Forney Plasma Cutter Review: Top 3 Models Compared Side By Side

Forney Industries has earned its reputation as the brand that sells industry-standard equipment and tools focusing on a harmony between affordability and serviceability. As a manufacturer of welding machines and supplies, Forney has brought a small line of plasma cutters which aren’t equally popular, but they’ve their appeals to certain groups of users.

Forney’s plasma machines are ideal for automotive repairs, maintenance (farm, ranch, and home), HVAC, plumbing, and metal fabrication with requirements. In this article, we’ve selected 3 plasma models with the capability to help you fulfill light to medium requirements for any of these tasks.

One thing is important to note that none of these machines is compatible with CNC setups. Read our individual Forney plasma cutter review to understand what each model is all about.

Additional Read: Best Plasma Cutters

Forney Plasma Cutter Review With Comparison

All these plasma machines differ from each other in terms of cutting abilities, electrical efficiency, and performance which make one particular model specifically suitable for a group of users. To start with, we’ve put a comparison table.

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1. Forney Easy Weld 251 20P Plasma Cutter

It’s a good choice for absolute starters and experienced operators who look for cutting metals up to 1/4 inch thick on a regular basis and thicker on a few occasions. This thickness is applicable to brass, copper, mild, stainless, and galvanized steel.

For aluminum, recommended thickness shouldn’t be higher than 3/16 inch. For certain materials like steel, you can expect a severance capacity up to 3/8 inch, but you may need to accept a compromise on the frequency of usage to ensure optimal performance and lifespan of the components and consumables.

Inclusion of the pilot arc with HF start is a good thing. You may have higher expectations about the duty cycle. But, it’s typical of a budget model these days. Let’s have a glimpse of the benefits and limitations of the machine.

Pros

• Affordable, compact, and lightweight for easy usability across workplaces
• Diverse cutting capacities and operating range for helping with different applications
• Built-in air dryer for ensuring clean, dry air and pressure regulator for control the flow
• Cooling fan for safe cooling of the machine
• Thermal overload protection for stopping operations in case of undue pressure on the duty cycle
• Post-flow system for increasing consumable life

Cons

• More extended duty cycle expected (lower duration reported)

>>>Forney 20P Plasma Cutter Reviews<<<

2. Forney 325P Plasma Cutter

This particular machine is slightly better than a typical entry-level unit, but not essentially a high-end appliance. That puts in the between the above one and the latter one in terms of specs and price.

If you’re a big fan of flawless cuts, the unit delivers optimal performance as long as the thickness of your chosen metal remains within its recommended limit which is 1/4 inch for steel, brass, copper, and aluminum. Severance thickness is rated at 3/8 inch. So, what makes it better or different from the 20P?

Well, it’s the cut quality and overall duty cycle which is rated at 50% at the maximum amp settings. Also, you may experience better operating controls. For the other areas except the dimensions, weight, and price, we see no significant distinctions.

Pros

• A compact, generator-friendly plasma machine for light to moderate plasma cutting requirements
• Easy setup and troubleshooting (using LED indicators) except for major physical damages
• Drag torch to allow beginners to cut with ease and comfort
• Good duty cycle and electrical efficiency for consistent operation
• Built-in air dryer and pressure regulator for maintaining the flow of clean gas

Cons

• Reported sluggishness while cutting expanded metals
• Not-so-good performance while cutting aluminum

>>>Forney 325P Plasma Cutter Review<<<

3. Forney 700P Plasma Cutter Review

It may not be Forney’s top-of-the-line plasma system, but it’s definitely more capable than the other two options, and hence the cost goes up a lot higher. You can count on the 700P for cutting as thick as 1/2 inch or 12.7mm through steel, brass, and aluminum. Rated thickness for copper can be 3/8 inch. Severance capacity is up to 3/4 inch (19mm).

The unit offers a longer operating duration of up to 60% at 25A. Even better, you’ll benefit from a few automated controls and safety features which add to its overall value. The torch comes with a solid build to let anyone with a little experience handle drag cutting without errors.

Pros

• A generator-friendly plasma machine for moderate to heavy plasma cutting at home or personal repair shops (not essentially commercial tasks)
• Quick setup (no tools required) and troubleshooting (LED indicators)
• Drag torch for ease of cutting
• Thermal overload protection and post-flow timer for ultimate safety and serviceability
• High electrical efficiency (less power drawn but optimal performance ensured)
• Built-in air dryer and pressure regulator for controlling and keeping up the flow of clean air

Cons

• Poor duty cycle at maximum amperage
• So much for a lightweight machine (when carried by one hand)

With the end of the reviews, we’re about to pass a final statement to help you proceed with an awareness of each unit’s worth.

Final Verdict

Needless to say, the Forney 20P won’t be of much use to those who look forward to taking their metal fabrication skills to the next level. Rather, it’s an obvious choice for anything basic and a very reliable one at that.

It’s easy to see where the 325P and 700P models are different. Even though you may want to forget about the price, you can’t simply ignore the fact that they’re useful only when chosen for the right job.

Frankly speaking, the 325P is an upgrade of the 20P and therefore capable of taking more workload (tough or rusty materials) saving you the time for preparing the workpiece. But the 700P is the real game-changer when you want no compromises on the cut thickness and reliability.

Did we leave anything that you think is essential? Don’t forget to share your thoughts. Happy buying!