Current Output: Whether you are buying a flux core welder or any other type of welding machine, it is quite important to check its current output as a higher current output of 160 amps or 200 amps is going to offer much better performance than a current output of 100 amps or 120 amps in most cases. Material Thickness: Even if you are getting a flux core welder that offers a high current output, it is not going to be useful for you if it cannot weld thick sheets of metal. Fortunately, most flux core welders mention a material thickness rating as ⅛ inch or ¼ inch where the higher latter rating is much better for heavy-duty usage. Controls: Before you go ahead and start using your high-performance flux core welder for your workshop projects, it is quite important to check the controls offered by it. Without proper controls for the current output and the flux core feeding rate, you will not be able to make accurate and precise welds using your flux core welder.
Apart from these features and factors, you still need to consider much more before buying flux core welders. Hence, to help you in picking the right one, all the various flux core welders stated here also have their important specifications and options explained along with a comprehensive “Buying Guide” so that by the time you reach to the end of this article, you can easily buy the best flux core welder for you.
10 Best Flux Core Welders in 2023: List
Best Flux Core Welders in 2023: Reviews
1. Forney Easy Weld 261 Flux Core Welder
Forney is one of the oldest brand options out there when it comes to welding machines since it offers all kinds of options including a decently powerful flux core welder to its buyers. The Forney Easy Weld 261 flux core welder comes at the 1st position of this list since it is one of the most compact flux core welders out there. Even at its given size and compact form factor, you get a fairly decent current output of 14 amps out of this flux core welder. This is combined along with a 0.30 flux core wire allowing you to get precise welds. You also get a fairly good duty cycle of 30% at 90 amps with this welding machine. Talking about the compatibility of this flux core welder in terms of the metal thickness on which you can work, it is ideal for up to ¼ inch thick metal sheets which is quite good. A great thing about this flux core welder is that it has an inbuilt torch and handle which can be quite handy in a lot of cases. Since Forney is a fairly popular brand, its given 1-year warranty is to be expected. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 140 amps Works with up to ¼ inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 30% at 90 amps Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
Quite a small and compact welder Decently powerful for the given size Includes a handy carry handle and torch
Cons:
Limited number of included accessories
2. Hobart 500559 Flux Core Welder
While it is a bit on the expensive side, Hobart and welding machines like the flux core welder stated here can be a great option for all those of you who want something highly versatile. Hobart’s 500559 Handler flux core welder comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as this welder comes with a wide range of accessories in the box making this welder highly versatile for a lot of users. Talking about its performance numbers, you get a maximum current output of 140 amps out of it. Although, its duty cycle of 20% at 90 amps is a bit low when compared with most other options out there. Thankfully, this high-end flux core welder still makes for a great choice for heavy-duty usage as it can weld up to ¼ inch thick materials with ease. Coming to the key feature of this flux core welder, you will be glad to know that it includes all kinds of things like MIG gun, cables, clamps, power cords, dual gauge regulator, contact tips, drive roll, and material thickness gauge in the box. As you would expect from such a premium welder, it also comes with a 1-year long warranty. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 140 amps Works with up to ¼ inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 20% at 90 amps Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
Wide range of included accessories Precise and accurate welding controls Quite a powerful flux core welder
Cons:
Highly expensive for the given duty cycle
3. Display 4top Flux Core Welder
Display4top is one of the newest and smallest brands of welding machines out there when compared with other offerings present here because of which it offers various affordable welders. This Display4top Portable No Gas flux core welder comes at the 3rd position of this article because it is one of the cheapest options available out there. Even though it has such a low price tag, you get a decent and standard current output of 120 amps from it. And its given duty cycle rating of 35% is quite higher than even some of the most expensive options. Taking a look at the material thickness support of this welder, you can use it for working on up to 5/32 inch thick materials which is fairly decent for the given price. You also get things like a welding gun, grounding clamp, protection mask, brush, and others in the box resulting in a high value for money. However, being a fairly new brand of welders, you do not get any warranty with it. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 120 amps Works with up to 5/32 inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 35%
Pros:
Budget-friendly flux core welder Comes with a decent amount of accessories Fairly high duty cycle rating
Cons:
Does not offer any warranty
4. TOOLIOM 200A Flux Core Welder
Tooliom and its welding machine options are known for offering pretty high-performance numbers which is also true for its flux core welder stated here that can be a great option for heavy-duty usage. The Tooliom 200A MIG flux core welder is the most powerful option stated here in this listicle at least in terms of its current output. To be precise, this heavy-duty flux core welder from Tooliom is able to offer a maximum current output rating of up to 200 amps. Not only that but you also get a superb duty cycle of 60% at 200 A which is much higher than most other welding machines. However, to achieve such high-performance numbers, it is a bit limited in terms of supported maximum thickness which is only rated at 5/32 inch and slightly lower than most other options. Since this flux core welder is designed for heavy-duty usage, you also get a few handy accessories like wires, feed, cables, electrodes, and others in the box. Similar to most other flux core welders, this one also includes a 1-year warranty. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 200 amps Works with up to 5/32 inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 60% at 200 amps Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
Excellent current output rating Superb duty cycle for long term usage Includes a few handy accessories
Cons:
Material thickness support could have been higher
5. ETOSHA MIG 160 Flux Core Welder
You can also consider Etosha and its flux core welder offerings if you are looking for something that offers high-performance numbers and makes for a great option for heavy-duty usage. Etosha’s MIG 160 flux core welder can be quite a great option for all those of you who wish to work on large-scale welding projectors. For starters, you get a fairly high current output rating of up to 160 amps out of this flux core welder. However, because of its high current output and limited cooling performance, the duty cycle of 15% is quite low. That being said, this flux core welder is not going to be limited at all in terms of the things that you can weld using it since it supports up to 15/32 inch thick materials which is the highest in this article. A unique feature of this flux core welder is that it has an IP21 water resistance rating making it great for many users. You also get a 1-year long warranty with this flux core welder for your peace of mind. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 160 amps Works with up to 15/32 inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 15% Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
Great for heavy-duty usage Quite a high material thickness support Uses a water resistance design for safety
Cons:
Poor duty cycle rating
6. Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Flux Core Welder
Lincoln Electric is one of the oldest options out there if you are looking for power tools made for your electronics projects. This Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy flux core welder is one of the smallest options available out there which makes it a viable option for on-the-go usage. Although, to achieve such a compact design, its performance is a bit limited with the given current output rating of up to 88 amps. Similarly, the duty cycle of this flux core welder is also a bit limited at 20% at 70 amps. Thankfully, real-life applications will still not be affected by much while working with this welding machine as it still supports up to 1/8 inch thick materials. Just like many other flux core welders, this one also includes a few things like clamps, wires, and cables in the box. As Lincoln Electric is a highly reputable and old brand of welding machines, its included 1-year long warranty is to be expected. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 88 amps Works with up to ⅛ inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 20% at 70 amps Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
Great for portable usage Decent material thickness support Includes a handy handle on the top
Cons:
Not the best performing flux core welder
7. VIVOHOME Portabl MIG 130 Flux Core Welder
Vivohome is a fairly popular brand of all kinds of power tools that can be a great option for using right at your home thanks to their fairly entry-level price tag and performance numbers. The Vivohome Portable flux core welder can be another viable option if you are looking for something compact and viable for on-the-go usage. But even at its given size and price tag, the given current output of up to 120 amps is quite decent. When combined with its duty cycle of 15% at 105 amps, you can expect decent results out of it. Similar to much more expensive flux core welders available out there, this one also has a maximum thickness support of up to ¼ inch for ease of use. Since you will also need accessories for using this flux core welder, Vivohome includes things like welding helmet, wire brush, connectors, and other things in the box. Another thing that it includes is its 1-year long warranty which is always great to have for reliability. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 120 amps Works with up to ¼ inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 15% at 90 amps Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
Ideal portable flux core welder Works with pretty thick materials with ease Decent value for money
Cons:
Duty cycle is not ideal for heavy-duty usage
8. Goplus MIG 130 Flux Core Welder
Goplus and its welding machine offerings are also quite new in the market, especially when compared with other options because of which it offers fairly affordable and value-for-money options. This Goplus MIG 130 flux core welder is a great pick for all those of you who wish to get something that offers a high value for money to the user. Starting with the current output of this flux core welder, it is rated at 120 amps which is on par with most other options that are even more expensive than this one. And for the given price, its 40% duty cycle is also quite decent. Because of these performance numbers, you can use this flux core welder with up to ¼ inch thick metal sheets quite easily. If the performance of this welding machine is not enough, then you will certainly appreciate its wide extent of included accessories. Goplus also includes a 1-year long warranty with this welder which is the same as most others. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 120 amps Works with up to ¼ inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 40% Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
High value for money flux core welder Decently high duty cycle Features various handy control options
Cons:
Cooling fans are a bit loud
9. YESWELDER FLUX-135 Flux Core Welder
As you can most likely guess by the name, Yeswelder is primarily a brand of welding machines as well as related accessories because of which we have stated its flux core welder in this listicle. With the Yeswelder Flux 135 flux core welder, you get fairly decent performance numbers and a wide range of handy features making it a great option for many. While you get a decently high current output of 135 amps with it, it only weighs 11 lbs allowing you to take it with you. Talking about its duty cycle, it is quite average at 30% duty cycle which is to be expected from such a portable option. However, despite having the given current rating, its material thickness is a bit limited at ⅛ inch and can be low for some users. For using this welding machine, you will have to use 0.30 or 0.35 flux wire which makes it fairly versatile. Just like most other brands, Yeswelder also offers a 1-year long warranty with its flux core welder. Best Features:
Offers a maximum current output of up to 135 amps Works with up to ⅛ inch welding thickness Rated duty cycle of 30% Comes with a 1 year long warranty period
Pros:
Lightweight and portable welder Decently powerful Supports popular flux wire sizes
Cons:
Material thickness support could have been higher
10. ZENY MIG130 Gas-Less Flux Core Welding Machine
ZENY is one of the reliable brands that provides a wide range of products from home furniture, electronical devices to pet supplies. Among their wide product range, their automatic feeding welder machine is the perfect choice for people who are looking for a reliable product at affordable price range. This product is made from high-quality materials durable steel and coated with paint to protect it from rust and corrosion. Because of the durability, they can withstand tough conditions and last for long term. It is suitable for welding stainless steel and steel materials. It features 4 levels of flow settings that can be adjusted using the buttons. It also comes with a wire feeding speed adjust rotary knob and 10 level of wire feeding speeds to cater different needs. Best Features:
Ideal for welding on steel Automatic thermal safety operation 4 adjustable heating speeds Adjusting feeding speed
Pros:
Wide range of applications Torch with on/off safety control Robust construction
Cons:
Generate noise
Buying Guide for the Best Flux Core Welders
In comparison to most other types of welding machines, a flux core welding machine allows you to weld a lot of pieces together in a short period of time. Thanks to its continuously fed flux arc welding process, it is one of the best options for heavy-duty usage. And hence, we have already provided a few of the best flux core welders up above. Even though all these various flux core welders have been explained along with their features and options, you might be interested in learning more. If that is also the case with you, then make sure to check out this detailed buying guide for the best flux core welders:
Current Output
While buying a welding machine for your garage or workshop, it is highly important to ensure that it is a powerful one to ensure that it can be used for all kinds of projects. Thankfully, it is quite easy to get an idea of the performance offered by your flux core welder by simply checking its current output. Talking about the best flux core welders stated above, most of them include current output ratings of around 120 amps which should be ample for the average user. However, if you want a flux core welder designed for heavy-duty usage, then you should go with models that offer a higher current output of 160 amps or 200 amps. This is due to the reason that a higher current output can quickly weld even thicker sheets of metal.
Material Thickness
Speaking of the thickness of the metal sheets on which you are using a given welding machine, a powerful flux core welder with a high current output is only going to be useful when it can be effectively used on thick sheets of metal. Thankfully, almost all flux core welders include a support material thickness rating that tells you about the thickness of the metal that you can effectively weld with. Generally, this rating ranges between ⅛ inch and ¼ inch out of which the latter one is better. If your flux core welder supports a high material thickness, then it can be easily used on both simpler as well as heavy-duty projects where you may have to work on thicker pieces of metal.
Controls
Whether you have a powerful flux core welder or an entry-level made for basic usage, you cannot use it properly unless it offers you all of the necessary controls needed to handle a flux core welder. As for the flux core welders stated above, almost all of them offer versatile control options so that you can precisely and accurately weld everything that you need to work on inside your workshop. This primarily includes the control options for changing the current output and the flux core feed rate. By adjusting both of these, you can effectively adjust your welding speed which is highly important if you want to ensure that all of your welds and joints are correct and done properly. Other than the dials for adjusting such settings and others, you can also find displays on a lot of flux core welders that can show you the current output in precise values to ensure that you have chosen the right one.
Accessories
If you have ever used a welding machine in the past, then you must know that you need a lot of accessories along with your flux core welder before you can start using it. And while you can buy such accessories separately, many flux core welders include them in the box. This can include accessories like welding cables, power cables, welding hose, welding flux, carrying bag, tools, and much more. If your flux core welder also comes along with all these, then you can start using your welder right away. Not only that but such flux core welders also offer a better value for money to the user since you will not need to buy these accessories later on.
Duty Cycle
In case you wish to use your flux core welder for heavy-duty usage, then it is highly likely that you will be using your welder for a long time at one go. Although, you cannot use any welding machine including flux core welder continuously since it can heat up. To prevent such heating issues, all flux core welders have a duty cycle rating which can be given as 25%, 40%, 50%, and others. Taking as an example, if your flux core welder has a duty cycle of 30%, then it more or less means that you can only use your welder for a total of 3 minutes in a span of 10 minutes. This means that other than the 3 minutes, your welding machine will not work for the rest of the next 7 minutes. However, if you wish to use your flux core welder for a long period of time continuously, then you will be glad to know that the duty cycle varies at different current output values. While it might be at only 30% at 140 amps, it can increase to 50% or 60% as you drop the current output to 60 amps or 70 amps depending on your flux core welder model.
Warranty
Those of you who are getting a brand new flux core welder for their garage or workshop would want it to last for as long as possible. This is due to a simple reason that most welding machines do not come in cheap. As a result, it is always a great idea to check the warranty included with your flux core welder to get an idea of its reliability. Fortunately, almost all flux core welders come backed by a 1-year long warranty. Due to this, you can rely on your flux core welder for heavy-duty usage for a fairly long time without any issues.
Conclusion
Just as you can tell by the name, a flux core welder uses a continuously fed flux core that is used for welding resulting in almost an automated welding process. Because of this, it can be a great option for large-scale projects where you might have to make a lot of welds. Therefore, some of the best flux core welders have been stated up above alongside their details like features and factors. This is combined along with an extensive buying guide regarding flux core welders. And based on all this detailed information, here are some of our favorite recommendations for the best flux core welders:
Out of all the various flux core welders present up above, the Tooliom 200A flux core welder is one of the most powerful options thanks to its excellent current output rating of 200 amps. One of the most unique things about this flux core welder is that it is a dual voltage one that can work on both 110 and 220-volt currents. The Etosha flux core welder can be another viable option for a lot of buyers out there thanks to its high-performance numbers. For starters, you get a pretty high current output of up to 160 amps out of it which allows you to weld up to 15/32 thick pieces of metal making it a great pick for heavy-duty usage especially when combined with the wide range of included accessories. If you are on a tight budget and want something affordable, then the Suncoo 130 flux core welder can be a great pick. Even at its given price, you get a standard current output of 120 amps with it which allows it to weld up to ⅛ inch thick metal pieces. Despite having such a low price tag, you also get multiple handy accessories like cables, clamps, flux, and other things included in the box.
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