Last Updated on April 1, 2020 by Gary Hargrave
A lot of people in the welding industry have got past the debate between plasma cutting and Oxy-Acetylene cutting, and if you’re one of them, getting a plasma cutter is probably your next BIG decision.
Once you’re certain to need a unit, you’ll have at least a dozen manufacturers to buy from. Eastwood is one of the few names to come up when a plasma machine is expected to cut through a wide range of metal thicknesses and offer smart features – all at an affordable price.
So, it won’t be a surprise if you are developing an interest for a brand you just learned about. In this article, we’ll talk about a bunch of Eastwood systems and review them instead of putting one Eastwood Plasma Cutter review, so you can choose the right model.
Topics Covered in This Article
Eastwood Plasma Cutter Reviews: 3 Models Analyzed
Unlike some of the rival brands, Eastwood has brought only three units with each offering variable cutting capacities, amperages, etc. Here’s a chart to present you the specifications of each machine.
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Now that you’ve got a quick view of the technical information about the units, you’re about to find our brief reviews of them.
1. Eastwood Versa Cut 20 Review
- Designed Especially For Cutting Automotive Sheet Metal With Speed And Accuracy
- High Precision 0.65Mm Cutting Tip Provides A Narrow Cut With Minimal Slag
- Minimal Air Requirements, Only 3 Cfm @ As Low As 30 Psi
- Delivers A Powerful 15 Amps Of Output To Cut Up To 1/8” Thick Metal
- Operates Anywhere On Standard 110V Current
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It’s an affordable plasma cutter designed with the basic yet variable preferences of hobbyists, DIY, and automotive repair individuals in mind.
You can expect clean cuts through 1/8-inch thick steel and aluminum. Not much of a hi-tech unit, this one comes with a pilot arc that stays on for 3 sec. (±.5 second).
Rated duty cycle is 40% at 15 amps, which can be enough for light plasma cutting needs. The post-flow air keeps on for 20 seconds (±2 sec.) to cool the torch as you release the trigger.
The package includes Trafiment S25K Torch with Supply Line (20′), Power Cord (10′, 120 VAC, 14 gauge), Ground Lead (10′) and Clamp, Extra Electrode and Nozzle, and instruction booklet.
Pros
- High precision torch tip (0.65 mm) for accurate, narrow cuts and a very small amount of slag
- Extremely lightweight with a compact case for easy transportation
- Satisfactory duty cycle for a small plasma cutter
- Minimal air requirements
Cons
- Frequent maintenance required by the torch for optimal cutting performance
Desirable Qualities
- Higher cut thickness and amperage output
Attention!
It’s recommended that you avoid an extension cord to power the unit. Even if one is essential, it shouldn’t be longer than 25′ or 7.5m. Make sure the extension cords come with UL approval, 3 grounded neutral conductors, and 14 AWG or higher.
2. Eastwood Versa Cut 40
- Works With 110V Or 220V Ac Input
- 20' Torch Cable; 10' Ground Cable With Clamp
- Supplied With The Popular Nema 50P Plug, Requiring A Nema 50R Receptacle.
- Duty Cycle: 60% @ 40 Amps ; Torch Tip: 0.1Mm
- Air Requirements: 5-7 Cfm @ 60 Psi ; Rated 40-Amp Output
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It’s slightly better than an entry-level plasma cutter and has been designed to meet the needs of households and small auto body restoration/repair shops. The Trafiment CB50 goes easy on hands in the event of frequent operations.
With the machine, you can handle as thin as 24 gauge and up to 3/8-inch thick metals including aluminum, copper, and steel. The inverter system ensures arc stability through a built-in pilot arc that provides instant arc to cut painted, rusty, and expanded material.
Rated duty cycle for the system is 60% at its full amperage which is adjustable with a dial. A moisture separator comes included to keep the flow of clean, dry air that can be set to appropriate pressure using a conveniently located dial.
The package includes a torch with 20′ supply line, 1′ NEMA 50 240 V – 120 V grounded adapter cord, 10′ ground lead and clamp, face shield, electrode and nozzle, and instruction booklet.
Pros
- Inverter technology for stable arc and cutting performance
- Standard, compact design for portability
- Standard pilot arc for instant arc striking to cut rusty and expanded materials
- Separate dials for adjusting amperage and air pressure
- Voltage-sensing function for adjusting the voltage accurately
Cons
- Short nozzle tip that obstructs the view of the spot being cut
- Poor cutting speed and results for aluminum
Desirable Quality
- Higher cut thickness
Attention!
If the pilot arc keeps spattering, you need to set the air pressure to 60 PSI or below. If it persists, you have to replace the consumables.
>>>Eastwood Versa Cut 40 Review<<<
3. Eastwood Versa Cut 60
This particular model stays on top of all Eastwood plasma cutters in terms of overall performance, efficiency, and price. The Trafimet CB70 Torch is ready to deliver in demanding circumstances.
With the duty cycle rated at 60% and cut thickness up to 7/8-inch, Versa Cut 60 easily satisfies hobbyists in general and professionals in particular where precision and speed matter.
The package includes a torch with 20′ supply line, 10′ ground lead and clamp, face shield, electrode and nozzle, and instruction booklet.
Pros
- A wide range of cut thicknesses with the right amperage and air pressure settings
- MOSFET inverter for adequate current supply during demanding tasks
- Pilot arc with HF start for fast and efficient cutting through tough materials
- Extended duty cycle
- A built-in regulator for easy adjustments of air pressure
Cons
- Short consumable life
- Not-so-good “last-chance” moisture separator
Desirable Quality
- The ability to gouge different metals
Attention!
- Get an additional moisture trap for the internal one may not perform as expected
>>>Eastwood Versa Cut 60 Review<<<
Eastwood Plasma Cutter Buyer’s Guide
Final Verdict
Since we’ve passed separate reviews of all three models to help you choose something, a few more insights are here to make it even easier.
Choose Versa Cut 20 when you’re serious about the budget because you need to do light plasma cutting and your preferred metal is mild steel on most occasions.
Versa Cut 40 comes handy where there’s a need for a machine that both professionals and enthusiasts find useful for both simple and intricate cutting applications.
Versa Cut 60 stands pretty higher than the two other models if budget isn’t a big deal and you’re more serious about cut quality, speed, and durability.
The above specifics can be useful for both knowledgeable and new buyers to reach a good decision while looking for shopping from Eastwood.
Happy buying!
