bottom of an old coffee can to make a shroud for a small fan. Problem after that was that I popped the power strip when I was using higher amps and my compressor kicked on. I then plugged the plasma cutter into a different outlet, but twice when the compressor started while cutting, the whole garage power went out. That's when I knew for sure I needed to get my 220 line working, since it's a dedicated line that doesn't affect any other power in the house. Since it's been many many years since I've actually used a plasma cutter, it is taking me a little bit to get back up to speed, but this Lotos unit really makes it easy. And it works so much better on 220! I was nervous that my compressor would have a hard time keeping up, but to my surprise and pleasure, I've found that even running at 42 amps with the psi set around 55-60, when the compressor does kick on, it still is at about 90 in the tank, and only runs for about less than a minute. I'm so glad - don't want to buy a different compressor! Also, that pilot arc is awesome! I can see it really saving me on consumables - with my old plasma cutter, I had to get the torch down to touching the metal, which created a lot of blowback. With this one, I can start the arc much higher and work it in. Also, with the power of this machine, I can start the tip right on the metal and punch through the metal instantly...without the blowback on me or on the torch tip. This will definitely save money by making the tips and the electrodes last longer. So I'd say that after spending $335 on the cutter and about $70 on the pigtail and set of consumables, coming in around $443 for everything, and getting my cutter about 48 hours after ordering it, I am extremely pleased with the purchase. I can't speak for longevity or durability yet, but I can say that the cutter feels solid and well built, and the cords (ground and power/air/arc power combo) seem very durable and capable. For apparent quality, ease of use, and performance, I could easily give this many more stars - if that were possible. I can't say enough about the looks, the feel, and the performance so far with this machine. I've learned the hard way that products can start out amazing and then develop problems, so I can't speak for longevity as yet. But in the short (1 day) time I've been using it, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase, and would highly recommend the Lotos LTP5000D to anyone just starting plasma cutting, needing to switch/upgrade from a current machine, or simply needing a second plasma cutter around the shop or in the truck (this thing is LIGHT - compared to my MIG welder, and especially compared to my stick welder!!! oh...and I can't speak for customer service since I haven't had to contact them - and hope I never do. Get this plasma cutter!!! If it runs as good and easily as mine has so far, you won't regret it!!

I wanted to get a plasma cutter for my next Mustang project. I checked around a lot and settled on the Lotos LTP5000D. I wanted the pilot arc function and it's a 50 amp, dual voltage machine that's supposed to cut 1/2". I read a lot of reviews and also checked out some on-line welding publication articles. The LTP5000D kept popping up on "best of" lists mainly as best value or best performance out of a low buck machine. Time to take a chance so I bought the machine. Before using it, I checked out some youtube un-boxing and first use videos. One guy melted the ground cable, most probably because his ground location wasn't cleaned up where he connected it. I pretty much echo the comments of the videos I watched. The machine is small and lightweight, which is good. The power and ground cables are too short. After talking to an electrician, I purchased 25 feet of 10-3 SOOW cord to make a new power cord. I have 220V in my garage so I also had to replace the turn and lock plug that came with the machine. About $75 extra so far but that's fine with me. I plan on changing the ground cable in the future. I wanted my first test to be substantial. I found a 5"X5", 3/8" thick, 14' long box beam at a salvage yard that I'm going to use to make a frame table for the Mustang project. I wanted to cut it in half lengthways to make two C-channel beams. The little wire stand-off that came with the torch to keep the tip off the work is not very effective. I made a sled out of 1-1/2" square tubing that allows the torch tip to stay about 1/8" off the work surface and slide along a straight edge. I set the air pressure to the recommended 75 PSI and started the amperage at 35. I ended up putting the pressure up to about 85 and the amperage to 50. I'm new to plasma cutting so it does take some getting used to. It took me about 20 minutes per side to make the cuts. The cuts were good for my ability. Go too fast and there will be slag build up. I ground the rust off the ground location and the ground cable never heated up. The longer power cable worked well too. All in all, I think this is a good machine for the money for what I'll need it for. No way was I going to pay $1500 or more. I also purchased some extra consumables. The 40 piece set for just under $100 dollars also on Amazon. I've heard some guys say they were able to find this on other sites like Newegg for under $400 but being in Hawaii, Amazon's free shipping is a deal maker.

Lightweight and compact. Best in class for the price no question. LOTOS is a USA company out of California. Excellent customer service over phone. Easy plug n play setup. Max settings at 58A, 65 psi, 2.5 cfm flow. Will work nicely at low pressure on a typical 1/4 NPT pancake compressor. Includes x2 extra nozzles and electrodes. Make sure you buy the proper 5000D compatible consumables for this 5800D unit. Fyi...you can get the consumables here on AMZN or at HDepot online which is great for contractors using their discount. LTP5800D is worth the small money upgrade to bump up to 58A power. BUYING HACK = Wait to buy your accessories after you purchase and register your product warranty on the LOTOS website. You'll get a -20% off code to use on accessories and consumables factory direct. What I did to buy an extended ground clamp. OEM is imo too short at 6.5ft long for proper standoff. Buy the 19ft ground on LOTOS website free ship under $23 with code delivered. Must have or you're gonna slag your new unit placing it on ground that close to your cutting. Bought this to split my 25 year old boiler seams for disposal. Wouldn't budge with sledge and chisel. This took me 15 minutes with my new LOTOS plasma to make +$60 back on the scrap factored into my original purchase price. -1 Star because I bought the extended ground clamp I feel should be standard equipment or at least 13ft long matching the proper torch whip length. This should be a lifetime plasma cutter for average residential/light commercial usage.

I was pleasantly surprised when this plasma cutter arrived and functioned as promised. For the price I paid (which appears to have gone up quite a bit) I expected it to work, but I also expected it to work not as good as advertised. I was ready to settle because I needed a plasma cutter, but was not ready to spend big bucks on one yet. When I initially unboxed the unit I was surprised at how small and compact it is. My first thought was "No way this tiny thing will cut 1/2 inch steel." Turns out it does. And makes a pretty decent cut too! So I cut a few scrap pieces of steel, and it worked flawlessly. Ok, maybe this really is a great plasma cutter? Now I had a few projects on my list. The first was cutting some 3/8 inch AR400 steel to make pistol targets. The first one I cut was not very good. The cut was beveled horribly and the slag was just brutal on the back side of the cut. But before I passed judgment I needed to cut this AR400 on a flat table. You see I had the sheet of AR standing upright, it weighed over 250 pounds and I was alone that day, so moving it was not an option. The next day I had my son help me lay the sheet flat and I commenced to retrying the initial cut. I increased my airflow to 100psi (had a long hose connecting to the plasma cutter so I was factoring in for air pressure drop) and I also used a clamped on straight edge as a guide. Well that cut came out great! I did a slight clean-up on the cut using a grinder, but I was very happy with the quality of the cut. This machine is actually what it is advertised as. It is weird that I should be surprised by that, but you and I both know many companies have a tendency to over promise and under deliver. Plasma cutters use consumable tips which wear out quickly based on amperage, contact with the surface, and air quality. Keep the tip clean and off the work surface and they will last longer. Most importantly keep your air supply dry. Moisture in your compressed air will cause arcing in your tip wearing it out much faster. On my set-up I have a very large compressor which then runs through black steel pipe around the perimeter of my garage. That helps to cool the air and drops out a lot of the condensation. At my regulator, which is 45 feet of pipe away from the compressor I have an air drier. That hooks to my air hose and runs to a second air drier attached to the back of my plasma cutter. I am pretty confident I am getting some dry air to my machine. It really makes a big difference. I have cut angle iron, steel plate up to 1/2 thick, steel tubing, thin sheets of steel and even 1/8 aluminum diamond plate. All of the cuts came out great. I am very happy with this machine. The only problems I have had so far are cutting thick steel plate vertically does not give a great cut, so lay it down flat. the second problem is I am not that great at cutting freehand. the machine cuts where i put the tip, but my skills are not so great there. So I spend a little time making jig and then use that as a guide when I need to cut multiples of a certain design. Works great using a cutting guide.

I have always wanted a Plasma Cutter. Up until now they have been beyond my reach due to the cost. Most brand name entry models are $1,200 to $1,500! That is a lot of money for a hobby, week end user. I read an advertisement for Lotos and noted it was $400 for their entry model or $500 for a Pilot arc plasma cutter. Their consumables were also more than half of their competitors. I began an extensive internet search of plasma cutters. Lotos came out a head of most plasma cutters there's costing two to three times more. Many of their warranties were less inclusive that Lotos. My final decision to purchase the Lotos plasma cutter was the fact that Amazon offered the product and they are backing my purchase. When I placed my order I was given a date it would arrive. I am happy to report it arrived two days earlier. The package was in good condition. I opened the box and the Plasma Cutter was packed in foam - safe and secure. All accessories were included as required. A review of many other reviews reveals that the directions are sparse. My experience was the same. However, a quick review of YouTube video shows it is an easy setup. There were many comments regarding lack of documentation for grounding the machine on the rear of the unit. I used a jumper cable and connected a copper connector to bolt it to the unit and the other end to a water pipe,( a week later I grounded it to a 5 foot copper rod in ground). It works fine. My workshop has 110 volt plugs. I went to Home Depot and purchased an industrial plug for under $7.00. The directions with the unit were excellent - it went together in less than 5 minutes. If you wanted to connect to 220 volts you would get that plug. The unit detects the voltage change an the machine acts accordingly. Lotos includes two barbed connectors to connect plasma cutter to the air gauge and to your compressor. Many people complained about air leaking from the connections. I purchased a quick connect from Home Depot as well as better clamps. Buy them in the beginning - save yourself the aggravation! The directions on the unit call for installing the air gauge backwards? I made a new bracket so it faces the front so I can see the air pressure went I am getting ready to cut. Many reviewers had questions/concerns regarding how large a compressor they would require to maintain a good plasma arc. I have a thirty gallon compressor and a small pancake compressor. However I was concerned regarding having hoses across the floor of my shop. I purchased a welding cart and 4 gallon compressor from Harbor Freight and a short air hose and now I have a compact unit I can roll around the shop without cluttering up the floor. 4 gallons is more than adequate to cut sheet metal which is why I bought the machine. Many people were concerned that in the 110 volt mode it would not work well. My intended purpose is to cut sheet metal for hobby projects. It works well for those jobs. If you want to cut anything thicker than 16 gauge 220 volts would be best. I opted for the Pilot arc cutter. It was a good decision. The torch handle has a wire cradle that keeps the metal and torch a predetermined distance for cutting. No need to strike the tip against the metal to begin cutting,(that also means you are not damaging the tip each time you fire up the cutter which does reduce the life of the consumables). Once you have your work set up, the work and machine grounded, press the button on the torch and you are cutting metal. You'll need a bit of practice so your cuts are straight. Don't be afraid to use a guide - cuts will then be perfect. NOTE: many videos show the operator cutting without proper clothing, eyes protection or gloves!! That is crazy!! Once you hit the switch and start cutting metal the sparks will begin to fly. Protect yourself and the environment from burn/fire hazard. While it is important to purchase a quality Plasma cutter. It is equally as important to purchase good quality consumables. Consumables are the business end of a plasma cutter. One of the deciding factors in choosing Lotos Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter is the cost of consumables. Other major brands of consumables charge 2-3 times as much as Lotos. On a personal note: I have recommended my friends purchase a Lotos Plasma cutter. What a great toy, I mean tool!!

Worked wonderfully for about minutes, then would not do anything. We returned the defective unit and they promptly shipped out a new one. Excellent customer service, new one works well. Highly recommend this company and would purchase again.

Very fine plasma cutter. Easy to set up and getter done machine. Cut through 3/16” steel quite swiftly. For the price it does a fine job. Company representatives are on top of everything I sought them for. Great communication and very attentive. All in all, it’s a great unit without breaking the bank.

Okay, I have owned two Hypertherm models in the past 15 years and am kind of comparing this one to what I have personally experienced with Hypertherm. I have owned a Hypertherm that was rated at 1/2 sever and one that was rated at 1" sever. this unit falls in the middle, rated at 3/4 sever. First, weight. This is MUCH lighter than either of the two Hypertherm units I owned. I have only been using it with 240 volt supply. Easily about 25% the weight and once warm weather comes around I plan on testing this extensively with 120 and 240 volt on a pile of metal I need to "clean up". First, this has the "pilot-arc", which is supposed to allow you to start the torch cutting with out actually touching the work. So far, this ONLY works in a very few and exacting conditions: the metal has to be very clean (no paint, no rust) and the torch head needs to be EXTREMELY close (almost touching) for this to actually work. With the included stand-off attachment, I get the the plasma flow to actually start about 1 out of every 20 to 25 attempts, and this is VERY frustrating. I finally gave up and took the stand-off off the torch head and just did drag cuts. This will wear out the tips faster but it also means *I* can work faster with out screaming. Speaking of this, I ordered the extra consumables; one because they are "consumables" and two, the ceramic cap on the torch head STRIPPED because I was rotating the stand-off on it. NOTE: the factory included ceramic cap is ALL ceramic, including the threads and strips if you even think of tightening it an extra 1/16 of an inch!! Now I have the consumables pack and, guess what?, the included ceramic cap has a brass inset for the threads !! Great improvement, how about including one for FREE with the unit? Okay, onward. My unit came in the factory box, no additional packaging, should have been okay but I have a bend in the front edge of the machine where the corner of the box was crushed. Bad ShIpping ! Unit is packed with an upper and lower foam padding, but somehow, something hit between these and cause and deflection in the sheet metal of the unit. Cosmetic and I am not going to cry about it. This is where some of the money is saved between this and Hypertherm. Hypertherm is heavy because of the frame and the much larger inverter, this unit uses thinner/lighter guage metals and obviously a smaller inverter (but in 15 years, smaller may be equal). Cutting: Down to the nitty gritty. I first cut some very thin sheet metal and had no issues at all, very nice. I was using about have output and 35psi. Then I got out a 3/4 piece of plate steel (my makeshift anvil) and cranked it up to 50 and 70psi. I will sever, it is slow (as to be expected) and not the cleanest but definitely a usable cut. Since the initial testing I have been cutting some 4" wide by 1/4 thick plate for a project and am very happy once I quit trying to get the pilot-arc to work for me. Drag cutting on the 1/4 was MUCH better than trying to use the stand-off attachment, plus, side the threads on the ceramic cap stripped, the attachment like to move too much. I would say that this is well worth the money and for my occasional use, should last me the rest of my years ;^) Lotos: Give us the brass threaded ceramic cap with the unit and improve the pilot-arc