Category Comparison With Welding Equipment

How does plasma stack up against welding and other cutting tools? This section contrasts plasma cutters with MIG/TIG welders (joining vs cutting), oxy-fuel, laser, angle grinder, and band saw. We explain where plasma wins—fast cuts on conductive metals, narrow kerf, minimal prep, CNC compatibility—and its trade-offs: HAZ, bevel on thick plate, air/CFM needs, and consumable costs. You’ll learn when a welder is the right tool for joining, when oxy-fuel excels on very thick carbon steel, and when laser offers the tightest tolerance and smallest kerf. We also cover safety, power requirements, fume extraction, and typical operating costs so you can choose the best process for each job.