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Please see replacement item# 48642. Hobart AirForce 500i Plasma Cutter with MVP (Multi-Voltage Plug) — 115V/230V, 27 Amp, Model #500548

Item# 628574
Please see replacement item# 48642. Hobart AirForce 500i Plasma Cutter with MVP (Multi-Voltage Plug) — 115V/230V, 27 Amp, Model #500548

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Please see replacement item# 48642. Hobart AirForce 500i Plasma Cutter with MVP (Multi-Voltage Plug) — 115V/230V, 27 Amp, Model #500548

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  • Inverter design gives you powerful cutting ability at half the weight of prior models
  • Complete cutting capability when powered by an engine-driven welder or generator with a 240V generator power outlet of 6 KW or more
  • Ergonomic HP-50 torch is designed for increased comfort, more efficient cooling, economical replacement cutting tips and easier to deal with than oxy fuel cylinders
  • Post-flow air cooling cools the torch and tip after cutting, extending life of replaceable tip and electrode
  • Fan on-demand runs only when needed, reducing dust/debris pulled into unit

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  • Description

  • Key Specs

  • Reviews

  • Q & A

  • Accessories

  • Warranty

  • Compare

Product Summary

The Hobart AirForce™ 500i Plasma Cutter with MVP (Multi-Voltage Plug) is an economical plasma cutter system for all conductive metals. Inverter-based design and reliable technology pack a lot of performance into a very portable package. The AirForce 500i features a multi-voltage plug (MVP) that allows a user to connect to common 120V or 230V power receptacles. Plasma cutters cut faster and more precisely with a thinner kerf and less slag than cutting with oxy fuel. A smaller heat-affected zone also causes less warping. And you'll never have gas pressure settings, flame tuning, metal preheating or gas cylinders or refills to worry about.

What's Included

  • (1) Plasma cutter
  • (2) Tips
  • (2) Electrodes
  • (1) Air fitting
  • (1) 10-ft. (3m) power cord with 5-15P (115V, 15 Amp) and 6-50P (230V, 50 Amp) MVP plugs

Downloads

Product Manual

Features + Benefits

  • Inverter design gives you powerful cutting ability at half the weight of prior models
  • Complete cutting capability when powered by an engine-driven welder or generator with a 240V generator power outlet of 6 KW or more
  • Ergonomic HP-50 torch is designed for increased comfort, more efficient cooling, economical replacement cutting tips and easier to deal with than oxy fuel cylinders
  • Post-flow air cooling cools the torch and tip after cutting, extending life of replaceable tip and electrode
  • Fan on-demand runs only when needed, reducing dust/debris pulled into unit
  • Wind tunnel technology prevents abrasive dust particles from damaging internal components
  • Thermal overload protection withstands tough work environments
  • Cable management strap secures torch, work cable and power cord for easy transport
  • Line Voltage Compensation provides peak performance power under variable input voltage conditions (±15%) for steady and cleaner ending cuts
  • Power factor correction expands operator's work area via extension cords while minimizing trips caused by voltage drops
  • Hobart 5/3/1 limited warranty

Key Specs

AttributeSpecification

item#

628574

Brand

Hobart

Manufacturer's Warranty

3 year limited warranty

Ship Weight

32.0 LB

Volts

115/230

Amps

27

Cutting Thickness

5/8 in

Clamp Cable Length

1.38 ft
AttributeSpecification

Plasma Gas Flow

4.5 cfm

Max. PSI

60

Duty Cycle

35% At 27A

Power Cord Length

10 ft

Pilot Arc

Yes

Cart Included

No

Dimensions L x W x H (in.)

14.25 x 8.25 x 11.25 in

Reviews

Questions & Answers

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Questions

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  1. How is it on cutting rusty & painted steel??

    Do you have to clean it up? If so how clean? I am a farmer with rusty and painted steel.

    1. You will need to remove enough paint to get a good contact with the metal. Once you start it will burn off the paint as you cut.

      Helpful?

    2. You just have to remove paint to get a good contact with the metal, once the plasma arc is going it will burn off the paint as you cut.

      Helpful?

  2. what size of air outlet do I need on my air compressor do I need to use this?

    1. This features a 1/4" NPT right hand thread.

      Helpful?

    2. 1/4" NPT right hand thread. Alot of people use quick disconnect fittings.

      Helpful?

  3. does the hobart airforce 500i have to have continuous air

    1. yes

      Helpful?

    2. The Hobart AirForce 500i does have to have compressed air for proper operation. Compressed air must be used to clear the molten metal from the cut.

      Helpful?

  4. what gas does it use

    1. air

      Helpful?

    2. The plasma cutter would not require gas. It would need to be hooked up to an air compressor and requires 4.5 CFM at 60 PSI.

      Helpful?

  5. does this hobart 500 have built in air comp.

    1. no

      Helpful?

    2. This unit does not have a built in air compressor. The item #164791 has a built in compressor.

      Helpful?

  6. Can I buy consumables for machine at local Welding Supply House?

    1. Yes. I have a 250 and get consumables from the local shop. Since Miller owns Hobart, you'll likely be getting Miller parts, but they work just fine.

      Helpful?

    2. All consumables for Hobart welders should be available from your local welding supply house.

      Helpful?

  7. What is the clean cutting thickness?

    1 answer

    1. The clean cut thickness on the plasma cutter would be 3/8".

      Helpful?

  8. Can I use this cutter on a 20A circuit?

    I have 2 20A circuits in my garage... I use them now for my 26 GAL A/C (Vertical, 5.72 CFM) and the other pushes my Lincoln weld-pak with no problem.
    I would like to know if i can use this particular cutter on the same 20A circuit so that I can use my A/C to supply the air... otherwise I will have to go with the one that has the A/C built-in.
    Thanks in advance for your time!

    mk

    1 answer

    1. The Hobart AirForce Plasma Cutter will require a 50 amp circuit for operation as it draws 27 amps.

      Helpful?

  9. what is the working rate on this machine, eg, 1/2 in or 20 inches of 1/2 per minute? What is max cutt depth?

    1 answer

    1. The unit will give you a clean cut for 3/8" steel or less. It will give you a severed cut on 5/8" steel. The maximum depth would be 5/8". At 230 volts it will give you 6" per minute on 1/2".

      Helpful?

  10. What air compressor is required for this cutter?

    1 answer

    1. There are many different air compressors which could be used with this Hobart plasma cutter. Below are listed several air compressors that Northern offers which would work.

      Helpful?

Accessories We Recommend

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Warranty

Manufacturer's Warranty

3 year limited warranty

Extend Your Warranty Coverage with a Northern Protection Plan (NPP)

Replacement Plan — 1 Year

A Northern Protection Plan is available after adding the product to your shopping cart.