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 3.0. The Hobart AirForce 27i leads on warranty. The Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ costs $115 less ($1,450 vs $1,565).
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
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).
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 | Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 22 $4,173.33 per inch of rated cut ($1,565, 3/8 in) | 24 $3,866.67 per inch of rated cut ($1,450, 3/8 in) |
| Cut 20% | 25 3/8 in rated cut on mild steel | 25 3/8 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 50 40% at full output (30 A) | 50 40% 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 | Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 30+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 120/240 V | 120/240 V |
| Maximum output | 30 A | 30 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 3/8 in | 3/8 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 5/8 in | 5/8 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 40% at 30 A, 40 °C | 40% at 30 A |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Arc start | Blowback | - |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 5 cfm, 90 psi | 5.8 cfm, 90 psi |
| Weight | 19 lb | 24.2 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Released | - | 2023-02 |