Most people prefer plasma cutting to other methods because they want to work on medium to thick aluminum and high-alloy steel sheets. The need for precision goes hand in hand with success in this job. Every brand is aware of these facts, but still, you’ll find a few of them like Lincoln Electric to be more accomplished than others.
Lincoln Electric is one of the leading manufacturers of arc welding and plasma cutting appliances. Known for a special attention to overall efficiency and durability, Lincoln has brought a long lineup of plasma cutters with a wide variety of electromechanical features.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our original Lincoln Plasma Cutter review of a few hand-held models for those who are wondering what’s best for their particular demands.
Additional Read: Best Plasma Cutters Reviews
Lincoln Plasma Cutter Reviews
We’ll talk about the specific benefits and limitations of three Lincoln plasma cutters in this section.
Specifications at a Glance (Side by Side Comparison)
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1. Lincoln 20 Plasma Cutter Review
- The Lincoln Electric 20 is recommended for cutting sheet metal to 1/8 in.
- Uses standard compressed air, requiring 3.5 CFM @ 65 PSI.
- Inverter design makes the 21 lbs. unit very portable and ideal for HVAC and autobody work.
- Includes cutting torch assembly with 9.5 ft. reach, ground clamp with 8 ft. cable, power cord and plug.
- Operates on 115V, 20 amp for max. output, 115V, 15 amp for 10-15 amp output.
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Lincoln Electric 20 is the smallest and lightest of all Lincoln plasma cutters but with adequate electrical and mechanical capabilities to cater to the needs of HVAC projects, auto body workshops, contractual works, sheet metal fabrication, and households.
Not essentially cheap, this one comes at a more affordable price than other Lincoln models. The package includes a hand-held torch, 9.5 ft. cable, ground clamp, 8 ft. cable, power plug, and cord, and instruction manual.
Pros
- Inverter design that contributes to a lightweight unit
- Top mounted regulator for ensuring a consistent flow of air pressure
- Energy-efficient fan for cooling the unit to help maintain the maximum duty cycle
- Low air pressure requirements
- Carry handle for easy portability and saddle hooks for cable storage
Cons
- Barely capable of cutting expanded metal with precision
Attention!
- It’s not compatible with a CNC table or machine.
- You’ll have to buy consumables separately. Choose only the recommended set.
Desirable Feature/Quality
- Higher cut thickness and amperage output
- Thermostat overload protection
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2. Lincoln Tomahawk 375 Review
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Country of Manifacturer: Poland
- Manufacturer: Lincoln Electric
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As much as Tomahawk 375 has been crafted to be a performance-driven machine, it’s a feature-rich plasma system that serves diverse needs like onsite maintenance, simple construction works, HVAC (air ducting installation), and demolition. It’s also an ideal unit for rental.
Its ability to cut through metals like aluminum, brass, copper, and steel (mild/stainless) lets metalworking hobbyists and DIY people to look beyond basic plasma cutting. The machine doesn’t allow for gouging metals, though.
The package includes LC25 torch, 10 ft. cable, built-in air compressor with standard connection for an external unit, air regulator, air pressure gauge, water separator, work cable, clamp, consumables, input power cord, shoulder strap, and instruction manual.
Pros
- A portable unit with an internal air compressor
- Reasonable cutting abilities with external compressor connection system for greater precision
- Continuous Output Control for allowing the arc to stay consistent for different thicknesses
- Touch Start for safe arc initiation
- Rapid Arc Restrike for fast and versatile cutting experiences
- Preflow and Postflow functions for great efficiency plus material throughput
- Purge Control system for allowing a control over the airflow requiring no arc initiation
- Over-current along with thermostatic protection for efficient operation
- Parts-in-Place mechanism for facilitating the correct installation of components
- LED indicators for accurate data for power, thermal system, and output
- Built-in water separator for clean and dry air supply
Cons
- Slow cutting rate (travel speed) for stainless steel
- Poor results from cutting aluminum
Attention!
Consider replacing the electrodes as they erode 0.025 inches. Do the same if you see erratic and/or green arc. Make sure you get a full set of consumables (both nozzle and electrode) at the same time.
Desirable Feature/Quality
- Gouging ability
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3. Lincoln Tomahawk 625
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Country of Manifacturer: Poland
- Manufacturer: Lincoln Electric
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Tomahawk 675 is clearly an upgrade to the 375 model, not essentially for a higher price but for enhanced cutting abilities and an added convenience, such as gouging metals.
It’s designed for almost the same purposes in terms of applications and metal supports as those of Tomahawk 375. The good news is that its performance is even more efficient on some occasions, if not always, thanks to the improved torch design.
However, you need to think about purchasing an external air compressor because this model doesn’t include one, and that’s what adds to its few limitations.
The package includes an LC40 hand torch, 20 ft. cable, air regulator, air pressure gauge, water separator, work cable, clamp, consumables (electrode, nozzle, and swirl ring), input power cord, shoulder strap, and instruction booklet.
Pros
- This plasma system offers all the standard benefits of the 375 model. Where it excels is the drag cutting function that gets to be improved.
- Another plus is the duty cycle which can be enhanced with a little effort to keep the surroundings conducive to metalworking. It means you’ll pass more of action time and less of idle time.
Cons
- Difficulty achieving clean and precision cuts through aluminum (skills required)
Attention!
To pursue standard cutting, you have to ensure that the current levels are high and the metal plate is thicker than the usual. All parts required for this type of cuts come included.
For contact or drag cutting, make sure that the amperage settings aren’t high and the plate is thin. Although the package includes most of the consumables required for the job, you still need to buy a special nozzle that is available from the manufacturer.
Since gouging is one of its specialties, you’ll want to try it. Well, buy a special nozzle and a shield cup which are particularly designed for gouging. Get the one from Lincoln.
Desirable Feature/Quality
- A built-in air compressor
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>>>Lincoln Tomahawk 625 Review<<<
Final Verdict
Well, you’ve already learned things that are germane to the understanding of the above plasma cutters. How can you proceed with the purchase? We guess a few clues will come handy in this regard.
Lincoln 20 plasma system is good for those who work at any commercial facility or highly demanding surroundings.
Tomahawk 375 can be an adorable plasma machine for users who are okay with above-average cutting abilities, and need to move a lot for their works and avoid additional costs for air compressors.
Tomahawk 625 is suitable for projects that demand an upper hand for metal thickness up to 1/2 inch or higher.
The brand offers some other products which are more expensive and intended for industrial applications. While choosing these hand-held cutters for reviewing, we’ve taken the target audience, cost, performance, and the features into consideration, and in our professional opinion, every individual will find something useful in these units.
Happy buying!
