The Hobart Airforce 27i is a great tool to have in your shop. It helps with cutting metal, steel, aluminum, and other types of metals. The Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter has many features that make it very easy to use for any skill level. If you are considering purchasing this type of equipment for your company or business, read on to learn about the pros and cons of owning this type of tool.
# Table of Contents
Hobart 27i Plasma Cutter Specs
Features of Hobart 27i Plasma Cutter
- Multi-Voltage plug (MVP) allows you to connect to 120 V or 240 V power.
- Excels at cutting 3/8 in mild steel, can sever 5/8 in mild steel
- Fan-On-Demand - Runs only when needed reducing dust/debris pulled into unit.
- More precise cut, thinner kerf, less slag to clean up. XT30R torch with 12 ft lead and consumables
01. Cutting Mechanism:
Hobart Airforce 27i can be used to cut different types of steel and aluminum thanks to its amperage settings. You set the amperage to suit the type of metal that you are cutting.
With the machine, you will be able to cut not just thin sheets of metal but 3/8″ and sever 5/8″ steel plate.
You can use the Hobart Airforce 27i to cut different types of metal. You need to set the amperage setting on this machine depending on the type of metal you are cutting.
If it is thin, then set it for lower amperage. If it is thicker, like 3/8" or 5/8", then you need higher amperage.
This way, not only will you get a clean cut but also save time when building your project.
02. Inverter Technology
This technology is one of the best. It makes Hobart 27i one of the most economical cutting machines.
You can compare the input current that it draws with the power output, and you will see that this machine is very effective.
It offers more power than other models but weighs half as much.
03. Amp Ratting
The 27i is a very powerful machine that comes with a rating of 27 amps maximum output for 240V and can cut 3/8″ steel.
You might find that a 27 amp machine can cut 5/8″ steel. BUT it will go very slowly. If you need to cut 5/8″ steel, then use the 27 amp machine.
This machine can be turned up to 20 amps. At 20 amps, you can cut a maximum thickness of 1/2 inch metal. It will not be fast, but it is doable.
04. Perfect Clean Cut
According to the manufacturer, the Hobart 27i can only cut cleanly up to 3/8 of an inch. If you want to cut a piece of half-inch steel with this machine and thickness rating is greater than its maximum size, it will sever through the metal but not be as neat in cutting straight without slag build-up on the bottom or slower speed movement while operating.
Just remember that these ratings are for the best conditions and we often push past those. The machine will not break if you do, but it won't provide a nice, clean-cut cut.
05. Duty Cycle
The unit's rated output is 27 amps at a 35% duty cycle. That means it could only be used for 3.5 minutes out of 10.
But if you are cutting 16 AWG metal at full capacity, you can cut up to 56 feet of metal at 80% capacity.
On the other hand, If you are cutting a 1/2 inch thick piece of steel, it will take 21 inches for the machine to need a break before continuing.
If you are cutting a 1/4 inch thick piece of steel, it will only take 82 inches before the machine needs a break. When cutting, it usually takes about one minute to reposition if all goes well.
In that time, you will be able to cut an eight-foot long 1/4 inch thick steel piece with three repositions without having the 27i shut off. This is not the best way to do things, but it shows that 1/4 inch steel can be cut with a 27i without too much trouble.
06. Pilot Arc
The Hobart 27i has a pilot arc, but it isn't the full-blown pilot arc you would see with a machine in this price range.
It is just starting to have a pilot only. When you start cutting, it will act like it has a pilot and turn on the torch's arc. However, if you don't cut anything for a while after starting your process, then it will stop working.
You need to cut something every so often for about 5 minutes or so; otherwise, the machine will stop and you'll have to start over with another piece of metal.
07. Easier to store and move
Your old cutting machine is big and heavy. You cannot find a place to put it. It might be hard to move it around or put it in the place you want it. This new model is 50% smaller so you will be able to find a space for your machine easier. It weighs 30% less than the previous model, so moving your machine will also be easier.
08. Dual-Voltage capability with MVP (Multi-Voltage Plug)
This is a machine that can plug into a regular outlet and also plug into a power outlet with more power. It is good for when people do not have enough power in their house.
The machine would be used when someone needs to cut through metal and needs more power than the regular outlet provides.
This machine has an option for 120v or 240v, but it will work better with 240v because 120v does not give the full amount of power to this machine.
This plug lets you use power at most places without any tools. Choose the one that fits the place.
09. XT30R torch
XT30R torch design for increased comfort. It has ergonomic trigger safety, more efficient cooling, and economical replacement cutting tips. The Hobart Replacement Plasma Cutter Tips for XT30R Series Plasma Torch is designed to work with the Hobart AirForce 27i plasma cutter for running at optimum efficiency.
10. Wind Tunnel Technology™ and Fan-On-Demand™
When there are lots of dust or metal shavings in the air, it can be hard for machines to work. But the Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter has Wind Tunnel Technology™ and Fan-On-Demand™ that makes them works better.
Wind Tunnel Technology is a way to cool the machine without blowing over the electronic parts. This way, you don't have dust from grinding settle on your important parts.
Fan-On-Demand means that the fan only runs when it is needed. This reduces the amount of dust coming out of the machine. The air supply for hand-held plasma cutters is usually ordinary air.
In mobile applications, contractors often use bottled nitrogen. Nitrogen is cheaper than air and also less wet than compressed air. Nitrogen is used to cut metal and some people believe that it produces less oxygen than compressed air, which makes it better for cutting steel.
11. Power factor correction (PFC) circuitry and LVC™ line voltage compensation
The Hobart 27i plasma cutter has a technology called Power Factor Correction. Using power semiconductors chops the DC into a higher frequency and higher voltage.
The current is then stored in a much smaller coil. This means that the inverter plasma cutters with PFC have PF numbers close to unity (1).
It draws 30% less amperage than other machines for the same work. When you use an extension cord, the PFC will help you to do work. It also won't make the circuit breaker trip like it does when there is low voltage.
12. Safety and Cooling
You can use this machine because it has a lot of great features. It will not overheat and you cannot accidentally press the trigger to cut anything, so there's nothing that could go wrong!
In addition, if your machine starts overheating or too hot for some reason but still really needs to be used until it cools down again - as long as you're careful about how much work is being done on the machine at any given time--it won't happen. There are also two things that help with cooling: post-flow air cooling after cutting metal pieces; wind tunnel cooling helps keep dust out from going into your equipment while additionally ensuring quick temperature drops when needed most.
13. Compatible with engine-driven welders
When you have an engine-driven welder, you can cut anything. It is the best way to do work quickly and well. No matter what size job, it will be done better with an engine-driven welder/generator paired up with a 240V receptacle of 4 kW or more.
Included With Product
- AirForce 27i plasma cutter
- 12 ft. XT30R hand-held torch
- 12 ft. work cable with clamp
- 10 ft. power cord with 5-15P (120V, 15A) and 6-50P (240V, 50A) MVP Plugs
- Easy to connect built-in gas/air filter and regulator for extra protection
- Extra consumables: 2 tips, shield deflector, and electrode
- Cable management ties
Pros and cons of Hobart Airforce 27i Plasma Cutter
If you're considering buying an Airforce 27i Plasma Cutter from Hobart, then this article is for you. I'll give you the pros and cons of this product so that your decision will be easier.
Pros:
- An inverter-based light machine with a high cutting capacity. It can cut a variety of materials.
- Wind Tunnel is a special function on your plasma cutter that stops particles and dust from hurting the inside.
- Hobart 27i plasma cutter is built with a system of air regulators and filters to make sure that gas is handled properly.
- The post-flow cooling system cools the consumables. This keeps it from getting too hot, and also helps to keep your torch flame lit for longer.
- This machine works with generators or welders that require 240V receptacles of 4 kW or higher.
- The Power Factor Correction Circuitry helps to reduce the need for amperage by 30%. It also makes circuit breakers not get tripped because of voltage drops.
- It has a power plug that lets you plug into power sources that are 120 V or 240 V. You don't need to use any tools.
- With Line voltage compensation (LVC), the LVC will help if the voltage changes up to +/- 15%.
Cons
- It has no full-blown pilot arc.
- It does not crank up to 30 amps as the Hypertherm Powermax30 does. But it does cost less than that machine.
- The build quality of this machine is not as good as Miller's. But it's still better than the Chinese machines.
Do We Recommend You Buy This Machine?
If you want a machine that costs around $1000, we recommend spending a little more and buying the Hobart 27i. It is the most professional-grade machine that money can buy right now. You will not be disappointed in this purchase and it will last you for many years.
On the other hand, If you can spend another $300, we recommend that you get the Hypertherm Powermax 30 XP instead of the Hobart 27i. The Powermax can go up to 30 amps and it has a better build quality than the Hobart. Plus, their customer service and parts availability are also good.
In conclusion, If you can afford a Hypertherm Powermax 30XP for $1500, get it. It has slightly better performance than the Hobart 27i. If the Powermax 30 is out of your budget then get the Hobart 27i. Both machines are fantastic and will make you money in your business.
How do you use your Hobart airforce 27i? : Step by Step Procedure
If you're looking for a step by step guide on how to use your Hobart airforce 27i, we've got you covered.
Step-01: Unpack your Hobart airforce 27i and find the manual which will tell you how to use it safely.
Step-02: Locate where your earth cable is and make sure that all of the protective measures (the ones mentioned in the manual) before using this machine are taken care of.
Step-03: Find a good, comfortable position you would like to use the plasma cutter at and ground your clamp that connects your material table to the workpiece.
Step-04: Turn on your Hobart airforce 27i unit and adjust it so it is at a good speed for sparks. It might help if you rest one hand on your opposite arm or wherever is comfortable when using this cut-off machine due to its power. Touch the point of your torch onto metal lightly until it penetrates and make sure to stand behind enough so all tools remain out of harm's way.
Step-05: Cut through the metal and that is how you use your Hobart airforce 27i plasma cutter.
Step-06: Enjoy using your Hobart airforce 27i!
Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter safety precautions
Make sure to always wear personal protective equipment. Also, make sure that the earth cable is in place for this unit to function properly.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry while using this product as it could get caught on the machine by accident and cause harm.
Warnings are used to indicate impending danger. If there are any warnings in the manual that you must follow, make sure to do so when using this product.
Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter Manual
You're a welder and you need to cut metal.
Cutting metal is hard, but it's even harder when the machine doesn't work right.
The Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter manual has all the information you need to get your machine up and running again. This manual will show you how to troubleshoot any problems that might arise with your unit as well as give maintenance advice for keeping it in top shape. It also includes an illustrated parts list so that if something breaks or needs replacement, you'll know exactly what part to order from our online store.
Click here to get Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter Manual.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use cutter that produces high-quality cuts with little effort, this is the one. The Hobart Airforce 27i plasma cutter has a powerful plasma arc and can cut through metal up to 5/8" thick while only requiring minimal maintenance. We recommend it if you need a reliable machine that will get the job done without breaking your budget!
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