Lincoln Electric CNC Plasma Cutting Machines

Lincoln Electric Tomahawk 1538

$1,500 - $2,500 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Weight

11.3 kg (25 lb)

output current

20–38 A

input voltage

208–230 V, 1-ph, 50/60 Hz

duty cycle

35% at 38 A; 60% at 25 A

cut capacity production

12 mm (1/2 in) mild steel

cut capacity severance

19 mm (3/4 in) mild steel

Overview

The Lincoln Electric Tomahawk 1538 is a 38-amp handheld and mechanized plasma cutting system positioned as an entry-level unit for light fabrication, HVAC shops, auto restoration, and small job shops. The Tomahawk 1538 operates on single-phase 208–230V input, making it accessible for environments with standard shop power without the three-phase infrastructure required for industrial plasma systems. At 38 amps of output, the machine cuts mild steel up to 12 mm (1/2 inch) at production speeds and severs up to 19 mm (3/4 inch).

Lincoln Electric positioned the Tomahawk 1538 as a practical tool for users who need a plasma cutter that works reliably without deep plasma expertise. The unit features a simple single-knob control for output amperage, pilot arc ignition for contact-free cutting starts on expanded metal and grating, and a built-in air pressure regulator and filter. The machine is compatible with Lincoln's optional mechanized torch and can be interfaced with small CNC plasma tables and routing tables for light production work.

For light CNC table applications, the Tomahawk 1538 is often paired with entry-level gantry tables in the 2x2 to 4x4 foot range, or with Torchmate and similar starter table systems. Its cut quality is conventional air plasma, appropriate for light fabrication, signage, automotive brackets, and sheet metal work. Shops cutting gauge metal to 6 mm will find the Tomahawk 1538 highly capable; shops cutting plate above 10 mm regularly should consider higher-amperage systems.

The Tomahawk 1538 is priced in the $1,500–$2,500 range, making it one of the most accessible entry points into plasma cutting. Lincoln Electric's broad dealer network in North America ensures consumable and service availability. The unit competes with Miller Electric's Spectrum series, Hypertherm's Powermax45, and ESAB's Rebel plasma-capable units at the entry level.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Output Current	20–38 A
Input Voltage	208–230 V, 1-ph, 50/60 Hz
Duty Cycle	35% at 38 A; 60% at 25 A
Cut Capacity Production	12 mm (1/2 in) mild steel
Cut Capacity Severance	19 mm (3/4 in) mild steel
Gas Type	Compressed air (built-in filter/regulator)
Ignition	Pilot arc (non-contact starts)
Torch	Hand torch standard; mechanized torch optional
Machine Weight	11.3 kg (25 lb)
Dimensions Hwd	406 x 267 x 343 mm
Input Amperage	54 A at 230 V
Warranty	3 years (Lincoln Electric standard)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Single-phase 208–230V input means the unit operates from standard shop power without three-phase infrastructure, ideal for small shops and home fabricators
Pilot arc ignition allows reliable cutting starts on expanded metal, grating, and rusty or coated material without contact
Compact and lightweight at 11.3 kg — easily moved between workstations or transported to job sites
Lincoln Electric's broad North American dealer network ensures consumable and service availability virtually everywhere

Limitations

38A maximum output limits production cutting to 12 mm mild steel — shops with regular plate cutting above this thickness need a higher-amperage system
35% duty cycle at maximum output requires rest periods during sustained production cutting, reducing effective throughput on heavier material
Air plasma on stainless and aluminum produces more oxidation and edge discoloration compared to nitrogen or specialty gas systems

Best For

Small fabrication shops, HVAC contractors, and auto body shops cutting light-gauge to 10 mm mild steel and sheet metal Hobbyists and light manufacturing operations that need reliable plasma cutting from single-phase shop power Entry-level CNC plasma table applications where the table operates on 4x4 foot or smaller format and material is primarily gauge to 6 mm Job sites and field operations where portability and single-phase power compatibility are primary requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Can the Tomahawk 1538 be used on a CNC plasma table?

Yes, with Lincoln Electric's optional mechanized torch and a compatible machine interface lead. The Tomahawk 1538 is commonly used on entry-level CNC tables such as Torchmate's starter systems and similar small-format gantry tables. For tables larger than 4x4 feet or for cutting material consistently above 6 mm, a higher-amperage system is recommended.

02 What is the difference between the Tomahawk 1538 and the Tomahawk 1000?

The Tomahawk 1538 (38A) and Tomahawk 1000 (27A) differ primarily in output amperage and cut capacity. The 1538 cuts 12 mm mild steel at production speed; the 1000 cuts up to 6 mm. The 1538 is the better choice for any work above light sheet metal.

03 Does the Tomahawk 1538 have pilot arc?

Yes. The Tomahawk 1538 features a pilot arc (also called a high-frequency start or blowback start in some configurations) that initiates the cutting arc without contact with the workpiece. This enables reliable cutting of expanded metal, grating, and rough or coated surfaces where a contact start would be problematic.

04 What consumables does the Tomahawk 1538 use?

The Tomahawk 1538 uses Lincoln Electric's standard plasma consumable set: electrode, nozzle/tip, and shield cup. These are widely available through Lincoln Electric distributors and welding supply houses across North America. Consumable life depends on material, amperage, and cut frequency.

05 How does the Tomahawk 1538 compare to a Hypertherm Powermax45?

Both are competitive 45A-class entry plasma systems. The Hypertherm Powermax45 has a slight edge in consumable life and mechanized table integration due to Hypertherm's broader table compatibility ecosystem. The Tomahawk 1538 benefits from Lincoln Electric's dealer network, especially for shops already in the Lincoln welding ecosystem. Both are solid choices at the entry level.