In the last few years, Hypertherm PowerMax30 XP has been a top seller in plasma cutters for welders. The Hobart Airforce 27i is also a great option with everything you need for cutting, apart from air, and excellent features.
In this blog post, we’ll compare these two models to help you decide which one best suits your needs. Let’s get started!
Comparing Hobart Airforce 27i and Hypertherm Powermax30 XP


Quick take reviews
Hobart Airforce 27i
35% @ 27A
110/220V
19lbs
Hobart’s plasma cutter is a great option for those who want to get the best bang for their buck. The Hobart 27i provides a good balance of power and accuracy, as well as ease-of-use features like an automatic coolant system that Hobart has been including on its cutters since 2005. Hobart’s machine is great for anyone interested in getting into plasma cutting but doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a high powered machine.
The Hobart 27i is the perfect choice for professionals doing demanding work on metal. With its 30 amps and ability to cut up 3/8″ of solid mild steel, this machine will last through just about anything you can throw at it!
Hypertherm Powermax30 XP
35% @ 30A
110/220V
21lbs
Hypertherm takes great pride in designing and manufacturing their high-quality products. The Powermax 30 XP is no exception, as it features an ergonomic design with rubber handles for increased control during use – which will ensure that you get professional looking cuts every time.
You can hook up to 110V or 220 volts with the 30XP, which is lightweight and includes FineCut consumables for more detailed work. It’s great if you have smaller projects that require fine cuts.
What to look out for with plasma cutters?
Cutting capacity
The difference between the Hobart 27i and Powermax30 XP are closer than you think. The first thing you’ll notice when cutting on either machine are their amp capacities. Both have 30 amps of power available, and both sport 5/8″ severance cut diameter.
Pilot arc system
Hobart’s 27i is a great tool for cutting metal, but it has one major flaw. The lack of an arc controller makes operating the torch more difficult when working with expanded steel or other types that have intermittent contact points on their surface material – especially if you want to avoid burning through them.
Welders with a better plasma cutter will have pilot arc as well, which means you can make cuts without the torch tip contacting metal. This helps to cut through paint or rusty surfaces and keeps your welds clean. Remember that if cutting such materials like mesh sheets where there are gaps between pieces of different sizes, cutting is a lot easier because it stays lit by an uninterrupted flow of electricity.
Voltage
Hypertherm Powermax 30XP is a versatile tool that can be used to perform various tasks in different environments and situations. It also comes equipped with auto-voltage technology, which enables it automatically adapts the power input from 100 volts up until 1300W when needed for work on your project.
With a plasma cutter, you have the option of either 110 or 220 V power input. Though these can be used at home easily with your normal indoor source of electricity they won’t produce enough juice for higher-powered jobs outside where there is no grid connection nor generator available.
Duty cycle
It’s important to know the power output of your plasma cutter because this will determine how thickly you can cut metal. For example, if I have a 30A amp then 3/8″ should be easy but maybe 1/4″ would require more like 12 amps. And remember that 220 volts is usually what most electricians use when working on residential jobs-so make sure it matches up with where everything else goes.
The duty cycle is a measure of how long the machine can operate continuously before overheating. For example, with 35% at 3 ksi and 600 volts on tap for 10 minutes straight without stopping to cool down could result in some serious damage done my your cutting material! That’s why it pays off to know both amperage(A) as well as voltage(V).
Conclusion to Hobart Airforce 27i vs Hypertherm Powermax30 XP
The Hobart Airforce 27i is a good option for those who want to get the best bang for their buck. Hobarts machine is great for anyone interested in getting into plasma cutting but doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a high powered machine.
Hypertherm Powermax 30XP is an exceptional plasma cutter with unrivaled quality designs. Hobart is built to handle heavy-duty use in professional environments and has 3years warranty. It is a more expensive option but comes with many great features superb handling, optimal performance and greater cutting speeds (up to 78 inches per minute).
Hobart Airforce 27i includes variable pressure regulator which allows users greater control over how much pressure they use when making cuts or engraving designs onto metal pieces. Something Hobarts are well known for and helps ensure that you won’t damage the machine with too much pressure. The model comes at an affordable price, has plenty of power and it’s easy-to-use features make this one of our top picks.