[2023 Updated] 4 Best Air Compressor For Plasma Cutter

You might be wondering which type of air compressor works really well with the plasma cutter. As there are are lots of different air compressors available in the market. Making it hard for you to decide which one to pick.

Worry not as here is a detailed reviewed of some of the best air compressor for plasma cutter along with their features list and specs.

So you can easily figure out what type of air compressor you need for your plasma cutter.

Here is a quick table if you are in a hurry.

Here are detailed specifications and review of each product.

1. Powermate Vx PLA4708065 Electric Air Compressor:

The weight of this unit is 247 pounds which makes it quite heavy.

It has a large capacity of 60 gallons of durable steel tank.

The heavy-duty dual voltage induction motor ensures trouble-free operation as it delivers high pump performance and it includes an oil-lubricated pump with a one-piece cast iron crankcase and full cast iron cylinder body.

This three-cylinder pump features a valve plate and aluminum head which makes sure that the heat dissipates faster and keeps the overall surface cool.

Furthermore, it features an on/off switch with built-in tank pressure gauge, oil-level sight glass, easily accessible oil fill, large intake filter with silencers and synthetic oil.

Because of its large tank capacity and high cfm rate makes it great for the plasma cutter.

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 31.5 x 34.8 x 77 Inches
• Weight: 247 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 155 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 60 Gallons
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 240 volts
• Horsepower: 4.70
• 14 CFM @ 90 PSI

Pros:

• Large Tank Capacity Of 60 Gallons
• 14 CFM At 90 PSI
• High Maximum Pressure Of 155 PSI
• Very Durable 

Cons:

• Heavy

2. Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Air Compressor:

It features a maximum pressure of 175 PSI having a motor of 5 Horsepower and it delivers 15.4 Cfm at 100 PSI and 15.4 Cfm at 90 PSI which is very impressive as plasma cutters usually require high cfm.

And it has a large tank size of 60 gallons.

Furthermore, the capacitor start motor comes with a built-in thermal overload. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 29 x 21 x 64 Inches
• Weight: 475 Pounds
• Working Pressure: 140 – 175 PSI
• Air Tank Size: 60 Gallons
• Pump RPM: 1310
• Style: Stationary
• Power Source: Gas Powered
• Horsepower: 5 Hp
• Air Outlet Size (in.): 1/2
• Motor Phase: Single
• CFM At 100 PSI: 15.4
• CFM At 90 PSI: 15.4

Pros:

• Very Quiet
• Great Working Pressure Of 140-175 PSI
• 60 Gallons Tank Size
• Impressive 15.4 CFM At 100 PSI

Cons:

• Heavy
• No After Cooler Included
• No Low Oil Protection

3. Ingersoll Rand Two Stage Compressor:

It has a powerful 5.0 horsepower Industrial grade ODP motor.

The benefit of an ODP motor is that it does not overheat, increases efficiency and the motor runs cooler.

Along with plasma cutters you can also use this air compressor in your body shops, machine shops, woodworking shops, automotive service, repair shops, farms or general maintenance.

Furthermore, it features a high-efficiency copper intercooler and integral flywheel which allows the air compressor to run cooler even in the most demanding conditions. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 24 x 33 x 69 Inches
• Weight: 430 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 175 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 60 Gallons
• Horsepower: 5.0 Hp
• Material: Metal
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 230 volts
• Type: Single Phase
• Measurement System: Metric
• 14 CFM At 175 PSI
• 14.3 CFM At 90 PSI 

Pros:

• Maximum Pressure Of 175 PSI
• High Cfm (14 CFM At 175 PSI)
• ASME Rated Storage Tank With A Capacity Of 60 Gallons
• Industrial Grade ODP Motor
• Durable Cast Iron Construction

Cons:

• Heavy
• The Compressor May Leak Oil 
• No Anti Vibration Pads
• Requires Specific Synthetic Oil

4. Industrial Air ILA3606056 Single-Stage Air Compressor:

It has a powerful 3.0 horsepower motor with a maximum pressure of 155 PSI and it pumps 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI and 13.4 CFM at 40 PSI.

This compressor is powered by 240 volts and it comes with an on/off switch and it is equipped with a pressure gauge.

Also, this air compressor can be used in service trucks, mechanic shops and in livestock operations.

Furthermore, it includes additional features such as automotive-style bearings, oil level sight glass, easily accessible oil fill, 12 inches cast iron balanced flywheel, stainless steel valves, etc. 

Note: (It is recommended that you purchase a power cord, regulator, and vibration when installing this unit).

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 23.5 x 26.5 x 69 Inches
• Weight: 247 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 155 PSI
• Horsepower: 3 HP
• Tank Size: 60 Gallons (ASME Rated)
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 240 volts
• Certifications: UL & CSA
• CFM at 40 PSI: 13.4
• CFM at 90 PSI: 11.5

Pros:

• ASME Rated Large 60 Gallons Tank
• Has A Maximum Pressure Of 155 PSI
• Great CFM (11.5 CFM at 90 PSI)

Cons:

• Heavy
• No After Cooler
• No Proper Manual Instruction Given

Air Compressor For Plasma Cutter (Buyer’s Guide): 

To find the minimum requirements of flow or pressure of the plasma cutter you need to ask the manufacturer to provide the specs.

As each model’s specs vary very differently. And you need to think about how much cutting you are planning to do?

If you just want to use it as a hobby then a compressor with a cfm rating slightly higher than the plasma will likely be good.

But If you are doing a lot of cutting or are using the plasma cutter to earn a living then the size of the air compressor should be 1 to 2 times then the plasma system is required.

What is the Best Air Filter For Plasma Cutter?

To keep the plasma cutter stays as dry as possible you will need an air filter drying system.

As the air that is coming from your compressor contains moisture which goes into your plasma cutter which makes it run less efficiently.

The air drying system which is great is Motor Guard M-30 and many people who own a plasma cutter are satisfied with this filter.

Conclusion:

To select the air compressor your best choice is to just read your machine manual as every machine is a little different.

The manual will likely give you an idea of the recommended settings.

All you need to make sure that your air supply meets the needs of your plasma cutter.

If the air compressor is too small then you could starve the plasma or burn out your compressor.

If the air pressure is not set right you will lose efficiency or if the air contains moisture, oil, or dust you could damage your equipment.

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