Forney 40 P Plasma Cutter Features 120V/230V Input Power and a 1/2-Inch Cutting Capacity to Cut Mild Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless
The Forney 40 P plasma cutter delivers a compact hybrid 120V/230V tool for those needing more power and flexibility than the current 120V 20 P model provides. Dual voltage capabilities and a user-friendly platform position make this an attractive option for professionals and even serious DIYers.
Pros
- Quick setup
- Easy use
- Dual voltage capabilities
- Cut up to 5/8″ steel
- Built-in air regulator
- Great as a mobile unit
Cons
- Somewhat confusing warranty
Forney Plasma Cutter Performance and Features
The Forney 40 P plasma cutter is your answer to a wide range of metal cutting! This dual-voltage plasma cutter allows you to work wherever 120V and/or 230V power is available. The 20-foot torch allows for greater reach and the internal air pressure control ensures that you always have the right pressure. Forney rates the machine to cut up to 1/2 an inch on mild or stainless steel and up to 3/16 inches on aluminum. If you’re willing to slow down and deal with a lower cut quality, you can cut up to 3/4 of an inch on an occasional basis.
During our initial shop testing, we found the Forney 40 P plasma cutter easy to set up and operate with minimal effort, even if you’re new to plasma cutters. Forney’s design makes the tool very approachable for beginners and professionals alike.
We started off by making several precise cuts on a sheet of 3/16-inch mild steel on the 230V setting. The Forney 40 P plasma cutter made quick work of this steel and impressed our resident Pro with its power and easy handling.
Optimal Cutting Capacities
- Mild Steel: 1/2-inch
- Galvanized Steel: 1/2-inch
- Stainless Steel: 1/2-inch
- Aluminum: 3/16-inch
- Brass: 1/2-inch
- Copper: 1/2-inch
Duty Cycle
One thing to keep in mind is the duty cycle. For this machine, it’s 50% at 40A and 100% at 28A so it’s important to remember that a thicker material requires more power, limiting how long you can run continuously. Stick to 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off max when you’re running at the high end. Forney includes thermal protection that automatically shuts the machine down if you run too long. It resets when it cools down so you can continue working.
This machine comes standard with dual-voltage capabilities and connects to either 110-120V or 208-240V single phase. While it can operate at lower power input, we most definitely saw the best results working at 230V. Higher input results in higher output. If you only have 120V available, it’s best for applications 1/4-inch and thinner. Peak performance is only possible when you work with 230V and proper circuit wiring.
What About Using a Generator?
If you’re traveling to your work and don’t have power, there are some generator requirements you need to consider. Working with 120V, you need at least 5,000 continuous watts. To get the 230V performance, plan on jumping up to 10,000 continuous watts.
Either way, make sure your generator has less than 5% THD and that it doesn’t kick into a low idle fuel saver mode (it’s okay to use if you can bypass that mode). If it doesn’t run at full speed, you risk damage to the machine.
Additional Features
- Easy-to-Read Digital Display
- Internal Air Regulator
- Auto-Drain Water Separator
In the Box
- 40 P Plasma Cutter
- 20-Foot IPT-40 Plasma Torch
- 15-Foot Ground Clamp
- 15-Foot Input Cable
- Extra Contact Tips
Forney 40 P Plasma Cutter Price
Forney’s product fits in well with many of the other major brands as far as construction quality, performance, and of course, price. This product runs $1,149.49 from Forney and is available at major brick-and-mortar retailers as well as online retailers. As always, there are always going to be cheaper options, or conversely, more expensive products with more bells and whistles. However, we believe the Forney 40 P plasma cutter is a quality machine with a competitive price.
Forney’s warranty section can be a little difficult to navigate. They break down their warranty by component rather than offering “blanket” coverage. Forney covers the product itself for 30 days to be free of defects in material and workmanship while the plasma torch carries a 90-day warranty. All internal electrical components that cannot be accessed without removing the cover carry a 3-year warranty while the transformer and rectifiers are covered by a 5-year warranty.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Full product warranty (material and workmanship): 30 days
- Plasma torch: 90 days
- Internal electrical components: 3 years
- Transformer and rectifiers: 5 years
The Bottom Line
There is no doubt in our mind that Forney has put out a quality and capable product with their 40 P Plasma Cutter. With its 5/8-inch steel capacity, it’s perfectly suited for moderate fabrication projects where cutting precision is key. Its ease of use and quick setup can potentially save you time and help you complete projects ahead of schedule. Whether you’re looking for a plasma cutter for your shop or one you can travel to jobsites with, give Forney some serious consideration.
Forney 40 P Plasma Cutter Specs
- Model: Forney 440
- Output Power @ 120V: 15 Amp – 16 Amp
- Output Power @ 230V: 15 Amp – 40 Amp
- Input Power @ 120V: 35% @ 20 Amp
- Input Power @ 230V: 60% @ 40 Amp
- Cut Capacity: 5/8″ clean cut, 7/8″ sever cut
- Dimensions (HxLxW): 12.375 x 18 x 7.375 in.
- For use on: Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper
- Price: $1,149.49
For more information about this Forney Plasma Cutter, click here.
