The Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 3.1 to 2.9. The Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air leads on duty cycle, value and cut. The Hobart AirForce 12ci wins on warranty. The Hobart AirForce 12ci costs $348 less ($1,011 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 sheet metal, HVAC and body work where carrying a compressor is not practical. Anyone with a compressor gets far more cutting for the money from a 30 to 40 A machine.
Amazon $1,012.99 Cyberweld $1,011Prices 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 | Hobart AirForce 12ci |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 20 $4,348.80 per inch of rated cut ($1,359, 5/16 in) | 0 $8,088 per inch of rated cut ($1,011, 1/8 in) |
| Cut 20% | 12 5/16 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 1/8 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 100 60% at full output (30 A) | 38 35% at full output (12 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 100 pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 50 3-year warranty on the machine | 100 5-year warranty on the machine |
| Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air | Hobart AirForce 12ci | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 240 V | 120 V |
| Maximum output | 30 A | 12 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 5/16 in | 1/8 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 1/2 in | 1/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 60% at 30 A | 35% at 12 A, 40 °C |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Arc start | Blowback | - |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | Built-in compressor | Built-in compressor |
| Weight | 40 lb | 25.1 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
