AirForce 40i machine
Machine stock number 500576 for the 120/240 V AirForce 40i with XT40R torch and MVP adapters.
Hobart portable plasma cutter
Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter Support
The AirForce 40i is a 120/240-volt portable air plasma cutter with MVP adapters and an XT40R torch. Key lookup numbers include 500576, 284516, 253521, 253520, 770798, 770797, 770791, 770793, 228926, 300517, 254328, 254330, and 254331.
Start Here
The shortest paths for owners looking up this Hobart plasma cutter.
XT40R torch and consumables
Use the XT40R section for the replacement torch, consumable kit, drag shield, tips, electrodes, and cup kit.
MVP adapters and air setup
The sheet lists AirForce 40i MVP adapters, an in-line air filter, and the full-KVA adapter cord for engine-drive setups.
Cut quality checks
If the cutter starts but cut quality is poor, check electrode wear, tip condition, air pressure, air filter, and material thickness first.
AirForce 40i Specs
Core machine data from Hobart literature 272165, September 2022.
What Comes With the AirForce 40i
Package contents listed on the Hobart spec sheet.
- 12 ft. XT40R hand-held torch
- 12 ft. work cable with clamp
- 12 ft. power cord with 240 V L6-30P twist lock plug for MVP adapters
- MVP adapters with 5-15P 120 V 15 A plug and 6-50P 240 V 50 A plug
- Easy-to-connect built-in gas/air filter and regulator
- Extra consumables: two tips, shield deflector, and electrode
- Cable management included
Machine Features
Customer-facing notes from the Hobart AirForce 40i sheet.
- Small lightweight design at 21 lb. with shoulder strap for moving between jobs.
- MVP adapters connect to 120 V or 240 V receptacles without tools through the L6-30R twist-lock connection.
- XT40R torch is listed for comfort, cooling, and economical replacement cutting tips.
- Pilot arc controller supports cutting expanded or perforated metals, painted surfaces, and coated surfaces without retriggering.
- Wind Tunnel Technology helps keep abrasive dust away from internal components.
- Fan-On-Demand cooling runs only when needed to reduce power draw and contaminants.
- LVC line voltage compensation supports steady cutting under variable input voltage conditions.
- Automatic gouging consumable detection adjusts gas pressure to optimize performance.
- Compatible with engine-driven welders or generators that have a 240 V receptacle of 8 kW or more.
Cutting Capacity Notes
Mild steel cutting notes from the Hobart chart.
- At 27 A output on 120 V, the sheet lists 3/8 in. rated mild steel cut at 15 ipm.
- At 40 A output on 240 V, the sheet lists 5/8 in. rated mild steel cut at 13 ipm.
- Recommended maximum piercing capacity is 1/8 in. at 27 A and 5/16 in. at 40 A.
- Maximum sever cut is 7/8 in. at about 5 ipm.
- For aluminum and other high-conductivity metals, Hobart notes cutting capability may derate by as much as 30%.
- Rated cut capacity is based on traveling about 15 inches per minute for a steady, precise cut.
Machine Package and Accessories
Machine, torch, safety, cover, case, and extension cord rows from Hobart AirForce 40i literature 272165.
| Part # | Item | Use / note | Buy / lookup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500576 | AirForce 40i plasma cutter Machine |
120/240 V portable air plasma cutter with XT40R hand-held torch. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 284516 | XT40R replacement torch Torch |
12 ft. replacement torch listed on the AirForce 40i sheet. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 770966 | Protective cover Accessory |
Weather-resistant nylon cover for AirForce i plasma cutters. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 300184 | X-CASE Case |
Storage and transport case listed for the plasma cutter, accessories, and gear. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 770644 | 240-volt extension cord Power accessory |
20 ft. NEMA 6-50P to NEMA 6-50R heavy-duty extension cord listed on the sheet. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 770726 | Shade 5.0 safety glasses Safety |
Mirrored lens with black frame. Hobart lists ANSI Z87.1 compliance. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 770727 | Shade 5.0 safety glasses Safety |
Black lens with orange frame. Hobart lists ANSI Z87.1 compliance. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
XT40R Torch Consumables
Consumables shown in the XT40R torch diagram and accessory section from the Hobart sheet.
| Part # | Item | Use / note | Buy / lookup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 253521 | XT40 consumable kit Consumable kit |
Kit listed with electrodes, 40 A tips, 30 A tips, drag shields, deflector, O-ring, swirl ring, retaining cup, gouge tip, gouge shield, and silicone grease. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 253520 | XT30 consumable kit Consumable kit |
XT30 kit also shown on the AirForce 40i accessory page. Verify torch and amperage before ordering. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 770798 | Drag shield Shield |
Drag shield for the Hobart XT40R torch. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 770797 | Tips Tip |
Pack of 2 tips for Hobart XT40R torch. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 770791 | Electrodes Electrode |
Pack of 2 electrodes for Hobart XTR / XT40R torches. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 770793 | Cup, swirl ring, O-ring, and deflector kit Consumable kit |
Deflector, retaining cup, swirl ring, and O-ring kit for XT30R / XT40R torches. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
Air, Cutting Guides, and MVP Adapters
Setup accessories and adapter cords listed on the AirForce 40i accessory page.
| Part # | Item | Use / note | Buy / lookup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 228926 | In-line air filter kit Air filter |
Mounts to the back of the AirForce 27i and 40i. Includes quick-disconnect fittings and hose. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 228928 | In-line air filter replacement element Air filter |
Replacement filter element for in-line air filter kit 228926. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 300517 | Full KVA adapter cord Power adapter |
NEMA 14-50P to NEMA 6-50R adapter cord for adapting engine-drive 120/240 V plug to common AirForce 240 V plug. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 253054 | Plasma standoff roller guide Cutting guide |
Helps maintain recommended standoff distance to improve cutting performance and tip life. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 253055 | Plasma circle-cutting guide Cutting guide |
Cuts straight lines or circles up to 12 inches in diameter. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 195979 | Suction/magnetic pivot base Cutting guide |
Attachment base for cutting guide work on flat surfaces; extended arm accommodates holes up to 30 inches. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 254328 | MVP adapter 6-50P Power adapter |
Adapter for connection to 6-50P 240 V / 50 A receptacle. Listed as included with machine. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 254330 | MVP adapter 5-15P Power adapter |
Adapter for connection to 5-15P 120 V / 15 A receptacle. Listed as included with machine. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
| 254331 | MVP adapter 5-20P Power adapter |
Adapter for connection to 5-20P 120 V / 20 A receptacle. Listed as optional. | Search Amazon Site lookup |
Source: Hobart AirForce 40i spec sheet, literature 272165, September 2022. Amazon search links are a buying aid; direct View on Amazon buttons only appear when a Hobart registry match is already approved.