Everlast PowerPlasma 82i
#1 in Over 45 AFull review
For a fabrication or farm shop that regularly cuts 3/4 to 1 in steel and has the 240 V power and compressor to feed it. It costs far less than the big brand 80 A machines.
Amazon $1,269$1,269
The Everlast PowerPlasma 82i is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 4.7 to 3.5. The Everlast PowerPlasma 82i leads on value, cut and duty cycle. The Everlast PowerPlasma 82i costs $2,906 less ($1,269 vs $4,175).
Hypertherm Powermax 65 SYNC
#16 in Over 45 AFull review
An industrial 65 A cutter for farms, trailer builders and shops that cut 3/4 in plate often. It is more machine than most home shops need.
Amazon $4,175$4,175
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 82i for value ($1,015.20 per inch of rated cut ($1,269, 1 1/4 in) vs $5,566.67 per inch of rated cut ($4,175, 3/4 in)), cut (1 1/4 in rated cut on mild steel vs 3/4 in rated cut on mild steel) and duty cycle (60% at full output (80 A) vs 50% at full output (65 A)).
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 82i | Hypertherm Powermax 65 SYNC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 69 $1,015.20 per inch of rated cut ($1,269, 1 1/4 in) | 12 $5,566.67 per inch of rated cut ($4,175, 3/4 in) |
| Cut 20% | 100 1 1/4 in rated cut on mild steel | 33 3/4 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 100 60% at full output (80 A) | 75 50% at full output (65 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 100 pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 100 5-year warranty on the machine | 100 6-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Everlast PowerPlasma 82i | Hypertherm Powermax 65 SYNC | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 240 V | 240 V |
| Maximum output | 80 A | 65 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 1 1/4 in | 3/4 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 1 7/16 in | 1 1/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 60% at 80 A, 40 °C | 50% at 65 A, 40 °C |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Arc start | Blowback | - |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 8 cfm, 75 psi | 7.5 cfm, 85 psi |
| CNC port | Yes | No |
| Weight | 53 lb | 61.7 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 6 years |
| Released | - | 2022-01 |