Hobart AirForce 27i
#5 in Up to 45 AFull review
A light dual voltage cutter for sheet metal and steel up to 3/8 in, with Hobart’s long warranty. Buyers who cut thicker steel should step up to the 40i.
Amazon $1,617.99 Cyberweld $1,565$1,565
The Hobart AirForce 27i is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 3.4 to 2.3. The Hobart AirForce 27i leads on warranty, cut and duty cycle. The Forney Easy Cut 255 wins on value. The Forney Easy Cut 255 costs $1,165.01 less ($399.99 vs $1,565).
Forney Easy Cut 255
#12 in Up to 45 AFull review
For occasional auto body, HVAC and thin sheet cutting on a 120 V outlet. Anyone cutting plate should buy a larger dual voltage machine.
Amazon $399.99$399.99
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 Hobart AirForce 27i for warranty (5-year warranty on the machine vs 1-year warranty on the machine), cut (3/8 in rated cut on mild steel vs 3/16 in rated cut on mild steel) and duty cycle (40% at full output (30 A) vs 35% at full output (20 A)).
- Choose the Forney Easy Cut 255 for value ($2,133.28 per inch of rated cut ($399.99, 3/16 in) vs $4,173.33 per inch of rated cut ($1,565, 3/8 in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 45 A plasma cutter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Hobart AirForce 27i | Forney Easy Cut 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 22 $4,173.33 per inch of rated cut ($1,565, 3/8 in) | 44 $2,133.28 per inch of rated cut ($399.99, 3/16 in) |
| Cut 20% | 25 3/8 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 3/16 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 50 40% at full output (30 A) | 38 35% at full output (20 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 50 pilot arc not stated (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 100 5-year warranty on the machine | 0 1-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Hobart AirForce 27i | Forney Easy Cut 255 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 120/240 V | 120 V |
| Maximum output | 30 A | 20 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 3/8 in | 3/16 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 5/8 in | 1/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 40% at 30 A, 40 °C | 35% at 20 A |
| Pilot arc | Yes | - |
| Arc start | Blowback | High frequency |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 5 cfm, 90 psi | 5.5 cfm, 90 psi |
| Weight | 19 lb | 16.4 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |