Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+
#9 in Up to 45 AFull review
A light, dual voltage cutter for home shops and auto body work up to 3/8 in steel, from an industrial brand with wide dealer support.
Amazon $1,450$1,450
The Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 3.0 to 2.3. The Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ leads on warranty, cut and duty cycle. The Forney Easy Cut 255 wins on value. The Forney Easy Cut 255 costs $1,050.01 less ($399.99 vs $1,450).
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 Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ for warranty (3-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 $3,866.67 per inch of rated cut ($1,450, 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 | Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ | Forney Easy Cut 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 24 $3,866.67 per inch of rated cut ($1,450, 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% | 50 3-year warranty on the machine | 0 1-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ | 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 | 35% at 20 A |
| Pilot arc | Yes | - |
| Arc start | - | High frequency |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 5.8 cfm, 90 psi | 5.5 cfm, 90 psi |
| Weight | 24.2 lb | 16.4 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Released | 2023-02 | - |