5 Best Flux Core Welder Reviews
Best Flux Core Welders
Flux core welding has long been regarded as a great welding process for beginners. It doesn't take long to master and you don't need worry about gas or surface preparation. It is used widely in the construction industry for their portability and many application around a construction site.
Top 5 Best Flux Core Welders
Hobart Handler 140 MIG/Flux
The Hobart Handler 140 is an awesome welder for beginners and professions alike. It has MIG and Flux core capabilities. The welder comes ready for MIG with a regulator and gas line.
Even though it's 115v. The machine is a quality build and it performs on par with the big brands such as Lincoln.
Hobart Handler 140
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Cons
Goplus MIG 130
Last time I checked the price on this welder is was selling for $162. Let's be frank. It is a cheap welder and the accessories pack that come with it is not the highest quality either. But, It is enough you get you up and running for a really low price.
The main issue with many inexpensive welders in this class is that the wire feed motor tends to pulsate a little when you start welding. This will take a little getting use to initially so practice on some scrap first.
The Goplus would be best suited for D.I.Y jobs, or really light work in your shop
A cool feature of the Goplus is the hidden storage space at the top of the machine. The hood essentially slides off and you can put some small accessories in there.
Goplus MIG 130 Flux Core
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Forney Easy Weld Flux Core
The Forney is a budget flux-welder. It may be priced low but it does FCAW well enough to get the job done. This machine just doesn’t have the ability to add gas to this machine so you cannot weld MIG. Hence, why it is priced lower than the other machines available.
Now just remember, this is a smaller entry level unit. So don't expect it to perform like a Lincoln. But if you're looking for a low priced, reliable machine that only welds flux core. Then it may be worth taking a closer look at this unit.
Forney Easy Weld
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Super Deal Pro Flux Core Welder
As the name suggest this is a super deal flux core welder. This welder is so cheap it makes you wonder if it can even get the job done. But 210 reviews on amazon tell us the super deal pro can hold it's own.
The PVC casing is a nice touch and the controls clear and simple to use. You have a range of wire speeds and 4 levels of current flow settings. Did we mention the really low price? This machine is perfect for home DIY and general repair work
I would advise getting a better welding helmet as the one supplied is rubbish.
Super Deal Pro Commercial MIG Welder
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Lotos 140 Amp Flux Core
The Lotos MIG 140 is a powerful Flux Core / MIG welder that has an excellent reputation for reliable performance and durability.
Running at the same max amperage as the Hobart it also performs just as good as it's more expensive counterpart as well.
Lotos MIG 140
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What Is Flux-Cored Arc Welding?
Image: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/flux-cored-arc-welding
Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) is a process that uses a hollow wire that is fed through the welding gun to the joint. The main difference between MIG welding and flux-cored welding process is MIG welding requires shielding gas, whereas flux-cored process doesn’t need any shielding gas.
In Flux-Cored Arc Welding, you can use an externally fed shielding gas, but it’s not essential for the process. The reason is the produced gas and slag protect the welding surface. The method offers an impressive welding speed, and it’s highly portable. It’s an advantageous process in industries such as construction to work on materials like stainless steel and alloys.
What Can Flux Core Weld?
Flux core welding is more streamlined in that a flux compound in the wire reacts with the arc to create a gas that protects the weld. So, this means you don’t need to cart around external gas cylinders to the job site. The flux component that is in the wire means that the welding is less susceptible to winds and rusty or dirty metals. This is why it is suited for outdoor welding.
Flux Core can be used on the following alloys:
- Stainless steels
- Mild to low alloy steels
- high nickel alloys
- Wearfacing / surfacing alloys
Is MIG welding better than flux core?
MIG and Flux core are similar and you will see that most MIG welding machines can also perform flux core welding. However, there some differences between the two and so to say one is better than the other is almost like comparing apples and oranges.
I like to think of the two welding processes as a complement to each other.
Differences between MIG and Flux Core welding
MIG Welding | Flux Core Welding |
|---|---|
Easy to lean | Easy to learn |
Wire fed | Wire fed |
Shielding gas required | Shielding gas optional |
Cleaner welds | More slag and clean up |
Not suitable for outdoors | Is suitable for outdoors |
Not suitable for rusty or dirty metals | Is capable of welding rusty or dirty metal |
Less smoke | More smoke than MIG |
Filler metal is cheaper | Filler metal more expensive |
Can You Weld Aluminum Flux Core?
The answer is NO.
I like to keep things simple but if you must know why you cannot weld aluminum with flux continue reading this blog.
Now, before you have to make another donation to the swear jar there is alternative.
Your MIG welder can weld flux core!
Get yourself a spool gun along with some argon gas and the correct wire and you are ready to MIG weld aluminum. The Lotos MIG 140 for example has an additional spool gun accessory for this very purpose.
