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 3.1. The Hobart AirForce 27i leads on warranty and cut. The Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air wins on duty cycle. The Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air costs $206 less ($1,359 vs $1,565).
Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air
#8 in Up to 45 AFull review
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 $1,359$1,359
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 3-year warranty on the machine) and cut (3/8 in rated cut on mild steel vs 5/16 in rated cut on mild steel).
- Choose the Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air for duty cycle (60% at full output (30 A) vs 40% at full output (30 A)).
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 | Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 22 $4,173.33 per inch of rated cut ($1,565, 3/8 in) | 20 $4,348.80 per inch of rated cut ($1,359, 5/16 in) |
| Cut 20% | 25 3/8 in rated cut on mild steel | 12 5/16 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 50 40% at full output (30 A) | 100 60% at full output (30 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 100 pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 100 5-year warranty on the machine | 50 3-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Hobart AirForce 27i | Lincoln Tomahawk 30 Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 120/240 V | 240 V |
| Maximum output | 30 A | 30 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 3/8 in | 5/16 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 5/8 in | 1/2 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 40% at 30 A, 40 °C | 60% at 30 A |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Arc start | Blowback | Blowback |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 5 cfm, 90 psi | Built-in compressor |
| Weight | 19 lb | 40 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |