# Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter (Hypertherm) and Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter (Forney) among plasma cutters.

## Side by side

| Spec | Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter | Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | not published | $399.99 |
| Brand | Hypertherm | Forney |
| Cutting amperage (A) | 45 | 20 |
| Rated cut thickness | 5/8 in (16mm) | 1/4 in (6mm) |
| Sever cut thickness | 1-1/8 in (29mm) | — |
| Duty cycle at rated amps | 50% @ 45A, 100% @ 32A | 35% @ 20A |
| Input voltage | 200-240V, 1-PH, 50/60Hz | 120V |
| Pilot arc | Yes | No |
| Air requirement | 400 scfh (6.7 CFM) @ 90 psi, clean/dry shop air | 1.5 CFM (PSI not published by Forney) |
| Weight (lb) | 31 | 21.5 |

## Key differences

- Cutting amperage (A): Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 45 vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 20
- Rated cut thickness: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 5/8 in (16mm) vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 1/4 in (6mm)
- Duty cycle at rated amps: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 50% @ 45A, 100% @ 32A vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 35% @ 20A
- Input voltage: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 200-240V, 1-PH, 50/60Hz vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 120V
- Pilot arc: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter Yes vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter No
- Air requirement: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 400 scfh (6.7 CFM) @ 90 psi, clean/dry shop air vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 1.5 CFM (PSI not published by Forney)
- Weight (lb): Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 31 vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter 21.5

## Sources

- Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter: https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/products/hypertherm-powermax45-xp-plasma-cutter-with-20-foot-hand-torch-088012 (weldingsuppliesfromioc.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/hypertherm-powermax45-xp-vs-forney-easy-weld-251/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter (not published) vs Forney Easy Weld 251 (20 P) Plasma Cutter ($399.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hypertherm-powermax45-xp-vs-forney-easy-weld-251/
License: CC BY 4.0.