Lotos LOP55D
#5 in Over 45 AFull review
A low-cost pilot arc cutter for garage and farm repair on steel up to 1/2 in. It suits buyers who want non-touch starts on rusty metal without spending more.
Amazon $199.98 Lotos $165.98$165.98
The Lotos LOP55D is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 3.9 to 3.8. The Lotos LOP55D leads on value. The Lotos LOP55D costs $103.98 less ($165.98 vs $269.96).
ArcCaptain CUT55 Pro
#7 in Over 45 AFull review
A very light 55 A pilot arc cutter for DIY and repair work on steel up to 1/2 in. It suits buyers who carry the cutter to the job and like app control.
Amazon $269.96$269.96
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 LOP55D for value ($331.96 per inch of rated cut ($165.98, 1/2 in) vs $539.92 per inch of rated cut ($269.96, 1/2 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 LOP55D | ArcCaptain CUT55 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $331.96 per inch of rated cut ($165.98, 1/2 in) | 90 $539.92 per inch of rated cut ($269.96, 1/2 in) |
| Cut 20% | 0 1/2 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 1/2 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 100 60% at full output (55 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 | 50 3-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Lotos LOP55D | ArcCaptain CUT55 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 120/240 V | 120/240 V |
| Maximum output | 55 A | 55 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 1/2 in | 1/2 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 3/4 in | 3/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 60% at 55 A, 40 °C | 60% at 55 A |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Arc start | - | High frequency |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 4 cfm, 60 psi | 5 cfm, 72.5 psi |
| CNC port | No | No |
| Weight | 16.5 lb | 11.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |