The Ultimate Lotos CT520D Review: 50A Air Plasma Cutter + 200A TIG And Stick Welder

Finding a plasma system for 1/2″ clean cuts or a welding machine for basic metal joining has never been easier. Plenty of choices will overwhelm the mind of those who want to buy a metalworking appliance.

But, the scope becomes narrower as your requirements become so specific as welding thin-gauge metals, e.g. 18-gauge stainless steel or needing the arc on a relatively more consistent basis.

If either of these describes your situation, you’ve got a way around them. Let’s go through this Lotos CT520D review to see how the plasma cum welding machine addresses the needs.

To know more about other options from Lotos check the Lotos Plasma Cutter Review article where we have compared 8 best selling units from the same brand.

Introducing Lotos CT520D

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Sold at a fraction of the price of any high-end plasma cutter, Lotos CT520D combines plasma and welding functions into a single unit to let users cut through and weld steel, aluminum, copper, and other conductive and ferrous materials.

The label says you can expect up to 1/2″ cut and 3/4″ severance thickness along with standard duty cycles during plasma and welding works. So, the versatility that the unit promises should be good enough to draw one’s attention.

In view of the features and technical details, it’s hardly different from LTPDC2000D except only for a pilot arc plasma torch and a higher price.

Who Is This Product for?

Lotos CT520D has been designed for professional uses but at personal workshops where welding or plasma cutting isn’t required for hours. Under the right circumstances and for the recommended requirements, this machine renders you valuable operational time.

Problems You Might Face

Despite being desirable, a foot pedal and consumable set, none of which is included, don’t essentially add to the shortcomings of the machine. Rather, you should concentrate more on the following matters.

How to Choose the Right Consumables?

The manufacturer has made no shortage of consumables for its plasma machines, but the only compatible set for this model is either “LCS33” or “LCS22”. While many other kits like Loots CON40, LCON20, and LC90 may resemble the recommended ones, you need to buy the right one for the desired performance.

Should You Weld Aluminum Using the 200 A TIG Welder?

Although AC current is required for welding aluminum, you can make considerable progress by using helium gas only and having years of experience. Unless you can fulfill both requirements, you should be better off without welding aluminum.

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Pros

• Lightweight 3-in-1 combo machine at affordable prices for both professional and household uses
• HF arc start for welding with precision
• Well-mechanized TIG welder to allow for welding thin-gauge materials
• Quality Stick/MMA welder to bring beautiful and detailed shape
• NPT 1/4″ Type D Plug with Industrial Grade Air Filter Regulator for quick connection to air compressor

Cons

• Short ground cable
• No 220 V – 110 V Converter Pigtail included

Lotos CT520D Review: Features and Benefits

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For an affordable plasma and welding combo machine, CT520D stands out for a few features that yield users great benefits all the way up to a creditable plasma cutting/welding project. Let’s know about them one by one.

Cut Capacities

With this machine, you can cut up to 1/2″ (12.7mm) speeding at 80% of its maximum capacity. Rated severance thickness is 3/4″. Fact is that a lot of units come with the same claim but don’t usually live up to that standard, which is not the case with this one. Its performance is as solidly noticeable as its claim.

However, you can’t really have the same good cut quality under all circumstances. For optimal performance, factors like the correct air pressure, temperatures, and right work material are the keys to getting cuts as clean as 1/2 inch.

3-in-1 Combo

CT520D comprises a plasma torch to facilitate plasma cutting and a TIG torch and Stick welder to permit welding operations. The plasma cutter cuts through aluminum, copper, mild, alloy, and stainless steel while the TIG and Stick welder enables you to weld steel, stainless steel, moly, and a wide variety of ferrous materials.

You need a stable arc for precise welding work, and the arc start has to be good enough for that to happen. Then again, you need to have the air ionized and the gap between the material and tungsten point bridged. These are the tasks best accomplished by a high-frequency arc start.

Including all of these functional capabilities, the TIG torch isn’t just a tool without actual benefits. Its impressive ability to work on thinner-gauge work materials is hard to miss. What’s special about it is that you’ll have happy times welding aluminum.

Duty Cycle

Under the standard settings of temperature at the workplace, you can expect outstandingly long duty cycles: 60% @ 50A and 100% @ 40A.

While tackling TIG/Stick welding operations, the rated duty cycles are 60% @ 200A and 100% @ 150A. Adequate, isn’t it? Actually, this extended duty cycle is one of the reasons why most of the plasma systems and welding machines from Lotos Technology are appreciated.

Foot Pedal Amperage Control

It’s alright to count on a foot pedal for heat control, especially when you’re about to weld aluminum. You can skip this particular part and prepare one yourself, but that may not be compatible with your machine.

Fortunately, this Lotos machine accepts a foot pedal. The inclusion of a pedal would be highly appreciable, but you can still love the unit as it allows for such a control and thoughtful design to let you enjoy flexibility and get comfortable and responsive feelings during any welding task.

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Final Verdict

Has this review been any help to you? Think about the problems that made you look for a plasma and welding machine in the first place.

You want to handle a project that involves welding thin-gauge metals, right? As long as it’s up to 18 gauge, you won’t have a problem. Anything thinner than this, you ought to be cautious to avoid damaging the work material.

No doubt, CT520D is big on duty cycles, but you shouldn’t overdo it unless you’re ready to spend too much on consumables. Choose the recommended foot pedal for flexible amperage control and get the right pigtail. Don’t forget to write to us if more confusions arise.

In the meantime, you can click here to check the latest price of the product.