5 Best Flux Core Welders for 2022 Budget & Pro

Last Updated on May 2022

If you are a beginner and learning the art of welding, choosing a flux core welding is a suitable starting option. This type of welder is easy to use, and you can learn to weld just after an hour of practice. You don’t have to worry about the sophistication, as these welding machines are user-friendly.

However, with so many options on the market, choosing the best flux core welder may turn out to be a daunting task. To limit your search and provide you with some of the viable options, we have compiled a list of 5 best flux core welding guns.

So, let’s start reviewing the products without any further delay.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Small product image of Hobart 500559 Handler 140
  • Input Power: 115V
  • Output Range: 25-140A
  • Duty Cycle: 20% @ 90A
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Small product image of Goplus MIG 130
  • Input Power: 110V
  • Output Range: 25-140A
  • Duty Cycle: 15% @ 90A
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Small product image of Reboot MIG Welder MIG150
  • Input Power: 115V
  • Output Range: 30-140A
  • Duty Cycle: 80% @ 200A
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Small product image of Forney Easy Weld 299
  • Input Power: 110V
  • Output Range: 50-120A
  • Duty Cycle: 35% @ 60A
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Small product image of Super Deal PRO MIG 130
  • Input Power: 110/220V
  • Output Range: 105A
  • Duty Cycle: 15% @ 105A
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Top 5 Flux Core Welders Reviewed

Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder 115V

Specifications

  • Capable of Welding 24 ga
  • Requires 115V (standard household current)
  • 40 – 700 IPM and 50 – 740 IPM wire feed speed range
  • 5-position voltage control selector
  • 20% duty cycle @ 90 Amps, 19V
  • Amperage output: 25–140
Hobart 500559

The Hobart Handler (500559) 140 MIG welder is highly portable and compact. You can use this welder for both flux core welding and MIG welding. This versatility feature welds both thick and thin metals. It offers professional results irrespective of its power and size.

Moreover, it can run on household current, which adds more value to this product. This feature is the reason the Hobart is the best-selling wire feed welding machine in the industry. The build quality and durability of this welder is on another level.

Being a portable welder, you can take it anywhere and complete your welding task without any hassle. The ability to offer excellent arc performance is another noticeable feature of this welder. When it comes to the ease of use, you can set-up this welder within a few minutes and start working on your project.

The Handler 140 requires 115-volt and 20 amp circuit. Besides, its 5-position voltage controller allows you to fine-tune your voltage requirements.

Pros

  • Industrial grade build quality
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Offers steady arc control
  • Works on household current
  • Compact and versatile
  • Comes with high-end safety features
  • Easy to use and requires minimum time for setting up

Cons

  • Not for industrial use

Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux Core Wire

Specifications

  • Steel frame & plastic handle
  • Max output, 15% at 105 AMP
  • Size, 13.4″ x 7.3″x 11.4″
  • Weight 35 lbs.
Goplus MIG 130

The Goplus MIG 130 is a Flux Core welding tool with an automatic feed feature. It is a portable and versatile machine, which is suitable for a variety of small flux core welding projects. The best part of this welder is its ability to perform in both home and professional settings.

This welder is capable of handling auto body and light steel welding projects. When taking a closer look at its specs and feature, you will come to know that Goplus MIG 130 is a well-rounded machine capable of handling a variety of tasks.

It requires 110V/60HZ current and comes with a 72.5-inch power cord. When running at 105 amps, it can offer a maximum output of 15%. The sturdy stainless steel case and plastic handle provide the required level of durability to bear job site abuse.

It is a portable welder, perfect for multi-location use. It weighs not more than 35 pounds, making it easy to move the welding gun from one place to another. Furthermore, the handle is comfortable and helps in carrying the welder conveniently.

Pros

  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Ideal welder to work on steel
  • 4 adjustable current flow levels
  • Two air-vents to keep the machine cool
  • Storage space at the top for holding small accessories
  • Overheat protective circuit
  • Prevents oxidation of the metal with its self-release metal-inert shielding gas
  • Welding wire and mask included

Cons

  • Not battery powered

Reboot MIG Welder MIG150 DC 220V Gas/Gasless 2 in 1 Flux Core

Specifications

  • Input power voltage- AC220±15%
  • Input current amperage 17A
  • Output current- 140A, range 30-140A
  • Output voltage- 26V, range 15-20V
  • Duty-cycle 70%
  • Weight- 5.2kg
  • Diameter of wire 0.6/0.8mm
MIG Welder MIG150

This Reboot MIG flux welder is a versatile machine that offers a wide selection of welding options. For instance, you can use this welding tool for stick, flux core, and MIG welding. Hence, you get three different welding styles with just one welder.

It can weld metal to .8 mm (1/3”), which is much better than those welders that can do 1/4”. Since it’s an inverter model, it also allows you to save some energy with its energy-efficient operation. It utilizes DC power to create an efficient and steady AC output.

However, the inverter technology is relatively new, which means you can’t be sure of its performance. Besides, this model hasn’t undergone vigorous testing, so there may be some unexpected experiences for the users.

Among all the models presented in this list, the Reboot MIG flux core welding tool is the lightest. It weighs just 12 lbs., which makes this welder one of the most portable machines among other similar options.

Pros

  • Excellent build quality
  • Amazingly lightweight
  • Versatile
  • Capable of welding thicker than standard metals
  • Energy efficient
  • Offers gasless MIG welding

Cons

  • Inverter technology isn’t that reliable in some cases

Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Flux Core Welder

Specifications

  • Gasless flux core welding only
  • Welds 24 ga up to 1/4 inch
  • Input 120 volt
  • Output 125 amp
  • Weight- 41.9 lbs.
  • Product dimension- 12 x 18 x 24 inches
  • Cord length 6 ft.
Forney Easy Weld 299

Forney is known for making some outstanding welding machines, and Forney Easy Weld 229 125FC Flux Core isn’t an exception. This product is specially designed while keeping in mind the needs of beginners and DIY enthusiasts.

The specs and features of this machine are also great. It works on 120 volts and produces a reasonable 125-amp output. The output is respectable, especially when taking into account the size of this machine. Moreover, with its sufficient power, it can weld 24 gauge steel up to 1/4th of an inch.

These features render this welder as an ideal option for small projects. Beginners would find this machine highly impressive when learning delicate welds. You can use both 2- and 10-pound spools with this machine, so it offers some flexibility when buying your wires.

This welder doesn’t offer any shielding gas for welding purposes. As a result, it is effortless to move this machine from one place to another. You won’t experience any safety and performance issues when using it in multiple locations.

Pros

  • Portable and easy to use
  • Sturdy construction makes it highly durable
  • Sufficient power output
  • Best for mild steel welding
  • Self-shield feature provides the necessary protection

Cons

  • A bit bulky and hard to move around

Super Deal PRO Commercial MIG 130 AC Flux Core Wire Automatic Feed Welder

Specifications

  • Voltage: 110 V / 60 Hz
  • Output Current- 50-120 AMP
  • Duty Cycle: 35% at 60 AMP and 10% at 105AMP
  • Maximum Voltage: 37V
  • Weight 38.1 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 20.2 x 15 x 12.5 inches
Super Deal PRO Commercial MIG

This particular Flux core welding gun is highly affordable and serves the purpose of both commercial and small-scale welding needs. There are different positive aspects of this welder that you need to consider.

First, it has a reasonable weight of 38 lbs., which makes it highly portable. Due to its compact design, you can store it at any place. Its unique waveform control mechanism allows you to adjust the machine for various welding requirements.

As a result, you experience less spatter and more fusion depth. Moreover, the performance level is more than satisfactory. The welding gun comes with on/off safety control, ten adjustable wire feed speeds, and four voltage controllers.

However, there are a few flaws, which make it less viable for heavy-duty use. Most of the parts are made of PVC, which are constructed with stainless steel in similar welding machines. As a result, you can’t expect extended durability.

Even using so much plastic, you won’t find any significant weight reduction. On the contrary, it ends up being bulkier. Due to low output, you need to weld for longer; this enhances the chance of overheating.

Pros

  • Being compact, you can store it easily. Due to its portability feature, transporting this welder isn’t difficult
  • Offers a variety of wire feed speed
  • Temperature controls give you the ability to weld on both thick and thin steel parts
  • Easy to use Flux-Cored wire spool
  • Self-release metal-inert gas
  • Current flow settings offer 4 different levels
  • The gun comes with a metal tip
  • Suitable for both general repairing and DIY work

Cons

  • Less compatible due to its excessive weight

Flux Core Welder Buying Guide

Pay Attention to Duty Cycle

When buying a flux core welder, make sure to learn about its duty cycle. It is essential, as the duty cycle shows that for how much time you can continue using the welding machine before it needs a rest.

For instance, if the duty cycle of a machine is 30%, you can weld 3 minutes before you need to stop. A welding gun with a higher duty cycle will ensure the maximum range of output, which is recommended.

Portability—Weight and Size

The MIG welder that you are going to buy should be portable and easy to carry. This suggests that its size and weight should be reasonable.

Typically, MIG welding machines serve as a perfect option for small tasks, especially in those areas where you can’t take huge welders. Hence, for small projects, look for a MIG welder of small size and minimum weight.

Thickness and Type of Wire Weld

Before purchasing a welder, think about the type of welding wire or consumables that you are going to use. Also, consider the thickness of such a wire. The machine requires wire or cable of a similar metal that you need to weld.

For instance, for welding a piece of aluminum, you need a spool of aluminum cable.

Similarly, keep in mind the thickness of the cable or wire when choosing a welder. It is essential, as thicker metal requires a longer cable. On the contrary, a thinner metal requires a smaller cable.

Thermal Overload Protection

The durability and long life of a welder depend on its thermal overload protection system. This mechanism plays a critical role while preventing the overheating of a welding gun. It works by automatically shutting down the machine as soon as it starts to get overheated.

The thermal overload protection system restarts the machine once it cools down. As a result, your welding tool would continue to serve the purpose without causing any trouble. The devices that offer this type of protection are relatively pricier than similar other options.

So if you can afford to pay more for this quality, it is highly recommended.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Maintenance and repair are some of the most essential aspects, which you should keep in mind when buying a MIG welder. These costs may vary depending on the type and quality of a welder. Top-Quality welding tools require less maintenance, which also lowers the repairing price.

Most of the reputed brands offer warranty for their welders, which means you don’t need to bear the repairing cost if the welder faces any technical issue. On the other hand, a low-quality welding tool doesn’t come with a warranty; therefore, you have to pay the cost of getting it fixed.

A Man Using Welder

Best Place To Buy A Flux Core Welder Online

There are numerous places where you could order one of these machines online – eBay, industrial sites, etc. Additionally, there are always people who post their offers on tech sites, which might or might not be related to whatever you are looking for. However, these machines aren’t toys, food, or something you should take too lightly – buying one will always be a costly investment, not to mention the risk of purchasing faulty equipment.

Check out The 7 Highest Rated TIG Welders for the Money

That being said, it is highly recommended you order this tool online from Amazon, the safest place you can. Apart from being the most popular and reliable online service, this online market has a strict set of rules that apply to users on both ends: vendors and buyers. They also provide free shipping to some areas.

Amazon Logo

One of the best things about Amazon is that you are entitled to use their return/refund policy. People ship their items overseas all the time, and even if your vendor is local, an accident can occur at any time. Your package might be delivered to you in a damaged condition. That’s when return policies come into play.

Conclusion

When taking into consideration the quality and performance, Hobart’s flux core welder surely takes the lead. This flux core welding tool is versatile and powerful enough to meet your basic welding needs.

However, it is expensive and suits most of the buyers who don’t mind spending an extra amount.

On the contrary, if you are looking for an affordable welding gun, both Goplus and Reboot welders tend to be the most viable options.

They offer excellent build quality while staying under the budget. If you don’t do a lot of welding work, both these options turn out to be the best value for your money.

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