If you are involved in metal-work, you must know the importance of a plasma cutter. A plasma cutter ensures a smooth and clean metal cut without the deafening sound made by other tools used for the purpose. The equipment features ionized gas that melts the metals for neat welding.
To avail the fantastic benefits the plasma cutter you need two things:
- A plasma cutter
- An air compressor
Plasma and an air compressor go side by side as the former is powered by the latter. Some plasma cutters come with a built-in air compressor while others need an external one. Therefore, if you want top-notch results make sure to get the best of both the devices.
You’ll be faced with a diverse variety of products in the market once you are out for a purchase. Taking the right decision, that too, with little research, lesser experience and almost no knowledge of new products, can be very challenging. To help you with such situations, we have a short and quick yet informative buying guide. Make sure to go through it and check out all those points when investing in an air compressor. But before you get into the buying guide, here we have a detailed review of some best air compressors that we’d want you to consider.
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Top 3 Air Compressors for Plasma Cutter 2021
Amazon.com 
Best Air Compressors for Plasma Cutter
1. DeWALT Pancake Air Compressor
DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, 165 PSI (DWFP55126)
$151.71
6 used from $119.85
The exceptional build of the tank is the central point of interest for most users. It makes the device portable, lightweight, and capacitive. With a relatively small size and a weight of about 30lbs. you can easily carry the tank around. Its capacity of about 6 gallons gives it an edge over other similar sized products.
With a maximum pressure of 165 PSI, you can easily power up a variety of tools. Moreover, its efficient motor takes hardly takes any time to start. Even in cold weather, it does not take long. This highly demanded feature adds extra value to the product.
These features make the product quite versatile as it can easily inflate tires without long waits for pressure-building. It is also suitable for nailing devices used in woodworking. You can also use it for several DIYs and home tasks. Unlike many noisy machines, its 75.5 dB sound does not deafen the worker or disturbs the surrounding.
Make sure to not place the motor within 12-inches of any such object that can disturb its airflow. For easy and quick maintenance, the pump is made oil-free.
2. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor(Amazon’s Choice)
BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, Oil-Free, 6 Gallon, 150 PSI (BTFP02012)
The BOSTITCH pancake air compressor can deliver up to 150 PSI with a maximum holding capacity of up to 6 gallons. It weighs around 30lbs., making it quite portable. So you can easily carry it around to your work site. It can be used for a variety of purposes from woodworking to house repairs. Like DeWALT’s compressor, this too does not take long to reach its maximum pressure. So your job’s done quicker than ever before.
Since the compressor does not involve oil, it is quite easy to maintain. It does not leave any stains behind neither does it require a regular oil check-up. It features two separate couplers to serve two users simultaneously. Based on my experience and a little research, you’ll love the regulator. The efficient High-Flow regulator provides an amazing performance. A little downside of the product is its short cord and noisy motor.
3. Quincy Lubricated Air Compressor
Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor - 5 HP, 230 Volt, 1 Phase, 60-Gallon Vertical, Model Number 2V41C60VC
The Quincy Lubricated Air Compressor is used for heavy industrial jobs. With a PSI count of about 175, the compressor can be used for several tools at a time. The motor spins at a super high speed and has a pump RPM of about 1310. With 60 gallons of the storage tank, this compressor can get the help you with a lot of work before dropping dead.
The compressor features an efficient thermal control, which maintains the internal temperature and prevents overheating of the machine. Even its overall build is made with that in mind. Based on its capacity and performance, the product has a fair weight of about 475 lbs. So forget about moving it around.
Buying Guide
If you plan to consider other compressors too, then the following are the main features that will help you make a beneficial judgment of the product.
- Type of Tasks
Your compressor needs to match the nature of your tasks. If you need an air compressor for several DIYs, then buying a large industrial compressor would not be necessary. Likewise, if you want it for your workshop or other heavy industrial tasks, then a smaller tank would not be suitable.
- Tank Capacity
A bigger tank holds more air than a smaller one. So if you find yourself in frequent need of a compressor, it’s better to go with a larger one. The tank capacity is based on the shape of the compressor.
- Noise
Air compressors come with annoying sounds that might make your task a little painful. Since you cannot eliminate the sound, try to lay your hands on the model that produces the lowest sound. You’ll usually find a non-industrial compressor with around 75 dB, which is acceptable. It’s better if you can get lower, but try not to exceed it.
- Maximum Pressure
For a plasma cutter, you’ll need a minimum pressure of about 80 PSI. Anything above that is suitable, but don’t go below that.
Conclusion
DeWALT air compressor is the best overall for non-industrial uses. Quincy QT-54 is designed for industrial purposes. It has the largest tank of all three products. Its build along with other features makes it a desirable product for the task. However, if you are looking for something more portable and affordable, that too, for smaller tasks, then the BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor is an appropriate choice.
