It is a challenge to choose the right welder, right? First, you need to pick what type you will do for your project. Once you pick one, you must select the equipment you will use. But because there are so many models being sold, this can be a daunting task.
You don’t always have to rely on what the sales clerk will tell you when looking for the best flux core welder for the money. Whether you are a beginner or not, choosing one suitable for your needs can be easy if you let us help you out. You’ll create beautiful welds with a machine of great performance while not going outside your price range. Get yourself a new toy for your garage at home.
Summary
As we tested various products, it became clear that the best flux core welder for beginners was the SUPER DEAL PRO. The best flux core welder for the money and more advanced people was the LOTOS MIG.
Here’s a list of our category winners:
- Best overall flux core welder for the money: LOTOS MIG
- Best cheap flux core welder: SUPER DEAL PRO
- Best higher-end flux core welder: Hobart 500559
This article will review our top picks and explain why these flux core welders deserve to be part of your workshop.
Need a engine-driven welder or a plasma cutter? We can help you find those, too.
Table of Contents
- Best Flux Core Welders
- Forney Easy 299 125FC
- Hobart Handler 140
- Super Deal MIG 130
- Why you can trust us and how we picked?
- Factors to consider
- How much does the best best flux core Welder cost?
Best Flux Core Welders
Have you decided to buy your machine yet? You should get one that offers the best value for your money, no matter your budget. And even if you plan to upgrade your equipment in the future, don’t just buy the cheapest one you see. There are inexpensive options around that offer a great experience from various brands.
To make your search easier, here are some of the best flux core welders for the money. Some welding machines come with the necessary gun, while others don’t.
Forney Easy 299 125FC
A simple internet search will show that the Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC is one of the top picks of many craftsmen. Designed for beginners, this model is easy to use. The manufacturer claims you can master its use in only thirty minutes. Hobbyists and experts alike enjoy using this for their projects.
After a year’s use, many reviewers rate this 5 stars! However, it only has a 20% duty cycle.
Its portable size means you can use it anywhere you want, but do take note that it weighs around 42 lbs. Power users may find it insufficient for their needs because it only has an output of 25 amps, while its input is 120 volts. You can use it to fuse metals ranging from 24 gauge up to 1/4″ inch thick and use 2 and 10-pound spools with it.
Not only is it great for flux core, but you can also use it to learn MIG without the use of shielding gas.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Catered to beginners, DIYers, and sheet metal. | Not suitable for aluminum, cast iron, and other complicated metalsEasy to use, even for angled metalsHeavy for its size. Anyone can quickly master its use. Bigger workpieces can be difficult, if not entirely impossible. While it is more suitable for fusing thin metals or of medium thickness, you can still use it for some thicker metals. |
| Plug-and-play operation | Heavy-duty use is not recommended. |
| Not only does it allow you to work quickly, but it also results in contamination-free and clean results. It does not require cleaning up afterward. | Cannot do fine work |
| Inexpensive and portable | |
| Can hold 8-inch wire reels |
Hobart Handler 140
Don’t let its name fool you. While the Hobart Handler 140 may seem to cater to MIG, it is one of those models that can also be used for flux core. It does a great job and consistently ranks as one of the best machines around. For its hefty price tag, it should be expected.
While more expensive than the Forney, this is a step up that you won’t regret! It’s a great product.
Great for both novice and expert craftsmen, this machine allows you to work on a wide variety of materials. Ready to tackle aluminum? You can do so in both MIG and flux core. It can fuse metals ranging from 24 gauge to 1/4-inch thick and lets you quickly change wires when switching. It is also equipped with voltage control that allows you to choose between five settings. The selectable speed of flux core wire feeding ranges from 40 to 700 IPM.
This portable option also offers an easy operation straight out of the box. You can run it using your existing household current. Not only that, but it is also known as one of the most durable machines around.
Pros
- It’s one of the most powerful machines around, even at par with those made for industrial use.
- It can be used for a wide variety of metals.
- It is known for its durability.
- Allows you to easily switch between FCAW and MIG, with the latter allowing you to work with or without any shielding gas.
- Equipped with a 5-setting voltage selector
- It comes with protection against overheating and overloading
- Ships with various accessories so you can start working right away
- Amperage output ranges from 25 to 140
Cons
- Not meant for heavy-duty or industrial use despite its build quality
- Expensive
- Inaccurate chart
- Quite bulky despite its compact size
Super Deal MIG 130
The Super Deal MIG 130 is one of the most affordable units around. Because of its low price, it is understandable that it is not as feature-laden as its pricier counterparts. The build quality is affected, as it is crafted using PVC and not stainless steel. Despite its flaws, it is still sufficient for your basic needs.
This is a cheap option and not the right one if you’re getting more serious about your work. But if you haven’t yet found out whether or not you should commit to learning the trade, you can try the Super Deal.
This machine allows you to choose between 4 speed and 10 wire feed settings and is equipped with a safety control. It may not be as powerful as other machines, but you can still fuse metals up to 1/4 inch. But since it is AC-powered, the resulting work is not that neat. Do note that you can do both FCAW and MIG with it.
| Name | SUPER DEAL PRO Commercial MIG 130 |
| Includes | Welding Spool Wire, Welding Face Mask, Chipping Hammer/ Wire Brush 2.5M Torch, Extra 2 Tips, Ground Cord |
| Item Weight | 38 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 20.25 x 15 x 12.5 inches |
Pros
- Very affordable
- It is capable of both MIG and flux core.
- Compact and lightweight. We love its dimensions and it has a number of things that work for the price.
- Setting up is effortless.
- It is equipped with variable speed settings, including for controlling the speed of wire feeding. It also comes with an on/off safety control.
Cons
- Poor built quality compared to other similar models since it is made of PVC.
- The resulting work is not that clean because it is AC-powered
- Reportedly prone to overheating, despite having protection against it
- Not ideal for heavy-duty nor frequent use
- It has only four amperage settings ranging from 50 to 130
- Included flux wire is of poor quality, while the handheld shield is not convenient to use
Why you can trust us and how we picked?
You can trust us to pick any of the above-listed best Flux Core Welders and stay worry-free. That is because we have done all the research on your behalf. We have tested and taken inputs from the industry people as to which welder gives the maximum output at minimum cost.
Factors to consider
Types of metal
It’s important to keep in mind the types of metal that you will be working with your flux core welder. For harder metals, a more powerful welder is required.
Portability
Smaller flux core welder are not too heavy to carry. They can be easily carried from place to place and get the job done. But if you are planning to get a bigger flux core welder, then the portability will be a challenge.
Pulse
A very important aspect of flux core welder is pulse welding. It allows the welder to weld the thin sheets of metals that too without making a hole in them. One must look for this feature before buying one.
Foot pedal
Welding is a tiring and complicated process. If the equipment is right, it’s a breeze to complete the job. A foot pedal is that feature that acts as a companion to the person carrying the welding job. Always look for the welder with a foot pedal so that only hands do not get all the stress.
How much does the best best flux core Welder cost?
Flux core welders come in various sizes with different levels of output. But the best ones start at around $400 and will cost you not more than $2000. The welders in this range work well and get the job done without making a hole in your pocket.
Let’s look at the relatively simple process of flux core welding.
