The best flux-core welder is able to deliver high-quality performance over a wide range of metals and thickness.
This technique does not require as much pre-cleaning unlike MIG welders, but it is still a good idea clear off as much dirt as possible, to give your project great results.
The process of combining several metals with the use of a hot iron and flux core is known as flux core welding. It has been in use for several decades now, though the advantages and disadvantages of it are much debated. This is the reason why this process is widely employed today, especially by industrial welding factories.
Want to get into flux core welding, but don’t know where to start? Do you have some training in the art, and want to perfect your technique on small jobs before advancing to the next level?
If that sounds like you, then read on to see our list of the best flux core welders. These flux core welding guns will have you proud of the welds you make and confident in your abilities to go further.
And if you’re already an expert in flux core? Well, consider these, some new friends to make your projects flow smoothly.
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Top Flux Core Welding Machine in 2023
1. Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i
The EasyWeld showed up on another list of ours and it’s back again because it’s THAT GOOD. This powerful little unit provides up to 140 amps of output and you can easily weld mild steel up to a quarter inch.
It’s just 19 lbs, so carrying it around is a breeze. You can use 2 or 10 lb rolls of wire. And the extras included will have you going right from day one- there is a MIG gun, ground clamp, adapter and torch wrap inside.
The unit also comes with a 12 month warranty.
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2. Hobart 500572 Handler 100
With this Hobart Handler 100, you will be able to weld 3 /16 in steel (4.8mm) using flux cored wire. You are able to use small or larger spools of wire, so whatever job you are doing at the moment can be completed that much easier. You can weld .30 and .35 flux core wire. Included you will find .30 tips.
There is also an included safety feature we loved, in which the wire was made “cold” until the welding gun trigger was pulled. Threading the new wire is also quite simple thanks to the positive feed with adjustable tension.
The unit is rated for 80 amps/18 v with max output of 100 amps.
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3. VIVOHOME Portable Flux Core Wire MIG 130
This is a no-reaction welder that uses flux-cored wire to release metal inert gas as you work. The welded part of your object won’t retain oxidation, making it a great choice for those of you working on light-gauge steel and smaller size projects.
It’s best suited for mild and stainless steel, such as auto body work. The welding speed is adjustable, and features 4 levels of current flow settings. You can adjust the variable feed control for ten different speeds. It becomes very easy to tackle thin, aluminum or stainless steel; or thicker steel with flux-core welding.
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4. Super Deal PRO Commercial MIG 130 AC Flux Core Wire
This is a household grade, lightweight and yet powerful machine that is good for beginners, hobbyists and veterans of welding that just want a good little machine. It is favorably rated by buyers and is very reasonably priced.
Flux is the name of the game here- you will use cored wire which will keep your weld clean and free of oxidation.
The machine comes with all you need to weld straight away. You can use the knobs on the machine to adjust the speed of the wire feed with ease.
It weighs in at just 38 lbs, so it’s a bit bulky but not impossible to move for most welders.
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5. ETOSHA 140 MIG Welder 140 Amp Flux Core Wire
This machine features synergistic adjustment and thus makes your work easier- no need to fiddle around with voltage and feeder speed as you work around. The machine is constructed of quality stainless steel and helps you get good clean welds.
There is an electric choke control AND automatic thermal safety protection plus overload safety protection to keep you safer as you work.
The arc is easy to start and is great for many household jobs such as repairs on metal patio furniture or on autos/farm equipment.
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6. Goplus MIG 130 Welder AC Flux Core Wire
Featuring stainless steel body, this durable little machine will become a valued household tool in no time.
Flux-cored welding capabilities keeps your work free of oxidation. Your current flow settings are easily adjusted by using the min/max buttons. If you would like to adjust your wire feed speed, simply do so using the rotary knob.
This is great for thin iron and steel. The carry handle makes it simple to take with you to the garage or even to a friend’s house to help out.
On top of the sturdy construction and ease of use, extras such as a mask and brush/hammer are included also.
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7. KICKINGHORSE F130, 120V MIG - Flux Core Gasless
With this machine you have the opportunity to fine-tune the voltage on a constant basis which is great for making the weld puddle work in your favor.
The voltage adjustment is stepless and puts YOU in control of the welding arc. It’s great for vets and beginners alike! The spools are side loading, and the process is made much more seamless in this way.
The included MIG gun is made just for flux-cored welding and brings you max power, smooth feed of the flux core line and keeps maintenance at a minimum.
Best of all there is a one-year warranty and US based customer service, who can be contacted at any time with questions or concerns.
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8. Amico MIG -130A Flux Core Wire
Here is a flux-core welder perfect for household, farm or auto shop use. It’s just what you need for basic, small repairs.
This is a 110V/230V dual voltage machine- all you have to do is plug it in and you are ready to weld. You can use .30 and .35 flux cored wire.
It’s a great little machine, but does not come with many extras for the price. Still, it is favorably rated among users.
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Buying Guide For Flux Core Welders
If you already have an adequate MIG welder, then you probably can utilize flux core wires combined with changed polarity (to positive). You can also invest in a flux core welder if you think it would be beneficial to have an entirely separate unit for this purpose. In the long run, you’ll be saving money.
If you’ll only be using flux core for your welds in the near future, do a little bit of shopping around to see if you can acquire an affordable flux core welder. There are a number of things you should keep an eye out for in your shopping search.
Plate Thickness
Even if you have a standard plate gauge that you typically work with, it’s a good idea to look for a flux core welder that can handle a little bit more than that.
If you don’t, your new machine might have trouble keeping up with your traditional maximum. You also want room to grow. It’s never a good idea to buy a welder that you have already maxed out when you take it out of the box.
Multi Use or Single Use
If you have the potential for using gas to create precision welds, then you should look into a flux core welder that will work with both fluxless and flux-core wire. You’ll still be able to use your unit without gas.
Metal Type
A flux core welder works well with a variety of materials, but it does not work with aluminum. If this is the material that you’re traditionally using, then it’s helpful to have another piece equipment as part of your setup to cover all of your bases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flux Core Welders
Q: Should I invest in AC or DC?
When looking for a welding unit, pay attention to whether a flux core welder comes with AC or DC output. You actually don’t get great results when you use AC output with a flux core welder. Stainless steel welds will also be a challenge with AC.
Q: Does the Quality of my leads matter?
When it comes to a flux core welder, the quality of your lead matters. The product needs to be thick enough in order to have adequate durability. Otherwise, you may have short life expectancies for your leads.
Look for the longest lead that you can get. Ideally, you want to strive for 10’ to 24’ leads for torch welding guns. Ground leads should be around 10’ to 12’.
Q: Is flux core welding a simple process?
The process of flux core welding is actually pretty simple. Once you’ve purchased a unit and have brought it home, you can have everything set up and in use within the hour.
Compared to some of the other forms of welding, flux core is pretty straightforward. You may need to practice a bit if you want to keep your slag levels low.
Conclusion
For us, the best in show here has to be the Hobart Handler 100. The price is good for what you get, and it’s designed just for the art of flux-core welding, plus the machine is synergistic which makes your welds go by faster AND look great.
It fits into standard home outlet at 115v input power that will give you clean welds and stable arcs. TIG welders like the Hobart Flux Core Welder will preform with precision regardless of rust or other contaminants on the surface.
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