The Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 3.1 to 2.3. The Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air leads on warranty, duty cycle and cut. The Forney Easy Cut 255 wins on value. The Forney Easy Cut 255 costs $959.01 less ($399.99 vs $1,359).
For repair work on 230 V where hauling a compressor is a nuisance, cutting steel up to about 5/16 in. Buyers who already own a compressor get thicker cuts for less from a 40 A machine.
Amazon $1,359For occasional auto body, HVAC and thin sheet cutting on a 120 V outlet. Anyone cutting plate should buy a larger dual voltage machine.
Amazon $399.99Prices 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.
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 | Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air | Forney Easy Cut 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 20 $4,348.80 per inch of rated cut ($1,359, 5/16 in) | 44 $2,133.28 per inch of rated cut ($399.99, 3/16 in) |
| Cut 20% | 12 5/16 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 3/16 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 100 60% 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% | 50 3-year warranty on the machine | 0 1-year warranty on the machine |
| Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air | Forney Easy Cut 255 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 240 V | 120 V |
| Maximum output | 30 A | 20 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 5/16 in | 3/16 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 1/2 in | 1/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 60% at 30 A | 35% at 20 A |
| Pilot arc | Yes | - |
| Arc start | Blowback | High frequency |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | Built-in compressor | 5.5 cfm, 90 psi |
| Weight | 40 lb | 16.4 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
