# Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter (Hobart) and ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter (ESAB) among plasma cutters. ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter is the cheaper of the two at $1734.

## Side by side

| Spec | Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter | ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $2009 | $1734 |
| Brand | Hobart | ESAB |
| Cutting amperage (A) | 40 | 40 |
| Rated cut thickness | 5/8 in (16mm) | 1/2 in (12mm) |
| Sever cut thickness | 7/8 in (22mm) | 1 in (25mm) |
| Duty cycle at rated amps | 60% @ 40A/240V, 35% @ 27A/120V | 40% @ 40A, 60% @ 30A, 100% @ 20A |
| Input voltage | 120V/240V (MVP multi-voltage plug) | 110-240V, 1-PH, auto-sensing |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Air requirement | 6.0 CFM @ 90-120 psi | 300-500 cfh (5-8.3 CFM) @ 90-125 psi |
| Weight (lb) | 22 | 22 |

## Key differences

- Rated cut thickness: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 5/8 in (16mm) vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 1/2 in (12mm)
- Sever cut thickness: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 7/8 in (22mm) vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 1 in (25mm)
- Duty cycle at rated amps: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 60% @ 40A/240V, 35% @ 27A/120V vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 40% @ 40A, 60% @ 30A, 100% @ 20A
- Input voltage: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 120V/240V (MVP multi-voltage plug) vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 110-240V, 1-PH, auto-sensing
- Air requirement: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 6.0 CFM @ 90-120 psi vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 300-500 cfh (5-8.3 CFM) @ 90-125 psi

## Sources

- Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter: https://store.cyberweld.com/products/hobart-airforce-40i-plasma-cutter-500576 (store.cyberweld.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter: https://store.cyberweld.com/products/thermal-dynamics-cutmaster-40-plasma-cutter-1-4000-1 (store.cyberweld.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hobart-airforce-40i-vs-esab-cutmaster-40/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter ($2009) vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter ($1734) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hobart-airforce-40i-vs-esab-cutmaster-40/
License: CC BY 4.0.