Fabricators and welders are not the only pros that need to cut metal. The new Snap-On plasma cutting machine PLASMA20i makes cutting a shaping much easier. Many of our jobs crossover into the light metalwork arena fairly often. Cutting sheet-metal for body work or flat stock for making a bracket, just to name a couple. Metal cutting shears will handle sheet-metal, but they won’t cut 1/8” angle. Hack-saws and recip-saws are fine for straight cuts, but have fun cutting a radiused pattern. A lightweight and portable plasma cutter is the tool of choice when it comes to pattern cutting metal, especially sheet metal.

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Snap-On Plasma Cutting Machine PLASMA20i Features

The PLASMA20i weighs in at a mere 22 pounds, hence making it easy to transport to and around the jobsite. This small stature of the Snap-On plasma cutting machine still contains plenty of power to make the cut (pun intended). Power input requires only a 115-volt circuit. The technician adjusts the amperage output from five to twenty amps, based on the needs of the job. Turning the large dial on the front of the Snap-On PLASMA20i adjusts the Amp output.

“This is the transportable solution so many professionals need in a plasma arc cutter,” says Snap-on product manager Mike DeKeuster. “The PLASMA20i is ideal for a variety of ferrous, non-ferrous and high strength materials. Even with its compact size, it’s powerful enough to cut up to ¼” thickness, and the adjustable amperage makes it easy to lessen distortion when working on thinner materials.”

Body shops and car restorers should love this for body panel removal, such as around spot-welds. When cutting through top layer of metal, the PLASMA20i will adjust the cut depth when multiple layers are present (spot-welds, body seams, etc.). The Snap-On plasma cutting machine PLASMA20i air source can be from a compressor or from a nitrogen tank. With the multiple air source option, the user has more versatility with the Snap-On PLASMA20i. An included supply air filter and regulator allow the user to make air supply (I’m all outta love) changes on the fly.

Snap-On PLASMA20i Specifications

• Brand: Snap-On
• Duty Cycle/Rated Output at 100%: 15 Amps
• Frequency: 50/60 Hertz
• Input Current: 20 Amps
• Output Control (Adjustable): 5–20 Amps
• Phase Type: Single
• Power Input Cord: 8 ft.
• Shipping Weight: 25 lbs.
• Torch Cable Length: 12 ft.
• Depth: 15 in.
• Height: 14 in.
• Width: 7 in.
• Voltage: 120 VAC
• Weight, Base Unit: 22 lbs.

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Our Thoughts

Cutting metal through the means of melting it into plasma is just too cool. Plasma cutters are nothing new, but we like it anytime a machine is versatile and makes life easier for the technician. The Snap-On PLASMA20i seems to have an intriguing feature with the ability to sense a layer behind the base metal. We will try to get our hands on one soon, so we can give it our shakedown. We’ll be sure to publish the full review.

The Snap-On store has the PLASMA20i listed at $2,765. This seems to be more than double of other leading competitors’ 20A machines on the market. Who knows what the real price is on the truck, but we’ll leave this up to you to decipher. This seems to be a great option for a versatile and portable plasma cutting machine, none the less.

Find out more about the new Snap-On plasma cutting machine PLASMA20i by contacting your participating Snap-On truck or visiting here.