Last Updated on Nov 19, 2022
Who said flux core welders are only for professionals or experts? However, even if you are just a beginner looking forward to getting your hands on some DIY welding or repairing projects, nothing can stop you as long as you follow proper guidelines.
In this content, we offer you the affordable but best flux core welder list in the market.
We are aware that these are heavy-duty machines. So before you get all excited about swiping your card, it is necessary to do some research about the machine’s model, features, or price so that you and your flux core welder-buddy can keeping welding together for more years to come.
But before we give you a peek at our list, let’s understand the dynamics and practicality of flux core welding.
Introduction to flux core welding
Flux core is also known as Flux Cored Arc Welding or FCAW, a welding method that uses a tube-shaped wire conductor containing a flux within the inner core.
In flux core welding, the wire conductor feeds via a wire feed unit and needs coarse rollers for holding the tube-shaped wire without causing any damage. It’s recommended to FCAW outside, simply due to the smoke produced. It’s common to use fans or welding respirators when FCAW welding.
There are two types of FCAW– Self-shielded (FCAW-S) or Innershield, and Gas Shielded (FCAW-G) or Dualshield. FCAW-S consists of a flux that protects the molten weld pool and prevents both nitrogen and oxygen from acting up against hot metal.
In addition, FCAW-S provides great weldability with excellent removal and has a good reputation amongst the mechanical and chemical properties. All these factors make FCAW-S a standard choice for metal-related construction, repair, or erection.
Whereas in FCAW-G, the welding process occurs via shielding gas in which the supply comes directly from the gas nozzle. FCAW-G has a flux coating that quickly hardens compared to molten weld and relies on the repetitively-fed tube-shaped wire, which is essentially filled with metallic and metallic-oxide powders.
Uses of flux core welding
If you think flux core welding is only about fusing different metal parts by heating them, you need to rethink it again. Let’s have a look at the uses-
- Apart from excellent penetration against dense joints, flux core welder can advance to various metal directions. Due to its simple and easy functioning, anyone can quickly learn it.
- Another unique quality of FCAW is that it uses a shielding method that requires no gas tank, making it portable-friendly, but the technique releases excess smoke. Hence, it is advisable to use the machine around ventilated space.
- FCAW has the highest deposit rate and can supply 25 pounds/hr. Therefore, FCAW is an excellent resource for industrial productions and repair, which deals with many requirements.
- Overall, some regular uses of FCAW include- generic repair, manufacturing, pipeline welding, underwater welding, and shipbuilding.
Factors to consider while purchasing flux core welder
There is no denying that many welding machines are available in the market, which may confuse you. To make things easier, here are few features you should double-check while shopping so that you end up getting the best flux core welder.
Current Output
If you are on the lookout for a powerful machine that can work with any welding project, you might need to check the machine’s current output with at least an average of 120 amps. But if you are more into the big guns, the best flux core welder comes in 160 amps or 200 amps with high current output, and it is faster to weld thick metal.
Controls
No matter how excellent your equipment is, if it does not offer all the basic controls which are a must in a flux core welder, your machine is as good as a toy. One of the primary control options should include a feature to alter the feeding rate of both current output and flux core, as it will help you adjust the welding speed and create accurate actions for your welds. Moreover, having a display that gives legit current output status is also a bonus.
Thickness of the material
Even if your welder is powerful unless it can weld thick metal sheets, the whole purpose of getting such equipment is invalid. Therefore, while scanning for welders, keep your eyes on flux core welders, which provide a metal thickness rating. The standard rating starts from 1/8 inch or ¼ inch, and it will inform you how thick a particular metal is, and accordingly, you can do your welding.
Duty cycle
You must be aware that flux core welder works with heat, and there are high heating issues. So to prevent such a scenario, flux core welders provide a duty cycle rating such as 25%, 30%, 40%, and more. These ratings guide you to inform how many duty cycles your machine has covered and how long it can function within a given period. But if you want to use your device for a more extended period, you can get a higher current output as the duty cycle varies according to the current output and the model.
Accessories
If you managed to pick a welder of your choice, ensure it provides accessories inclusively with the machine as some welding machines in the market sell without including the supplements. But there are also flux core welders, which provide for accessories in the packaging. The additions will consist of welding hoses, power cables, welding cables, and more. So if your find such a welding machine, get your hands immediately as they serve as an excellent deal, and you don’t have to purchase the accessories separately.
Warranty
The warranty of any product becomes the deciding factor if the product is genuine and worth buying. So, you better watch out! For example, in most high-performance flux core welder, you will find one year warranty which makes the product reliable for usage and an assurance that the machine will last some good years.
List of best flux core welder
This segment is all about bringing a smile to your face as we have curated a few but the best flux core welder and have also made sure it’s pocket-friendly. So let’s have a look at the most-awaited list-
GoPlus MIG 130 Flux Core Welder
Features:
- Max current output of 120 amps
- It comes in a robust stainless steel frame and plastic handle
- Duty cycle: 40%
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Can manage auto and light welding
GoPlus is a newbie, and due to that, it offers a reasonable price in the market. But GoPlus is a good and durable machine that can deal with both generic and industrial requirements. The current output rate is 120 amps and a 40% duty cycle which is very decent. Moreover, this machine can weld up to ¼ inch metal sheets, comes with accessories and a 1-year warranty.
Yeswelder Flux 135 Flux Core Welder
Features:
- Max current output of 135 amps
- Welds 1/8 inch thickness
- 30% duty cycle
Yeswelder Flux 135 comes as a decent performing welding machine with varieties of handy features. The welder has a current output of 153 amps with an average 30% duty cycle. Yeswelder Flux 135 weighs 11 lbs, making it very portable with a limited 1/8 inch thickness. You will require a 0.30 or 0.35 flux wire to use this machine in a versatile manner. Like others, this Yeswelder Flux 135 comes at a 1-year warranty.
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder
Features:
- Self-resetting motor protection
- It does not require a change in the fuse
- No need to reset circuit breaker buttons
- Provides 20% duty cycle for 90 amps
- It contains a wire feed speed range of 40 IPM-700 IPM
- Product weight: 57lbs
- 1-year warranty
Hobart 500559 flux core welder is an excellent option for high-performance but can be a little harsh on the wallet. Fortunately, it is a perfect pick for heavy-duty performance because of its weld of ¼ inch thickness and making it an ideal choice for the best flux core welder. Hobart 500559 comes with a variety of accessories that can create various opportunities for its use.
The welding machine has a current output of 140 amps with a 20% duty cycle for 90 amps. In addition, Hobart 500559 consists of essential features like power cords, contact tips, dual gauge regulator, and drive roll.
Tooliom 200A MIG
Features:
- Comes with protection class: IP21S
- Easy to operate
- Insulation class: F
- The duty cycle of 60% at 200A and 100% at 155A
- Input voltage: 110V/200V
- The output voltage of 24V
- 1-year warranty
- Two voltage settings
- Internal thermal protection
Tooliom 200A is a heavy-duty machine with a current output rate of 200 amps which is excellent. It is also a fantastic duty cycle of 60% at 200A, making it one of the best flux core welder with potent characteristics. Tooliom 200A has a limited thickness rate of only 5/32 inches, which is less than other welders. With Tooliom 200A, you get accessories like electrodes, cables, wired, feed, and more.
Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Flux Core Welder
Features:
- Receives 2 and 10 pound spools
- Gasless flux core
- Power source: corded-electric
- 20% duty cycle
- Amperage capacity: 125 amps
- Weight: 51 lbs
- Cord length: 6 ft
- 6-months warranty
Forney Easy Weld 229 125FC is a product made especially for beginners. Few mention it as a MIG machine, but it doesn’t require any gas. The product comes with a MIG gun and uses 0.30” flux-core wire, and provides shielding. Forney Easy Weld functions on 120 v with a current output rate of 125 amps and can weld to ¼ inch.
Overall it is easy to operate, best for small projects, easy to carry, and can function in various locations without any safety issue. The machine comes with other components like welding accessories, welding wire, and power tool accessories.
Forney Easy Weld 261 Flux Core Welder
Features:
- Gasless welding process
- Power output: 140 amp
- 30% duty cycle at 90 amps
- MIG Gun: 8 ft
- Weight: 19 lbs
- 1-year warranty
- Able to handle 2 and 10 pounds of wire spools
Forney products are something we can always trust and look forward to as they provide one of the best flux core welders. The Forney Easy Weld 261 is very compact and perfect for beginners or hobbyists. Despite being very light, it can function in various projects like repair, ranch, farm, metal fabrication, and more. Forney has an average of 14 amps and a fair duty cycle of 30% at 90 amps.
The product has a 0.30 flux-core wire, which helps make accurate welds and works perfectly for ¼ inch thickness. In addition, the machine comes with an inherent torch and handles for convenient purposes.
We hope this list has solved some of your confusion, and honestly, it doesn’t matter if your project is big or small. As long as you have the best flux core welder, the outcome will be great. With that said, you might want to pick your favorite and make the purchase right away.