Lotos LTP5600CD
#8 in Over 45 AFull review
For mobile repair and field cutting where no air compressor is on hand. Shop users who already own a compressor get more for the money from a cutter without one.
Amazon $599.98 Lotos $499.98$499.98
The Lotos LTP5600CD is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 3.7 to 3.6. The Lotos LTP5600CD leads on warranty and cut. The ArcCaptain CUT55 HF wins on value. The ArcCaptain CUT55 HF costs $269.99 less ($229.99 vs $499.98).
ArcCaptain CUT55 HF
#11 in Over 45 AFull review
A low-cost 55 A pilot arc cutter for home shops cutting steel up to 1/2 in. Pick a non-HF model if it will sit next to electronics or a CNC table.
Amazon $229.99$229.99
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Lotos LTP5600CD for warranty (3-year warranty on the machine vs 2-year warranty on the machine) and cut (5/8 in rated cut on mild steel vs 1/2 in rated cut on mild steel).
- Choose the ArcCaptain CUT55 HF for value ($459.98 per inch of rated cut ($229.99, 1/2 in) vs $799.97 per inch of rated cut ($499.98, 5/8 in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 45 A plasma cutter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Lotos LTP5600CD | ArcCaptain CUT55 HF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 77 $799.97 per inch of rated cut ($499.98, 5/8 in) | 95 $459.98 per inch of rated cut ($229.99, 1/2 in) |
| Cut 20% | 17 5/8 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 1/2 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 100 60% at full output (56 A) | 100 60% at full output (55 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 100 pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 50 3-year warranty on the machine | 25 2-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Lotos LTP5600CD | ArcCaptain CUT55 HF | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 120/240 V | 120/240 V |
| Maximum output | 56 A | 55 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 5/8 in | 1/2 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 3/4 in | 3/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 60% at 56 A, 40 °C | 60% at 55 A |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Arc start | - | High frequency |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | Built-in compressor | 72.5 psi |
| CNC port | No | No |
| Weight | 36 lb | 19.8 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |