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Do you own a construction company, or want to do the welding projects on your own? Then having a Flux Core Welder is a must for you.
A flux-core wire is a type of bare welding wire consisting of an insulated copper wire core with a ceramic insulator surrounding it. The ceramic insulator usually contains various additives that add specific fitment, strength, and performance advantages to the material.
Want to know the best part?
The best flux core welders are those that fit your specific needs as a welder or fabrication shop owner or hobbyist. To ensure that you find the ideal combination of value and performance for your needs, our guide sorts through the field to find you the very best flux core welder, with all the features you need at a price that won’t leave you destitute.
Overall Best Pick
- Allows you to weld up to 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) steel with flux-cored wire.
- Provides a broad operating window for each wire, with quick and easy adjustment for different thicknesses and joints.
- Offers you flexibility to use small or large spools of wire to better suit your welding needs.
- Eases use and excellent safety feature which makes wire electrically “cold” until trigger is pulled.
- Positive feed with adjustable tension Plus easy accessibility to thread new wire.
The Budget Pick
- 【Solid Construction】-- ZENY MIG 130 welding machine is compact and exquisite MIG welder is constructed of...
- 【Flux-Cored Wire, Gas Less Welder】-- This welder machine uses convenient Flux-Cored wire, self release metal-inert...
- 【 Adjustable Feeding Speed】-- ZENY MIG welder features 4 levels of current flow settings, by adjusting the 4 buttons...
- 【Widely Applications】-- It is perfect for perfect for home DIY and general repairing work. Ideal for both home...
- 【Specifications for This Welder】-- Frequency : 50/60HZ/ Max absorbed power (KVA): 3.6/ Absorbed power 60% (KVA):...
So, without wasting much time, let’s have you a quick glance over the list of best flux core welder that we have collected after doing lots of research and testing.
1. VIVOHOME Portable Flux Core MIG 130: Best flux core welder under 200
Are you a growing business that needs more welding power? If you’re shopping for a reliable and fast flux-cored wire welder. Our PRO MIG wire welder is powerful enough to weld thin sheets and aluminum material. The auto-adjusting welding settings make this welder a convenient tool for your daily projects and body repair at the home. We also include a small collection of accessories that will make it easy for you to get started with MIG welding.
Portable Flux Core Wire No Gas MIG 130 Welder Machine 110V is small, light, and compact, the weight is only 1.6Kg. It is easy to carry and transport, simply hang the machine in your bag. This versatile welder can be used for home repairs, hobby and light industry welding works, or almost anywhere that reliable arc and high-frequency AC welding are needed.
It uses convenient flux-cored wire to self-release metal inert gas while welding, preventing oxidation of the welded part. This keeps welds looking clean and professional. What separates this welder from others on the market is its adjustable welding speed. Variable feed control has 10 welding speeds to choose from, allowing you to adjust the speed as needed and preventing overload.
It features a large work area with plenty of room for wire spools, and it has a powerful 35 amp induction motor to drive heavy-duty industrial wire spools. With its powerful generator, it has enough power to weld up to a 6mm steel plate. The sturdy steel frame construction and advanced design are great for professional and DIY applications. The device includes a powerful 3.6KVA built-in generator that helps you weld like a Pro.
Furthermore, this MIG welder has a built-in simple 4 button Rheostat: MIN/MAX/1/2 button that allows more convenience for customers to adjust the output power according to their needs. Without the requirement to purchase extra fuel tanks or find an alternative means of disposing of excess gas, this welder is also eco-friendly. This model includes protective gear like a helmet, welding wire, welding gloves, and more.
It has a 0.8-0.9 diameter flux-cored welding wire as well as a rating of IP21, which means it is protected against solid objects. The removable wire cup and back cover make it convenient for you to fill the wire spool and change the wire as necessary.
With this handy arc inverter welder, you can achieve professional welding results for your projects, right from the comfort of your home.
- Adjustable Welding Speed
- Highly lightweight and compact
- Easy to install and use
- Works with the 110V power outlet which is standard in most homes
- The output result gives a professional finish touch
- This welding machine uses only DC supply
- Not suitable for heavy projects
I will recommend VIVOHOME Portable Flux Core Wire Welder for beginners and for those who are owning small garages and planning for small-scale welding jobs.
2. Best Hobart flux core welder: Hobart 500572 Handler 100
Flux core welding requires familiarity with the mechanism to use it properly. When you are learning how to use a flux core welder, you can make some mistakes that will ruin your project and make you less likely to continue. If you want something that is not difficult or tricky to use, but also powerful enough to take on any of the jobs you have in mind, this machine is perfect for you.
Hobart Handler 100 Flux-cored Welder offers a broad operating window for each wire, with quick and easy adjustment for different thicknesses and joints. A positive feed with adjustable tension enables you to weld different thickness beams with ease. The Handler includes four output voltage settings (28, 35, 40, and 50 amps) that allow you to adjust the arc for different thicknesses, and it features four voltage ranges to improve ease of use.
A perfect wire feed welder for the beginner or personal user, the Handler has many positive features like precise amperage control, soft start technology, and the capability of using small- or large-sized spools of wires to better suit your welding needs and it can accommodate 4- or 8-inch spools. you will not only save on wire costs but will also minimize downtime when changing spools in the middle of a job.
Designed to be the most reliable, flexible, and powerful flux core welder on the market, the welder is equipped with a 5-position switch. The new WedgeLock® handle provides unmatched comfort and durability in harsh environments. It can even change voltages based on the welding job, which gives it more control from start to finish. The welder also offers gun options for a fully automated system to get your workload done faster and smarter.
It can be used for welding steel or aluminum, light gauge to heavy gauge. It’s safer than stick welding because it prevents burning through. The Handler 100 has a broad operating window and can operate across a 30 to 100 amps range. It’s easy to use – you simply plug in your wire and feed the output to your workpiece and pull the trigger.
Hobart’s patented automatic-feed mechanism allows you to feed wire smoothly and simply with no “threading” required. A built-in contactor keeps the cable electrically “cold” until the trigger is pulled which makes you feel comfortable while welding. With good quality welding, the machine offers you strong, smooth weld joints.
It also has a timer bar that lights when the trigger is off so you can’t forget to turn off your welder. Other features include the operator’s choice of lighted battery condition display, solid-state overload protection, and stand-up wire reel with stainless steel.
- 8 feet of the power cord on the gun makes it easy and comfortable to use
- Broad Amperage output of range 30 –100 Amps
- Safe to use as wire remain electrically cool until the trigger is dragged to prevent accidental burning or wastage of material
- Easy Access to change or swap wires
- Runs on the household current which makes it perfect for you to use around the home
- The plentiful operating window is available for wires
- Suitable only for mild steels. As it is a light-duty welder, so it is not good for bigger projects
- Horrifying Duty Cycle: The duty cycle is 20% which takes 2 minutes of uptime for every 8 minutes of downtime. This makes your work especially larger projects, tedious and annoying
3. ZENY MIG 130: Cheapest flux core welder
A flux core welder is a must-have for every mechanic. Parts, tools, and materials must be kept safe and organized. An organization can be done in a variety of ways so it’s important to find one that works for you. Whether that’s plastic tubs, wood tool chests, or a metal toolbox – it needs to be strong enough to withstand the weight of all that metal.
ZENY MIG 130 is the product that provides “complete convenience, safety, and protection” for all your welding tools.
Let’s look at some key features of ZENY MIG 130:
It can operate in dual-frequency 50/60HZ and is equipped with advanced digital control technology which has a high-contrast LCD, shows clearly working status, makes welding easier and more accurate. It is widely used for welding various metals such as auto bodywork, household appliance parts, industrial applications, and metal fabrications.
The design provides an efficient way of welding 0.8mm~1.1mm welding wire in automobiles and motorcycles, as well as non-ferrous metal structures such as bolts, nuts, screws, pipes, and sheet metal. The welder can be used for multiple applications, and its large exterior size allows you to load and unload the flask more easily.
This machine is used for both gasless and electric wire (MIG) welding. It adopts advanced technology and high-quality material. This is a portable hot-wire rod welder. It also comes standard with the double wave output mode that allows use with single and 3-phase power sources.
You can use it on 10 gauge steel down to 24 gauge aluminum. It can weld 16 gauge steel and has enough power for projects ranging from 1/2 inch thick steel up through 1/4 inch aluminum. The welder adopts single-phase AC input voltage which makes it more applicable for household users.
The DC transfer function with pulse width modulated output provides smooth control during the welding process. The unit’s wire feed speed is adjustable from 0-3.1 inches per second. The maximum output power is 140 amps while the minimum power output is 10 amps.
This welder can be powered from 110 VAC or 220 VAC current. The peak welding current using AC current ranges from 85 to 165 amps. Using DC current, the machine can handle a peak of 200 amps and a minimum of 10 amps.
- It runs at a low input power supply of 110V which is standard in most homes
- It is capable of welding mild steel and stainless steel
- It is highly portable, durable, and compact
- Gives a smooth and spatter-free clean result
- It is budget-friendly
- It has a Variable feed speed control setting
- It is not suitable for heavy industrial projects
- It doesn’t include a full-coverage face shield
4. Forney Easy flux core: The Top-rated Flux Core Welder
Looking for a cost-effective, high-performance flux core welder that is just as easy to use as it is affordable? This platform is for you. The best flux welder is the Forney Easy Flux Core Welder. Featuring a lightweight design and a low price point, the welder is perfect for those do-it-yourself project that is not as vital to your operation. In fact, it’s so effective that many professional welders choose this unit as their go-to tool!
This is the top-rated, flux core welder, featuring an innovative proprietary wire feed mechanism that continuously feeds wire through even under full load at a rate of 18 feet per minute. Six settings allow for ultimate versatility and adjustability. This flux core welder also includes a gas valve with a switch, gas hose, and contact tip holder with 4 contact tips.
It’s portable and comes with a carrying case. This heavy-duty welder is designed to weld up to 5/16″ mild steel using the new Forney Easy Flux Core Arc Welding Wire. The Auto-Line feature is great for heavy-duty shop work or field applications where a straight line of the weld is desired.
Weighing in at just 6 pounds, this machine uses standard 115V household current to power the internal heating element which instantaneously melts the wire creating a weld pool, eliminating overheating and “cold shuts”. The large spool raises off the work area for easy spool replacement.
It is a compact unit that won’t get in your way while you work. The power switch is conveniently located on the top of the unit so it is easy to turn it on and off. you can weld aluminum with no risk to your eyes and filler wire that lasts much longer.
Designed with a unique flux brush that enables the simple connection of extension cords or pigtails. No-Spatter nozzle protects the nozzle from spattering ensuring longer life and less mess. Gas fuse allows you to connect this wire feeder to gas. This wire feeder is a best seller that has received many positive reviews and they are flying off the shelves.
This soft and easy-to-use high-quality flux core wire welds with a perfect arc every time, even in dirty or rusty applications. Formulated specifically for steel in DC or AC applications, Forney Easy flux core wire provides a consistent metal transfer to the work-piece.
A .030″ flux core wire that protects sufficient metal from oxidation, and helps prevent contamination of adjacent weld zones. It even melts at a higher temperature than other brands, which creates a stronger joint between the base material and filler wire.
The automatic electrode feed ensures you’ll have what you need when you need it, and helps keep your welds consistent. It’s easy to set up and use; just plug in the machine, attach your work clamp, and you’ll begin producing professional-quality welds immediately.
- Easy to use and Portable
- Gives a quick and clean result
- Enough power output
- It is a light-duty welder, so it is not for bigger projects
- Only two power settings available
5. Lincoln flux core welder: The Budget Flux-Core/MIG Welder
Welders are designed for you to work with you every day and this Lincoln Welder is no exception. The flux core welding allows you to use flux core rods with a supply of gasless flux core wire for a better result. It’s not Lincoln’s least expensive flux-core machine, but we think you’ll agree that its combination of price and performance makes it an amazing value.
This Lincoln AC/DC flux core/MIG welder offers the features and performance of an industrial-style power source in a compact, portable design. The budget-friendly HF200/HF225 is competitively priced to be cost-effective and make welding projects at home and on the job site more affordable. It weighs only 37 pounds with the fume extraction system.
This two-in-one model lets you do either gas-free flux core welding or gas-shielded MIG welding, depending on the project at hand. An advanced drive system allows the welder to run at high speeds while ensuring a constant feed of wire to the welding area. The gun allows for brass-to-brass connection to ensure maximum conductivity as the electric arc flows between the workpiece and shielding gas hose.
The cast aluminum body has a rigid drive which makes wire alignment easy and the machine is designed for use on job sites where 230/460V power is available. There is a built-in handle to change the wire out fast. It has a simple plug-and-play option that puts you one step away from welding aluminum.
It’s a great technique for welding thicker materials like steel or stainless that might be too thick for stick welding. This adjustable flux core welder from Lincoln is designed for heavier industrial applications and is ready to go right out of the box. Plus, its all-metal drive and motor housing make it sturdy enough to withstand demanding work environments.
A simple and user-friendly wire welder, the K2185-1 requires a standard outlet with 115V/20A industrial-grade service to operate. The kit includes one spool of flux core wire (inside) and core flux (in a cup). With a single-phase 208/230V connection and up to 45% duty cycle, the budget welder is ready to weld aluminum, stainless, and steel with ease.
It has a powerful motor and foot pedal to handle virtually any job. It has a push-button On/Off operation, and enough power to weld 3⁄8″ stainless. Like all Lincoln welders, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty on the transformer, 25-year belt guard warranty, and seven-year warranty on the AC generator.
- Perfect MIG welder for Industrial Heavy project
- 30% duty cycle with spool gun ready
- User-friendly, Eco-friendly, and durable service
- Every time offers weld with low spatter and higher arc performance
- Heavier when compared to the other welder and needs an additional cart to transport
- Limited to 208/230 V Input power
- Power Output Limited to 180 A
6. Miller Electric Welder: The Unique Portable 120V Flux Core Welder
Miller’s 120V flux core welder is one of the most popular and versatile MIG welders on the market. Our exclusive ARC Activate controls technology and patented Sliding Contact Technology (SCR) allow for highly precise control over the welding arc, resulting in exceptional weld quality.
This 90 amp welder features a voltage range switch that makes it capable of welding 24-ga to 3/16-inch steel, as well as 14- to 18-ga aluminum and 20-ga stainless steel. A duty cycle control knob allows for optimal weld balance between penetration and build-up rates.
With a simple push of a button, you can switch between MIG and flux core operating modes. The quick-change spool gun design allows you to switch between solid and flux core welding in just 30 seconds.
Additional features are the Smart Sense Trigger Technology, the output current from 30A to 140A, pre-heat and post-weld burn back control for enhanced weld quality, the integrated circuit breaker for arc protection, adjustable work clamp that allows you to hang stock vertically or horizontally.
This MIG/flux-core welder features a perfect combination of power, precision, portability, and control. A patented wire feeder for smooth start-ups, onboard storage, and easy access hose connections maximize the portability of this powerful welder. The exclusive Auto-Set™ feature adjusts the voltage and wire feed speed based on your electrode input selection to ensure maximum weld quality every time.
It delivers all the benefits of the latest inverter technology matched with rated power, duty cycle, and safety features that professionals demand. A fully adjustable digital arc force dialer delivers the precise arc characteristics required for a wide range of material thickness.
With its compact size, it’s able to be stored easily around your garage or shop – no matter the size. This welder’s 120V input is compatible with standard household outlets. Its front-loading design makes it easy to store material inside the unit for more convenience.
This welder uses a gas or electric source and has a gas valve with a gauge, regulator, and regulator hose. It can be used in automotive body, metal furniture, and heavy equipment repair. The portable 120V welder coil weighs just 9 lbs., and has a generous 5in. diameter wire spool to reduce frequent stops to replace the wire.
- Compact and Portable
- Auto spool feature available
- User Friendly and durable
- Works with the 110V/220V power outlet which is standard in most homes
- Powerful enough to weld steel, stainless steel as well aluminum
- Gives a smooth and spatter-free clean result
- Not suitable for thicker metals
- The length of the power cord is quite small
- The power input is not good with generators
7. Hobart 500568 Handler: Top Quality flux core with EZ mode
The Hobart Handler 130 is a solid flux-cored wire welder designed for farm, ranch, and construction applications. EZ-Mode will set the wire thickness based on the material being welded (5/64in. or 3/16in.), assuring the user of efficient welding. Wire feed speed is easily adjustable between 50 and 400 IPM through a single knob.
With up to 85 Amp output, it can weld most steel at 20% duty cycle and under. Easy push-button and spool release lever help make this a perfect tool for the beginner welder. It runs off of standard household current, so there is no separate power supply needed.
It features an adjustable 0-500 amp Welding Chart for use with multiple types of wire, including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other non-ferrous metals. The wire that is used with this welder is flux core which keeps you protected from a lot of sparks and spatter.
Other features include digital readout, high-frequency start, metal-detector friendly cables, left or right electrode posting, push buttons to adjust the primary balance, spin the drive roll to feed larger diameter wire. Easy to set up and use, this Handler 130 is designed for all skill levels and projects.
One great feature about this welder is that it comes with 10 feet of cord, which makes moving around with it easier than other welders that come with limited lengths of cord. The welder has a no-drip spatter shield which helps eliminate hazardous spatter outside of the weld zone.
This economical welding package also includes wire and cable with the gas regulator, ground clamp, gloves, Hobart contact tips, and a complete operation manual. A lightweight ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold for long periods of time. Plus, with Hobart’s legendary reliability, you can depend on your Handler 130 to keep you welding day in and day out, job after job.
- It is compact, lightweight and durable
- Great for beginners and intermediate welders
- Works with 120v power supply which is standard in most homes
- Gives a smooth and spatter-free clean result
- Can be personalized as per need with wire feed knobs
- It has a low duty cycle of only 20% at 85A
- It is not meant for heavy industrial projects
8. Harbor Freight flux core welder: Titanium Easy-Flux 125 Amp Welder
Flux core welding is one of the best ways to get into welding and this unit has a powerful 125 amp flux core welder with an adjustable pointer type STICK style gun. Harbor Freight carries more flux core wire than anyone, Titanium Easy-Flux included.
Let’s look at some important features of Titanium Easy-Flux 125:
Designed to be the ultimate in portability, this lightweight yet powerful unit is easy to use and virtually maintenance-free. The machine is perfect for home and hobbyists, automotive body repair shops, sailmakers, and more. Take advantage of convenient clamps and excellent melting ability to fit work in tight spaces and get better welds on thin materials.
It features a 6500-watt peak power rating with dual voltage, 125 amp max output, large 1/2″-11 thread for thicker wire, over 500 patented flux tips and 250ft roll of flux-cored wire included (enough to weld 3/8″ steel). The welder has a built-in 10A automatic switch that protects the welder and your work.
The titanium electrode can be used in different positions and is sure to weld through any thickness of metal. The Easy-Flux 125 features an adjustable foot pedal for increased comfort, a lightweight aluminum head for easy handling. The rugged design offers portability so you can take it anywhere!
The welder features a one-button push “HOT START” system that helps eliminates the need to preheat, and reduces start-up frustration. This unit also delivers more welds per charge with its dual-electrode design, so you won’t have to wait for the machine to cool down before switching tips.
The welder makes optimal contact with the work surface. Your work will be protected by a smooth water-cooled ceramic brick wall and plenum assembly that helps to contain spatter inside the chamber. It also has a spacious hood that helps to prevent air contamination or dust particles from entering as you create strong welds with flux-cored wire.
It comes equipped with a translucent hexagonal injection-molded body and its compact size allows it to be used even in small indoor spaces. This also eliminates the need for a steady-arm technique and allows you to better view the weld puddle while welding. The 125 amp maximum current will weld through thin metal easily.
- It is compact, lightweight, and durable
- Great for beginners and intermediate welders
- Works with 120v power supply which is standard in most homes
- Gives a smooth and spatter-free clean result
- It has a low duty cycle of only 20% at 85A
- It is not meant for heavy industrial projects
9. Eastwood MIG 135 – Tweco Style Gun Flux Core Weld
Eastwood’s MIG 135 Welder combines quality and efficiency to put the power and versatility of welding in your hands. It delivers reliable results when welding mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with flux core wire.
This MIG machine is ideal for a variety of light- to mid-duty applications like sheet metal repairs on trucks, race cars, and farm equipment or for auto body repair.
Sleek, light, and compact, the MIG 135 is built to get the job done in no time, letting you improve your skills quickly. This welder is powered by the standard 120 VAC current found with typical household electricity. With output capabilities of 135 amps, it has an 8′ grounded cable and welder clamps.
This DC-only machine features 12011 input power, 170A wire output, and 135A flux-cored arc. The MIG 135 has two external gas connections for both shielding and back-purging. This welder is entirely transformerless, which means no added voltage fluctuations that cause unstable arc starts.
It’s a Tweco-style gun that is designed to weld mild steel as thin as 24 gauge, solid steel up to 3/16, and flux core up to 1/4″. The Tweco-style torch provides better-quality welds than a standard gun and cross-transfer arc features protect the work from excess heat.
The compact size and perfect weight make this unit easy to handle, store in a vehicle or trailer, or carry up flights of stairs. It comes with other accessories, such as a foot pedal, gas regulator, and hose. With this affordable welder, it’s now possible to weld on just about any project.
This 135 amp unit comes with a digital display that provides precise control over your welding process. You can adjust your wire feed speed and voltage settings with the included push-button digital controls. This machine can be set up very quickly, allowing for a faster learning experience for beginners.
The welder is also equipped with a 10-foot long power cord, so you have plenty of room to set up your workspace. The MIG 135 is the perfect welder for those who want to enjoy the benefits of Flux Core welds but in a compact and portable 110VAC package.
10. YESWELDER ARC Dual Voltage Portable Welding Machine
Regular welders can be cumbersome and difficult to use. They are slow, heavy, and consume too much power. If you’re looking for a lightweight, portable, quality welder for lighter-duty tasks such as metalworking or repairing fences, the YESWELDER ARC Welder is just what you’re looking for.
YESWELDER ARC Welder 205Amp is the advanced version of Arc Welder. It is with 2.4″ LCD Display screen and with 110/220V dual voltage. The digital inverter welding power supply combines the impressive welding output of a stick welder with the easy and comfortable operation of a TIG welder.
The welder is great for home, farm, and field use. From your first stick weld to your most complex fabrication project, the YESWELDER will deliver professional results time after time. Complete with a direction-select switch to guarantee the correct polarity of the electrode, this machine is simple to operate, even for beginners.
It has digit control, arc force adjustment, and work modes setting, which enables you to accurately and conveniently control arc force and welding current. You can choose the different working modes according to different welding materials, such as MMA welding mode for steel structure, stick welding for stainless steel, aluminum forging and etc.
A single large knob gives you full control over all important parameters—including current. Set your arc length with our infinitely variable arc control, and enjoy a smooth and powerful arc thanks to the high-frequency output on both 110V and 220V models. The trimmer knob makes it fast to adjust welding parameters on the go.
The compact machine has an inbuilt auto slack adjustment, over-current protection, and low voltage alarm to reduce accidents. Premium components will ensure that you get a clean arc with minimal spatter. Also, it includes a 10ft grounded welding cable with clamps and welding electrodes.
The AC spindle can generate less than 60V to make it almost impossible to create a short circuit when it is in operation, making this welder very safe. And the inverter-controlled AC/DC output provides good welding performance when using DC power and the variable speed makes it easy to match the output for different metals.
This machine comes with a wide variety of customizable options to suit your specific needs and meet the needs of your project. The product makes the welding work easier and more convenient for you and ensures a standard arc with our patented ARC technology.
FAQs:
Q: Is flux core welding any good?
Ans: Yes, flux-core welding offers greater penetration, which is great for working with thicker joints. It also allows the welder to travel in different directions and hold the torch in a number of directions.
Q: What can a flux core welder weld?
Ans: A flux core welder can weld thicker metal; thus, it is ideal for heavy-duty or industrial applications.
Q: How much do Flux Core Welders make?
Ans: It all depends on the experience of a Welder. A mid-career Welder with 5-9 years of experience can earn an average total compensation of $18.84 based on 726 salaries and an experienced Welder with 10-19 years of experience can earn an average total compensation of $20.03 based on 720 salaries.
Q: What flux core welding and what is it used for?
Ans: A flux core Welding is a process of welding that operates on Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW). Unlike MIG welding, FCAW is gasless, which means that it doesn’t require a shielding gas, like argon. Flux Core Welding is used for welding structural steel, heavy equipment repair, shipbuilding, bridge construction, and many other applications.
Q: How to practice flux core welding?
Ans: To practice flux core welding, firstly you must gather Flux Core Welding Supplies and Equipment, then prepare the workshop. Secondly, prepare the metal and wire and set the voltage and amperage according to the thickness of metal you want to weld, and then use the Pull Technique to weld and finally clean up your piece.
Q: Flux core welding settings
Ans: The basic Flux core welding settings for Horizontal welding is given below:
Parameter/Setting | Amps/Volts | IPM |
0.035″ | 190/25.5 | 560 |
0.045″ | 250/27 | 375 |
0.052″ | 275/28 | 200 |
1/16″ | 290/29 | 240 |
5/64″ | 325/30 | 160 |
3/32″ | 400/30 | 165 |
Basic Parameters for Vertical welding are given below:
Parameter/Setting | Amps/Volts | IPM |
0.035″ | 165/25 | 375 |
0.045″ | 195/25.5 | 275 |
0.052″ | 205/25.5 | 200 |
1/16″ | 210/26 | 165 |
Problem with welder sputtering
Excessive resistance anywhere along the circuit of the welder can lead to a wide range of problems, including sputtering. This problem occurs because resistance in the circuit reduces the amount of current that can flow to the welding arc and when the power source senses the reduced current at the arc it sends a stream of voltage in order to overcome the restricted current flow. Due to the increased voltage, sputtering occurs which leads to poor and inconsistent weld quality.
Flux core welding polarity
Flux-cored welding needs DC electrode negative or straight polarity. The polarity connections are usually present on the inside of the machine near the drive rolls.
Flux core welding aluminum
Aluminum is an exotic metal and most flux core welders cannot weld it. In order to weld aluminum, a better option would be to braze/solder aluminum together with a cheap propane torch. For aluminum welding, gas is the best way and you will often need a spool gun.
A Comprehensive Buying Guide for You
Have you decided which flux core welder you want to buy? If not, then please look at our buying guide which will help you to decide the best flux core welder for you.
The thickness of the metal you want to Weld:
Before buying a flux core welder, you must decide the purpose of using it that is whether you want it for your personal use like for light fabrication, farm, home, and auto projects or you need it for heavy industrial projects to weld thicker metals.
One thumb rule for deciding this is to check the amperage of the welder. If it has higher amperage, then it means that you’ll be able to weld much thicker materials. Welders with 30-40 amps are generally suitable to weld a 1.00mm sheet and are usable in 0.8mm sheets.
Duty Cycle:
This is also one of the important factors that you must take into consideration before buying a flux core welder. The duty cycle shows the time period for which you can continuously use the welding machine before it needs a rest.
For example, if the duty cycle of the Welder is 30% at 90 Amp, it means that the welder can be used continuously for 3 minutes at 90 amp and after that, it needs 7 minutes to break time.
Portability (Weight and Size):
The flux core welder that you are going to buy should be compact and portable which means its size and weight should be reasonable so that you can carry it easily along with you anywhere you want.
Thermal Overload Protection:
This feature of the welder decides its durability. Thermal Overload Protection plays a very vital role in preventing the overheating of a welding gun. The welder having this feature automatically gets shut down as soon as it starts getting overheated and restarts itself after it gets cool down. As a result of this, your welding machine will continue working properly without any trouble.
The welders having this type of feature are relatively higher in price than the others, but if you can afford to pay more then it is highly recommended.
Manufacturer:
This is also an important aspect to decide whether you want to go with some reputed brands or with some less-known company and want to take a risk.
Before deciding this, just keep in mind that you are not going to buy any welder every day. The famous brand gives you a great after-sales service, trust, warranty, and another extra service, this means you don’t need to bear the repairing cost if your welder will face any technical issue. This also reduces your maintenance and repair costs.
Lead:
The quality of the lead used in your welder makes a huge difference in its use over the whole period. Moreover, it will make your welding experience more enjoyable and gives you higher confidence.
More precisely, we can say that the length of ground leads should be from 10′ to 12′ and that of torch leads should be from 10′ to 24′. Not all leads come at this length, but the more the length of the lead the more you will feel freedom in moving your welder.

Sean Coby is a welder par excellence and well respected among the welding community in Woodbridge, VA. He prides himself to be the fabricator and mechanic in the automotive/ diesel industry for the past more than eight years now. As the chief editor of his https://weldinginfocenter.com, he shares his experience to be safe during welding and to take proactive steps for becoming a successful welder like him.