Everlast PowerPlasma 52i
#3 in Over 45 AFull review
For a home or farm shop cutting up to 1/2 in steel on 240 V that wants a pilot arc and a long warranty. The dual voltage input lets it trim sheet metal on a household outlet too.
Amazon $799$799
The Everlast PowerPlasma 52i is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 4.2 to 3.5. The Everlast PowerPlasma 52i leads on warranty, pilot arc and cut. The Lotos LT5000D wins on value. The Lotos LT5000D costs $659.02 less ($139.98 vs $799).
Lotos LT5000D
#15 in Over 45 AFull review
A budget touch-start cutter for clean steel up to 1/2 in in a home shop. Buyers who cut rusty, painted or mesh stock should pay more for a pilot arc.
Amazon $199.97 Lotos $139.98$139.98
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 Everlast PowerPlasma 52i for warranty (5-year warranty on the machine vs 3-year warranty on the machine), pilot arc (pilot arc vs no pilot arc) and cut (3/4 in rated cut on mild steel vs 1/2 in rated cut on mild steel).
- Choose the Lotos LT5000D for value ($279.96 per inch of rated cut ($139.98, 1/2 in) vs $1,065.33 per inch of rated cut ($799, 3/4 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 | Everlast PowerPlasma 52i | Lotos LT5000D |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 67 $1,065.33 per inch of rated cut ($799, 3/4 in) | 100 $279.96 per inch of rated cut ($139.98, 1/2 in) |
| Cut 20% | 33 3/4 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 1/2 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 100 60% at full output (50 A) | 100 60% at full output (50 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 0 no pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 100 5-year warranty on the machine | 50 3-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Everlast PowerPlasma 52i | Lotos LT5000D | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 120/240 V | 120/240 V |
| Maximum output | 50 A | 50 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 3/4 in | 1/2 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 15/16 in | 3/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 60% at 50 A, 40 °C | 60% at 50 A, 40 °C |
| Pilot arc | Yes | No |
| Arc start | Blowback | Contact |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 5 cfm, 75 psi | 3.6 cfm, 65 psi |
| CNC port | Yes | No |
| Weight | 32 lb | 20 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |