A budget touch-start cutter for clean steel up to 1/2 in in a home shop. Buyers who cut rusty, painted or mesh stock should pay more for a pilot arc.
Amazon $199.97 Lotos $139.98The Lotos LT5000D is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 3.5 to 3.4. The Lotos LT5000D leads on value. The Lotos LT5000D costs $149.02 less ($139.98 vs $289).
For a hobbyist who cuts clean steel up to 1/2 in now and then and wants the lowest price. Spend more on a pilot arc model for rusty or expanded metal.
Amazon $289Prices 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 Lotos LT5000D for value ($279.96 per inch of rated cut ($139.98, 1/2 in) vs $612.29 per inch of rated cut ($289, 0.472 in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 45 A plasma cutter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Lotos LT5000D | PrimeWeld CUT50 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $279.96 per inch of rated cut ($139.98, 1/2 in) | 86 $612.29 per inch of rated cut ($289, 0.472 in) |
| Cut 20% | 0 1/2 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 0.472 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 100 60% at full output (50 A) | 100 60% at full output (50 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 0 no pilot arc | 0 no pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 50 3-year warranty on the machine | 50 3-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| Lotos LT5000D | PrimeWeld CUT50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 120/240 V | 120/240 V |
| Maximum output | 50 A | 50 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 1/2 in | 0.472 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 3/4 in | 0.63 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 60% at 50 A, 40 °C | 60% at 50 A, 25 °C |
| Pilot arc | No | No |
| Arc start | Contact | High frequency |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 3.6 cfm, 65 psi | 5 cfm, 75 psi |
| CNC port | No | - |
| Weight | 20 lb | 22.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
