Selecting the best flux core welder for your welding projects is no longer intimidating. That's what we had in mind as we narrowed your field of search to only the seven best FCAW welders out there.
Top 3 Flux Core Welders
Additionally, we've made it even easier with a customized buyer's guide. So with this review, you can easily choose the best versatile FCAW, the best budget FCAW, and the best overall flux core welder. We'll also answer some of your questions. But first, what is the best flux-core wire-welding machine?
What Is the Best Flux Core Welder?
The best overall flux core wire welder is the Forney 140 FC-i, 261 Easy Weld. The best budget flux core welder is the ETOSHA 110V-AC 160A Portable Welder. The best versatile flux core welder is the RILAND 200-Amp Multi-process welder.
Click the link to the product for the price. Here are the seven best flux core welders.
Best Flux Core Welder Reviews
1. [The Overall Best Flux Core Welder] Forney 140 FC-i, 261 Easy Weld
Editor's Rating: 4.9/5
Everything from cost value to effectiveness with the everyday welding tasks made us rate the Forney 140 FC-i, 261 Easy Welder on top. For one, it's compact, sturdy, and light. Its versatility and mobility make it a perfect fit for all your needs.
The 140 amperage range made me like it the most, especially for flux core welding tasks and thin material stick welding.
This flux core welder worked perfectly with any wire size. However, it could do better for thick metal. They could also do better on the wire feed speed as it was slow, and the settings took me some time to understand. But with time, everything smoothened out.
It handled 2 pounds to 10 pounds of wire roll every day. I found it perfect for around the house, whether my client's or mine, and in-my-garage tasks. Any FCAW hobbyist will love it.
Unique Specs of The Forney 140 FC-i, 261 Easy Welder
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Output & Input | 140 amp & 120 amp |
Wire feed size | 0.030 inches |
Weight | 19 lbs |
Product Dimensions | ‎ L16.75 by H12.00 by W8.13 inches |
Current | AC |
Color | Green |
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Features
Wire feed controls and their voltage are perfect for intermediates and entry-level welders.
The 120v input and 140 v output are ideal, especially for thin materials. I could weld up to 1/4 inch steel plate.
The weight makes it perfect for outdoor uses. But with MIG, consider doing it indoors to prevent contaminations.
Its enormous capacity is easy to use. It handled big flux-cored wire rolls of up to 10 pounds daily.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
2. [Best Budget Flux Core Welder] ETOSHA 110V-AC 160A Portable Welder
Editor's Rating: 4.8/5
The features of the Etosha 110v-AC 160A portable welder are outstanding for its cost value. We saw it's the best for its cost because its output voltage, wire feed size, and speed are higher than the Forney Easy welding machine we just reviewed. It handles up to 1/4 mild steel plates.
Some outstanding features on safety and overheating protection give you value for money. See its unique specs and features below.
Unique Specs of the Forney Easy Welding Machine
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Input & Output | 110V & 160A |
Wire feed size | 030-inch to 035-inch |
Weight | 39.68lbs |
Product Dimensions | ‎ L16.75 by H12.00 by W8.13 inches |
Current | DC and AC |
Color | Orange |
Comes With |
Features
It has an automatic turnoff when it overheats. It has insulation for the safety of the machine.
Compact and sturdy. We found it suitable for farm and car maintenance, precision welds, and thin and moderately thicker repairs at homes.
Suitable for MIG welding, FCAW, and stick welding. That's because of the AC and DC that the machine uses.
A higher feeding speed of 10, and an auto-adjust 40-A circuit breaker, make it easy to use.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
3. [BEST VERSATILE STICK WELDER] RILAND 200-Amp Multiprocess welder
Editor's Rating: 4.7/5
As the name states, the RILAND 200-amp is a multi-process welder. It can do all four arc welding. The settings vary because, for Metal Inert Gad, we used 35 input and 200A output. For Manual Metal Arc Welding, they recommend using 15A input and 160 amp output, which accommodated all the rod sizes and had better welding arc stability. These settings are especially handy for a beginner.
For TIG welding, we used 14a input and 180A output. We used other settings according to the user's manual, which worked well. Its spool gun was ideal for welding aluminum. Additionally, for steel welding, 24 gauge and 3/8 in mild steel stick, flux core, and tungsten welding worked perfectly. This machine is CSA certified for flux core welding safety.
Unique Specs of the Riland 200-Amp Is a Multi-Process Welder
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Input & Output | Versatile |
Wire feed size | 0.030-inch and 0.035-inch |
Weight | 41.4 pounds |
Product Dimensions | L19.5 by H17.6 by W 16.9inches |
Current | DC |
Color | Blue |
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Features
Versatile inputs and outputs that will perform all arc welding techniques.
It uses direct current, which is ideal for flux core welding, stick welding, TIG, and MIG. With outages, AC worked well, but using AC in this welder is limiting.
We used it for in-garage uses and heavy-duty FCAW. That's because of the heavy output/input capacities.
It comes with welding accessories that make DIY maintenance easy to do. And since it's a heavy machine, I like to have these items nearby in case of anything.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.6/5
The TOOLIM 110V 135A flux core welder is powerful for its price. It can handle 0.030 & 0.035 flux core electrode wires and up to E7018 stick welding electrodes for stick welding. What's unique about it is the typical standard household 110-120v current.
It's a multipurpose machine suitable for Manual Metal Arc Welding, TIG, and Flux Cored Welding. So if you have steel and carbon welding jobs, the welder will work perfectly fine because it uses direct current. For steel, the welder reaches 1/8-inch plates. While flux-core welding, the apparatus handles up to two pounds of wire rolls.
Unique Specs of the TOOLIM 110V 135A Flux Core Welder
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Input & Output | 110V & 135amp |
Wire feed size | 0.030-0.035 inches |
Weight | 19 lbs |
Product Dimensions | 11.25 by 5.75 by 17 |
Current | DC |
Color | Grey |
Comes With |
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Features
It has a good welding range. It allows me to do MIG, FCAW, and Lift TIG welding.
The current required to power it up is between 110-120 amps, readily available in the typical household. I don't need an inverter or adapter.
It comes with thermal protection LED auto-protective feature that is part of the micro-adjustable feature system of the welder. It makes use and machine safety easier.
Talking of the easy-to-control features, the welder comes with several knobs. They are the selection, wire feed, and voltage knobs, making adjusting the welder easy.
The power indicator LED display is much better compared to other welders.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.5/5
The Reboot 145A 220V Flux core welder is another four-in-one versatile multipurpose welder. Many flux core welders that can perform multiple functions are pricey, but not the R-145A. And it's the lightest we've reviewed so far, coming in at 20.5 lbs only.
It's perfect for use outdoor use around your home or garage. The compact size makes it easy to store. It comes with in-built safety and a year's worth of warranty. Plus, the company allowed 30 days of use, and we could return the machine if not satisfied. But the device is satisfactory.
The welder has an easy-to-operate synergistic knob to control the feed speed, voltage, and current.
Unique Specs of Reboot 145A 220V Flux Core Welder
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Voltage | 220Volts ±15% |
Current | DC |
Weight | 20.2lbs |
Output current span | 20-145 amps |
Output voltage scope | 20.8-25.8 volts |
Dimensions | L16.3 by H12.3 by width 11 inches |
Flux core wire diameters | 0.030 and 0.035 inches |
Features
It comes with an all-in-one knob. It's easy to operate when adjusting the voltage, the feed speed, and the current. It makes the machine run efficiently.
It is lightweight and compact, which makes handling and carrying easy. I didn't have to worry about space when storing the gadget because it's compact.
The welder allows an ampere range for an output of up to 145 amperes. It's ideal for flux core welding, stick welding, and gasless & gas-shielded weldings.
It comes with an auto-wire feeder. The feeding of this machine is continuous and reliable, and it's ideal for both Metal Inert Gas Welding and Flux Core welding.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.4/5
The YESWELDER 110-volt flux core welder, 135 amp Mig welder is three in one. It allows flux core welding, lift-TIG welding, and Metal Inert Gas Welding. We did stick-welding with it, and I welded 5/32-inch mild steel using the 135 AMP output, and it worked well. It didn't overheat.
The wire feeder worked perfectly and even better with 0.035" and 0.030" diameter wires. We had zero issues with this welder for all multi-processes we tried it on. While adjusting amperage and feeding speed, this flux core welder worked automatically.
This welder is light, making it ideal for carrying everywhere you need it. It has current and overload safeties to ensure longevity.
Unique Specs of the YESWELDER 110-Volt Flux Core Welder
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Input & Output | 110V & 135amp |
Efficiency | 135 amp is 60%, 104A is 100% |
Weight | 13.5lbs |
Product Dimensions | L18.12 H13.43 W10.62 inches |
Current | DC |
Color | Black |
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Features
It has an ideal output for stick and flux MIG. It welds up to a 5/2-inch steel plate.
Multi-processing design. The design handles MIG, Stick, and Lift-TIG welding. We had to buy the torch for TIG because it's an optional attachment to the package.
Multi-safety design that auto compensates for any voltage fluctuations. It's perfect for stick-welding aluminum. The safeties protect the machine from overload and over-current.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.3/5
The Lincoln Electric FC90 can weld anywhere because it has 120V input and is light, compact, and portable. We found it runs the welding process better with AC.
It Features a shut-down-the-output protector that shuts it off so it can cool down after overheating. The feature is automatic, which differs from traditional mobile welders.
The fine-tuned features of this machine are likable. Setting the required parameters and conveniently loading the flux-cored welding wire spool was easy. At 80 amp, it has a 30% duty cycle. But it's perfect for small DIY weld jobs and home repairs.
Unique Specs of The Lincoln Electric FC90
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Input & Output | 120V & 90amp |
Wire feed size | 0.030-inch & 0.033-inch |
Weight | 16lbs |
Product Dimensions | 11.25 by 5.75 by 17 inches |
Current | DC |
Color | White |
Comes With |
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Features
Its 16 lbs weight makes it easy to carry. Shoulder strap portability is also possible with this flux core welder.
DC allows it to weld moderately thick material. It's also ideal for small welding jobs like hobbyists and in-home repairs.
It has an infinite voltage for flux core welding. It allows me to fine-tune the voltage for the welding I need easily.
It has an automatic thermal guard that turns it off when welding for extended periods. This feature is handy when you focus on finishing the weld and forget to turn it off for cooling.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Is Flux-Core Welding as Strong as MIG?
There is no noteworthy strength difference between a flux-core weld and a MIG weld. When the welder does an excellent job for flux-core welding and MIG, the flux-core wire produces similar weld strength. So when you pay keen attention to the weld joint, maintaining a good welding angle, welding arc, and movement, there is no big difference.
The difference is only while welding. Gasless flux core arc welding requires no shielding gas. But MIG relies on shielding gas for safeguarding the weld.
How Thick Can Flux Core Weld?
Flux core welders can weld thick wire gauges between 22 & 14. A 24 gauge wire can burn through. You will need multiple passes for gauges higher than fourteen, which requires a little skill when you use the wire designed for it.
Why Should You Use a Good Flux-Core Welder?
You can weld outdoors and weld thicker metals and thinner materials using the best flux core welders. FCAW wires have a self-shielded technique that supports outdoor welding instead of shielding gas, which is ideal for indoor uses. That's because they can endure the wind and, with a convenient and portable machine, you can weld anywhere.
Therefore, good flux core machines guarantee a higher deposition rate, more stability, and faster welds that don't affect quality. Thus, an investment in a suitable machine will go a long way.
Buying Guide for Getting the Best Flux Core Welders
Before buying a flux core welder, ask yourself the following questions.
- Will I need MIG, or will Flux Core welding work?
- What is the task or duty cycle?
- What input will I use?
Can My Mig Welder Run Flux-Core Will?
MIG welders can run Flux Core. But not all flux core welders can run MIG. That is important because most flux core welders have MIG in their model name, but they need to do a better MIG. If you want to run FCAW, most MIG machines will do that just fine because MIG welders are also Flux core welders.
What Is the Duty Cycle for the Flux Core Welder?
Most flux-cored arc welders have a duty cycle of 100%, which indicates they can be used to weld continuously at lower power output. Some FCAW welders used for this process have duty cycles of 60 percent at full power output. This means that you can use them to weld for 6 of every 10 minutes.
What Input Will I use?
A welder with 120 volts inputs can give up to 140 amperes maximum, delivering only 1/4-inch welds. So if you have thin metal sheet projects like hinges, a 120-v welder will do. However, for thicker welds like pipe fencing, trailer flames, and heavy machine repairs, you'll need more input, like a 220 welder.
Also, a dual-voltage machine running on either 120V or 240 volts can generate that input. Consider the ones that run DC voltage. However, some welders can run on inverters provided it produces the current needed.
FAQs
Which Is Better, 0.030 or 0.035 Flux Core Wire?
A flux core wire with a diameter of 0.035 inches is better. It's better to offer more welding power, deeper penetration, and higher heat. The thicker diameter wire withstands windy conditions better.
What's Better, Stick Welder or Flux Core?
Both are good in their way. Flux core is more effective for large welding jobs, while Stick is better for thicker welds. But stick welding works best for welding dirty metals, while Flux Core is less effective on tainted metal welds but will work well with the ones with a stainless steel body.
Can You Get Good Welds With Flux Core?
You can get good welds with flux core. It's an efficient way of welding professionally and expertly to produce cleaner materials. FCAW has welds with similar strength to stick welding except in aluminum and dirty or painted material.
Can You Weld Aluminum With a Flux Core?
Flux-core aluminum welding is not possible. Scientific experiments worked, but they ended at that. Aluminum welding proved hazardous and didn't make specialized aluminum flux core welding wire.