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+ and the Hobart AirForce 12ci are evenly matched, rated 3.0 and 2.9. The Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ leads on value, cut and duty cycle. The Hobart AirForce 12ci wins on warranty. The Hobart AirForce 12ci costs $439 less ($1,011 vs $1,450).
Hobart AirForce 12ci
#10 in Up to 45 AFull review
For 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 $1,011$1,011
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 value ($3,866.67 per inch of rated cut ($1,450, 3/8 in) vs $8,088 per inch of rated cut ($1,011, 1/8 in)), cut (3/8 in rated cut on mild steel vs 1/8 in rated cut on mild steel) and duty cycle (40% at full output (30 A) vs 35% at full output (12 A)).
- Choose the Hobart AirForce 12ci for warranty (5-year warranty on the machine vs 3-year warranty on the machine).
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+ | Hobart AirForce 12ci |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 24 $3,866.67 per inch of rated cut ($1,450, 3/8 in) | 0 $8,088 per inch of rated cut ($1,011, 1/8 in) |
| Cut 20% | 25 3/8 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 1/8 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 50 40% 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 |
Specifications
| Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ | Hobart AirForce 12ci | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 120/240 V | 120 V |
| Maximum output | 30 A | 12 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 3/8 in | 1/8 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 5/8 in | 1/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 40% at 30 A | 35% at 12 A, 40 °C |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 5.8 cfm, 90 psi | Built-in compressor |
| Weight | 24.2 lb | 25.1 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2023-02 | - |