# Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter (Hobart) and Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter (Forney) among plasma cutters. Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter is the cheaper of the two at $399.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter | Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $2009 | $399.99 |
| Brand | Hobart | Forney |
| Cutting amperage (A) | 40 | 20 |
| Rated cut thickness | 5/8 in (16mm) | 1/4 in (6mm) |
| Sever cut thickness | 7/8 in (22mm) | — |
| Duty cycle at rated amps | 60% @ 40A/240V, 35% @ 27A/120V | 35% @ 20A |
| Input voltage | 120V/240V (MVP multi-voltage plug) | 120V |
| Pilot arc | Yes | No |
| Air requirement | 6.0 CFM @ 90-120 psi | 1.5 CFM (PSI not published by Forney) |
| Weight (lb) | 22 | 21.5 |

## Key differences

- Cutting amperage (A): Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 40 vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 20
- Rated cut thickness: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 5/8 in (16mm) vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 1/4 in (6mm)
- Duty cycle at rated amps: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 60% @ 40A/240V, 35% @ 27A/120V vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 35% @ 20A
- Input voltage: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 120V/240V (MVP multi-voltage plug) vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 120V
- Pilot arc: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter Yes vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter No
- Air requirement: Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 6.0 CFM @ 90-120 psi vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 1.5 CFM (PSI not published by Forney)
- Weight (lb): Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 22 vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 21.5

## Sources

- Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter: https://store.cyberweld.com/products/hobart-airforce-40i-plasma-cutter-500576 (store.cyberweld.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter: https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/1396707-forney-easy-weld-251-20-p-plasma-cutter.html (farmandfleet.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hobart-airforce-40i-vs-forney-easy-weld-251/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter ($2009) vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter ($399.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hobart-airforce-40i-vs-forney-easy-weld-251/
License: CC BY 4.0.