7 Best Flux Core Welders for Every Budget and Skill Level

YesWelder 135AMP

4.5 WeldWins Rating

The YesWelder 135AMP is an exceptional choice for beginners looking to explore multiple welding processes without breaking the bank. With its user-friendly features, digital display, and excellent build quality, this welder offers great value for its price.

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• Brand:

  YesWelder

• Model:

  YesWelder 135AMP

• Price Rating:

  $$

• Weight:

  14 lbs

• Voltage:

  110V

• Processes:

  Flux-cored, Stick, Lift TIG

• Max Thickness:

  Up to 5/32 in.

• Screen:

  Digital

• Max Output:

  135A

The YesWelder 135AMP is a versatile and affordable welding machine that caters to beginners and hobbyists alike. One of its standout features is the automatic 'Synergic' adjustability, which simplifies the welding process by eliminating the need for constant manual adjustments. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are new to welding and want to focus on honing their skills rather than fiddling with settings. Additionally, the welder supports manual mode, allowing users to fine-tune the output voltage within a range of -5V to 5V, offering greater control and precision.

What sets the YesWelder 135AMP apart from other welders in its price range is its ability to support multiple welding processes, including Flux-core, Stick, and Lift TIG. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for beginners who wish to experiment with different welding techniques without investing in multiple machines. The welder also features a digital display, which is a rare find at this price point, enabling users to make precise adjustments easily. The infinite adjustability for voltage and wire feeding speed further enhances its usability, making it a user-friendly option for those just starting.

Despite its affordability, the YesWelder 135AMP does not compromise on build quality. It boasts a robust construction and includes DINSE connectors for ground clamp, stick, and TIG leads, which are typically found in more expensive models. The welder is lightweight and portable, weighing only 14 lbs, making it easy to transport and use in various settings. Its excellent duty cycle ensures that it can handle extended welding sessions without overheating, adding to its reliability and efficiency.

While the YesWelder 135AMP has a few limitations, such as not supporting 8-inch wire spools and the absence of TIG and stick welding equipment, these drawbacks are minor compared to the numerous benefits it offers. The control panel's protective transparent lid, 8 feet leads, and 1-year warranty further add to its appeal. Overall, the YesWelder 135AMP provides an impressive array of features and performance at an affordable price, making it a top choice for beginners looking to explore the world of welding.

Forney 140 FC-i

4 WeldWins Rating

The Forney 140 FC-i is an affordable and lightweight flux-cored welder perfect for home DIY projects. With its durable build and infinite adjustability for voltage and wire feeding speed, it offers excellent value for its price.

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• Brand:

  Forney

• Model:

  Forney 140 FC-i

• Price Rating:

  $$$

• Weight:

  19 lbs

• Voltage:

  120V

• Processes:

  Flux-cored

• Max Thickness:

  up to 1/4 in.

• Max Output:

  140A

• Screen:

  None

The Forney 140 FC-i is a standout choice for home DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable and affordable flux-cored welder. Weighing just 19 lbs, this welder is incredibly easy to transport, making it ideal for various home repair tasks and small projects. Its rugged build, complete with durable corners, ensures that it can withstand the rigors of regular use, providing long-lasting performance.

One of the key features of the Forney 140 FC-i is its infinite adjustability for both voltage and wire feeding speed. This allows users to fine-tune their welds with precision, ensuring high-quality results every time. The welder's 140A output and ability to weld up to 1/4 inch thick mild steel make it versatile enough to handle a range of tasks. Additionally, the long 8 ft. leads provide better reach, making it easier to maneuver around your work area.

While the Forney 140 FC-i may lack some advanced features found in higher-end models, such as a display for settings or additional functions, it more than makes up for it with its ease of use and solid performance. The high-quality ground clamp and 1-year warranty offer added peace of mind, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. Despite its low duty cycle and integrated leads, this welder competes well with other models in its price range, offering better value than many of its competitors.

In comparison to other welders like the Ironton, Hobart, and Eastwood models, the Forney 140 FC-i holds its own. While it may not have the same arc quality as some of the more premium brands, it delivers solid welds and is easy to use, making it a great choice for home use. Its lightweight design and durable construction make it a practical and efficient tool for any DIY enthusiast looking to tackle welding projects around the house.

Eastwood 140

4.5 WeldWins Rating

The Eastwood 140 MIG Welder offers a perfect blend of MIG and flux-cored welding capabilities, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. With its excellent build quality, user-friendly features, and reliable performance, this welder stands out as a versatile and dependable tool for various welding tasks.

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• Brand:

  Eastwood

• Model:

  Eastwood 140

• Price Rating:

  $$$

• Weight:

  24 lbs

• Voltage:

  120V

• Processes:

  MIG, Flux-cored

• Max Thickness:

  up to 5/32 in.

• Max Output:

  140A

• Screen:

  None

The Eastwood 140 MIG Welder is a remarkable piece of equipment that brings together the best of MIG and flux-cored welding in one compact and portable package. Weighing just 24 lbs, this welder is easy to transport and maneuver, making it perfect for both home workshops and on-site jobs. Its robust build quality ensures durability, while the smooth and stable arc it produces guarantees high-quality welds every time. The inclusion of the latest IGBT inverter technology further enhances its performance, providing consistent power output and efficiency.

One of the standout features of the Eastwood 140 is its infinite voltage and wire speed adjustability, allowing users to fine-tune their settings for optimal results. The reliable cast aluminum wire drive system is a significant upgrade over the plastic drives found in many other models, ensuring long-term reliability and precision. Additionally, the welder supports both MIG and flux-cored welding processes, offering versatility for a wide range of applications. The easy polarity change with DINSE connectors and the long 8.5 feet leads add to the convenience and flexibility of this machine.

Despite its compact size, the Eastwood 140 packs a punch with a maximum output of 140A, capable of welding up to 5/32 inches thick material. This makes it suitable for most hobbyist projects and light industrial tasks. The welder also supports a spool gun for aluminum welding, a feature not commonly found in models within this price range. While it lacks a display and has a lower duty cycle, these minor drawbacks are easily overshadowed by its numerous advantages. The 3-year warranty and the reputable Eastwood brand name further add to the product's appeal, making it a reliable investment for any welding enthusiast.

Klutch MIG 140i

4 WeldWins Rating

The Klutch MIG 140i is an affordable and versatile welding machine, perfect for hobbyists and those on a tight budget. With support for both MIG and flux-cored welding processes, this lightweight and portable welder offers infinite adjustability for wire feeding speed and voltage, making it a valuable tool for fine-tuning your welds.

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• Brand:

  Klutch

• Model:

  Klutch MIG 140i

• Price Rating:

  $$

• Weight:

  24 lbs

• Voltage:

  120V

• Processes:

  MIG, Flux-cored

• Max Thickness:

  up to 3/16 in.

• Max Output:

  140A

• Screen:

  None

The Klutch MIG 140i is a remarkable welding machine that stands out for its affordability and versatility. Designed by Klutch, a brand under Northern Tool, this welder supports both MIG and flux-cored welding processes, making it a versatile choice for various welding tasks. Weighing just 24 lbs, it is lightweight and portable, allowing you to easily transport it to different job sites or store it without hassle. The infinite adjustability for wire feeding speed and voltage ensures that you can fine-tune your welds to achieve the best possible results, whether you are a beginner or an experienced welder.

One of the standout features of the Klutch MIG 140i is its generous 140A of welding power, which is impressive for a machine that operates on a 120V input. This makes it suitable for welding materials up to 3/16 inches thick, providing ample power for most hobbyist projects. The welder comes with all the necessary components, including a 1-year warranty, which adds to its value proposition. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Klutch MIG 140i does not compromise on essential features, making it a great investment for those looking to get the most out of their money.

However, it's important to note some of the limitations of this welder. The leads are relatively short, and the integrated ground clamp and MIG gun may not be as durable as those found on more expensive models. Additionally, the ground clamp is somewhat thin, and the machine lacks a display screen, which could be a drawback for some users. The duty cycle is also on the lower side, which is expected for an inexpensive welder. Despite these drawbacks, the Klutch MIG 140i performs admirably for its price range and is a solid choice for hobbyists who need a reliable and portable welding solution.

In summary, the Klutch MIG 140i offers a great balance of performance and affordability. While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end models, it provides sufficient power and adjustability for most hobbyist welding tasks. Its lightweight and portable design, combined with the ability to handle both MIG and flux-cored welding processes, make it a versatile and valuable tool for anyone looking to tackle welding projects on a budget.

Hobart Handler 100

4 WeldWins Rating

The Hobart Handler 100 is an affordable and reliable flux-cored welder, perfect for beginners and hobbyists. With excellent build quality and stable arc performance, this machine offers great value for its price.

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• Brand:

  Hobart

• Model:

  Hobart Handler 100

• Price Rating:

  $$$$

• Weight:

  44 lbs

• Voltage:

  115V

• Processes:

  Flux-cored

• Max Thickness:

  up to 3/16 in.

• Max Output:

  100A

• Warranty:

  3-Year warranty

• Build Quality:

  Excellent build quality

The Hobart Handler 100 stands out as a top choice for those seeking a reliable flux-cored welder without breaking the bank. This machine, crafted by the trusted USA brand Hobart, is designed with beginners and hobbyists in mind. Weighing in at 44 lbs, it may be on the heavier side, but this weight is a testament to its durable transformer core, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. The 115V voltage and 100A max output make it suitable for a variety of small to medium welding tasks, providing a stable arc that is crucial for achieving clean welds.

One of the standout features of the Hobart Handler 100 is its excellent build quality, which is a hallmark of Hobart products. The machine includes a copper ground clamp that enhances conductivity, and the long 8 ft. leads offer flexibility during welding projects. While the integrated leads might limit some flexibility, the overall design is user-friendly, making it easier for rookies to get started. The adjustable wire feeding mechanism is another plus, allowing users to fine-tune their welding process for better results.

However, the Hobart Handler 100 does come with a few limitations. Its duty cycle is 20% at 80A, which is acceptable for beginners but might be a constraint for more intensive tasks. Additionally, the machine lacks advanced functions like 2T/4T or tack welding, and the plastic wire drive, while understandable given the price, might not appeal to everyone. Despite these drawbacks, the machine's ability to weld up to 3/16 in. mild steel makes it a versatile tool for various projects. If you're looking for a higher duty cycle or more advanced features, you might consider alternatives like the YesWelder 135 or the Eastwood 140.

In summary, the Hobart Handler 100 offers a compelling mix of affordability, build quality, and performance. Its stable arc and durable construction make it a reliable choice for those new to welding or those who need a dependable machine for occasional use. While it may lack some advanced features, its core functionalities and trusted brand backing make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to start their welding journey.

Lincoln Century FC-90

4 WeldWins Rating

The Lincoln Century FC-90 is an excellent choice for those prioritizing portability without compromising on quality. With its compact design, shoulder strap, and high-quality build, this welder is perfect for beginners, DIY enthusiasts, and small contractors.

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• Brand:

  Lincoln

• Model:

  Lincoln Century FC-90

• Price Rating:

  $$$

• Portability:

  18 lbs, compact design with a shoulder strap

• Power:

  120V, max output 90A

• Welding Process:

  Flux-cored

• Material Thickness:

  up to 1/4 in.

• Adjustability:

  Infinite voltage and wire feed speed adjustability

• Build Quality:

  Rugged plastics and sturdy sheet metal

The Lincoln Century FC-90 stands out as a top choice for anyone who values portability in their welding equipment. Weighing just 18 lbs and featuring a compact design with a convenient shoulder strap, this welder is incredibly easy to transport, making it ideal for on-the-go projects. Despite its lightweight nature, the FC-90 does not skimp on build quality. Constructed with rugged plastics and sturdy sheet metal, it promises durability and longevity, even in demanding environments.

One of the standout features of the Lincoln Century FC-90 is its infinite voltage and wire feed speed adjustability. This allows users to fine-tune their welds with precision, regardless of the wire type or material thickness, which can go up to 1/4 inch. The welder operates on a 120V power supply with a maximum output of 90A, providing stable and smooth arc performance that rivals more expensive models. This makes it a versatile tool suitable for a variety of welding tasks, from DIY projects to small-scale professional work.

While the FC-90 has many strengths, it does come with a few drawbacks. The short and integrated leads can be limiting, and the ground clamp is not as robust as one might hope. Additionally, the welder has a low duty cycle and lacks a display, which could be a downside for more advanced users. The 6-month warranty period is also relatively short compared to other models. However, these cons are balanced by its affordable price point, making it a cost-effective option for those who need a reliable, portable welder without breaking the bank.

Overall, the Lincoln Century FC-90 offers excellent value for its price. Backed by the reputable Lincoln Electric brand, it delivers high-quality performance in a compact, portable package. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started with welding, a DIY enthusiast tackling home projects, or a small contractor needing a reliable tool for on-site work, the FC-90 is a solid investment that won't disappoint.

Ironton 125

3.5 WeldWins Rating

The Ironton 125 is an affordable flux-cored welder that offers decent build quality and essential features for small DIY projects. Despite some limitations, it provides good value for those looking to save money on a welding machine.

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• Brand:

  Ironton

• Model:

  Ironton 125

• Price Rating:

  $$

• Weight:

  38 lbs

• Voltage:

  115V

• Welding Process:

  Flux-cored

• Max Thickness:

  up to 3/16 in.

• Output:

  125A

• Warranty:

  1-Year

The Ironton 125 is one of the most budget-friendly flux-cored welders available on the market. It stands out for its affordability, making it an attractive option for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who are looking to get started with welding without breaking the bank. The build quality is commendable for its price range, and it includes useful features like an overload LED indicator and a 1-year warranty, which adds a layer of reliability and safety for the user.

However, the Ironton 125 does come with its set of limitations. Weighing in at 38 lbs, it is relatively heavy, which might be a concern for those who need a more portable solution. The integrated leads are short, and the machine is limited to two fixed voltage output options, which restricts its versatility. Additionally, the low duty cycle means that it may not be suitable for extended welding sessions, and the lack of a display or additional functions could be a drawback for more experienced welders.

Despite these drawbacks, the Ironton 125 performs adequately for small DIY projects and basic welding tasks. Its 125A output and ability to weld up to 3/16 inch thickness make it suitable for light to medium-duty work. While it may not offer the infinite adjustability or advanced features of higher-end models like the YesWelder 135, it still provides a functional and cost-effective solution for those who need a basic welder. If you're looking to save money and still get a decent machine for occasional use, the Ironton 125 is worth considering.