Best flux core welder under 200 – Review with Buying Guidelines
If you are a beginner or hobbyist and are thinking of buying your first welding machine, then a Flux core welder is an excellent choice for you. Flux core welders are incredibly easy to use: Just 30 minutes of training is enough to master using the welding machine works. They are also versatile and can let you weld anything, from underwater welding to general repairs.
But if you want to get great welding results, then you need to choose the right Flux core welder with great features. So, are you on a tight budget and looking for the best flux core welder under 200? If yes, then you are in the right place. We have researched on your behalf and compiled a list of the 5 best flux core welders under 200.
Flux core welders use tubular electrodes filled with flux to feed electrodes into the weld joint. They are widely preferred because they have a higher weld metal deposition rate and improved arc stability that enables them to deliver welding exceptional results
So, let us start an in-depth review of the best flux core welder under 200 along with buying guidelines.
Best flux core welder under 200
- Super Deal PRO commercial MIG 130 AC flux core welding machine
- Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Core welder – best flux core welder
- Goplus MIG 130 Flux core – best cheap flux wire welder
- Ironton 125 flux-cored Welder – cheap flux-core welder
- SUNGOLDPOWDER MIG 150A – Best flux core welder under 200
Super Deal PRO commercial MIG 130 AC flux core welding machine:
If you are searching for a compact, lightweight, durable, and affordable flux core welding machine, then look no further than the Super Deal PRO commercial MIG 130 AC flux core welding machine. If you compare the features that this welding machine is equipped with versus its price, you will quickly notice that you will get value for your hard-earned money.
This flux core welding machine is equipped with a synergy setting that makes the device super easy to use. Unlike other welding machines requiring you to adjust all settings to get your desired results, this machine only required you to set the thickness of the material you plan to weld. The rest of the settings, including the amperage and voltage, will be adjusted automatically. The fact that it does not require a high skill set to operate makes it ideal for beginners. It also uses a form of technology with an adjustable indicator that allows you to adjust the inductance according to your welding requirements. This ensures better welding performance by increasing fusion death, soft electric arc, and reducing spatter.
The automatic soft key control panel that features is intuitive and allows you to monitor the welder’s performance for optimal results. The control panel is equipped with a wide range of temperatures and wire feed speed controls that will enable you to weld steel of different thicknesses with ease. The huge display is readily accessible and easy to operate even when wearing a welding glove. This is important because it reduces the chances of making errors.
The welder is equipped with a copper tip at the end of the gun that prevents slug buildup while welding. This welding is also equipped with overall thermal protection and a cooling fan that enables the machine to operate perfectly even when pressed hard.
The machine is made of high-quality PVC material that is durable, lightweight, and resistant to various weather elements, including temperature, humidity, etc. This welding is super light (weighs 38 lbs.) and is ideal for home and field uses. It is incredibly versatile hence perfect for welding stainless steel and mild steel.
This welding machine comes with a 0.55 lbs welding wire, 0.9mm reel, brush/chipping hammer, a protection mask, extra two tips, and a ground cord.
Main Features
• Weighs 38 lbs.
• Four levels of current flow setting
• Copper tip at the end of the gun
• High of high-class PVC material
• Premium quickly welding cable set ground
• Thermal overload protection
• AUTOMIG control panel
• Duty cycle: 10% at 105 AMP or 35% at 60 AMP
• Voltage 110V.60HX single case
• Welding current: 50-120 AMP
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and lightweight | Not ideal for big welding projects |
| Very easy to use | |
| Easy to clean | |
| Produces very little spatter | |
| Versatile | |
| Durable |
Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Core welder – best flux core welder:
Forney is reputable that is known to manufacture high-quality welding machines and accessories. The company has been around for more than 80 years and has earned customer trust for manufacturing exceptional core welders with great features.
Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Core welder is one of their entry-level welding machines and is ideal for newbies who want to enhance their welding skills. With this welding machine, you can quickly turn your great ideas into unique masterpieces. This welding machine is incredibly versatile and can perform various welding tasks, including stick welding, TIG, and MIG.
Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Core welders are strategically located for easy use. It also comes with a MIG metal gun and ground clamp that not only makes your welding easy but also boosts performance. This powerful welding machine can weld 24 huge pieces of steel up to 1/4 inches in a single pass.
This is incredible, considering its low price. This welder has a duty cycle of 125A and 20%, meaning that you can weld for 2 minutes at 125Amps before the machine rests for the next 8 minutes to prevent overheating. The two voltage settings that it features (lower and higher settings) allow you to choose a mode that suits your welding needs.
Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Core welder is made of high-quality thin-gauged metal and durable plastic. The material that it is made of can withstand any condition you subject it to, including harsh weather. The welding machine is also lightweight (weight just 51 pounds) and compact, thus easy to move the machine around and store it after use.
This welding machine is equipped with excellent safety features, including internal thermal protection that automatically shuts the machine off in case it starts to overheat and cooling fans that keep the machine cool when performing strenuous tasks. The machine is super easy to use even for beginners, thanks to its plug-and-play design.
All you need to do is plug it and start welding. The setup process is also simple and straightforward. It will take you less than five minutes to get this powerful welding machine ready for your first welding task. The flux core welder comes with a six months limited manufacturer warranty that covers all manufacturing defects.
Main Features:
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use (ideal for beginners) | It is only ideal for light to medium welding tasks |
| Compact and portable | It has only one flux-cored wire option |
| It uses Tweco consumable that provides steady and smooth arc | |
| Durable construction | |
| It can weigh 24 gauge and up to 1/4 inch | |
| Affordable | |
| Comes with six months manufacturer warranty | |
| It uses tweco consumable that provides steady and smooth arc |
Goplus MIG 130 Flux core – best cheap flux wire welder:
Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux core welding machine is great for beginners and professionals who want to perform light and medium-duty tasks. This welding machine is versatile and can perform a wide variety of welding tasks. It is also very affordable, thus ideal for people who are searching for a quality flux core welder but are on a tight budget.
Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux core welding machine is made of a heavy-duty stainless steel body that is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. The stainless steel body is coated with a durable paint to ensure that it serves you for a long period regardless of the conditions it is subjected to. Its compact and lightweight body allows you to carry it from one working station to another with ease. It also makes storage easy when it is not in use.
The four levels of adjustable welding speed and four levels of current flow settings allow you to choose the ideal settings for the welding tasks at hand. It also features ten different wire feeding speeds. This welder does not use a gas welder. Instead, it uses flux core wire that releases inert metal gas while welding, thus preventing oxidation of the welded part.
The two air vent on the machine provides efficient heat dissipation while welding. The automatic thermal safety protection that it features ensures that the machine shuts off automatically, in the case is starts to overheat. These two overheat protection features allow the machine to work at peak performance for an extended period without resting, as it is the case with other flux core welders within its price range.
If you are searching for a cheap but powerful flux core welding machine to enable you to perform simple welding tasks at home, then Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux core welding machine is an excellent choice for you. It comes with a 0.55 lbs welding wire, a reel of 0.9mm, a brush chipping hammer and a protective mask.
Main Features
• Weighs 55 pounds
• Made of stainless steel material
• Features four levels of current flow
• Ten levels of wire-feeding speeds
• Two air vents for efficient heat dissipation
• Copper metal tip
• Automatic thermal safety protection
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and lightweight | Only suitable for lightweight- medium welding tasks |
| Easy to use | |
| Versatile | |
| Very affordable | |
| Perfect for welding steel | |
| Durable |
Ironton 125 flux-cored Welder – cheap flux core welder:
Ironton 125 flux-cored Welder has a variety of great features that enable it to provide excellent welding performance but at a fraction of other brands’ prices. It can perform nearly any welding task that you throw at it around the home, farm, shop, etc.
Ironton 125 flux-cored Welder can weld 18 gauge mild steel up to 3/16 inch thick. You can also weld other thicker materials by sizing multiple passes. This welding machine accommodates 0.030 inches and 0.035-inch welding wire in either 4-inch or 8-inch spools. To avoid the hustle of adjusting the voltage every time while welding, this flux core welder features two voltage settings, thus giving you the flexibility to choose a voltage that suits your welding needs.
A quick setup guide located on the welder’s right side provides much-needed guidance on how to use this welding machine to get the best welding results. This flux core welder is compact and lightweight (only weighs 31 lbs), making it easy to carry from one work site to another. It is also equipped with a convenient carrying handle that enables you to move the welder to where it is needed with ease.
Ironton 125 flux-cored Welder is equipped with multiple overheat protection features, including an inbuilt thermostat that prevents the welder from overheating by delaying the power until it has cooled sufficiently and thermal overload protection that ensures that the unit stays safe regardless of how hard it is pressed. The trigger-activated arc that it features ensures your safety while using this welder.
Ironton 125 flux-cored Welder comes with one wire feed welder with six feet power cord, two tweco style contact tips, one chopping hammer, one hardwired flux core gun with six feet cable, and one hardwired ground clamp with six feet cable. The unit also comes with a one-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Main Features
• Duty cycles: 20% at 80Amps
• Weighs 31 lbs.
• Output current: 60-80A
• Built-in thermal load protection
• Onboard setup guide.
• Infinite wire speed control
• Carrying handle for convenient carrying
• Works with 0.030-inch and 0.035-inch wire
• Heavy-duty ground clamp
• Heavy-duty flux core
• Two voltage settings
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and lightweight for easy transportation and storage | Not ideal for performing demanding welding tasks |
| Easy to set up | |
| Made of high-quality and durable materials | |
| Made of high quality and durable materials | |
| Easy to use | |
| Very affordable |
SUNGOLDPOWDER MIG 150A – Best flux core welder under 200:
SUNGOLDPOWDER MIG 150A welder flux core is ideal for beginner welders looking for a versatile welding machine and is also equipped with incredible features that will enable them to perform their welding tasks with ease. This unit is of high quality and equipped with everything that a beginner may need to perform their welding tasks.
SUNGOLDPOWDER MIG 150A welder flux core is designed with the beginner in mind. Unlike other welding machines that are difficult to perform, this machine is super easy to use. You don’t need to have high skills to operate this MIG welder. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions given.
The 110V input that this flux core welder runs on is compatible with the average household current. This means that you can plug this welder into a standard house socket without the need to use an inverter to step up the current. The machine is made of stainless steel material that is of high quality, lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. You can perform your welding task outdoors without worrying that the outer cover will get damaged.
The four-level current flow setting and ten-feed speed control that it features allow you to perform your welding tasks at your preferred setting for optimal results. It is also equipped with excellent safety features, including the On/Off safety control, a torch with full On/Off for improved visibility, and automatic thermal safety protection that ensures that the machine stays safe regardless of how hard it is pushed.
SUNGOLDPOWDER MIG 150A welder flux core is portable thanks to its lightweight. This unit only weighs 39.4 pounds. So carrying the welder from one working station to another is easy.
Its compact design also means that it does not consume a lot of storage space. This unit is ideal for welding iron, mind steel, and other metal. The package comes with a MIG 150 welder with a 78.7-inch AC plug, an earth clamp with a 59-inch cable, replacement contact tips, user manuals, a wire brush, a face mask, and a 1lb welding wire spool.
Main Features
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use hence perfect for beginners | It is not ideal for handling heavy industrial welding jobs |
| Lightweight and portable | |
| Made of high-quality materials | |
| Easy to setup | |
| Versatile | |
| Affordable |
Buying Guide for Best flux core welder under 200
The quality of the welding machine that you buy is important because it determines the quality of welding results you will get. Below is a buying guide on important things to consider before purchasing a flux core welder under 200.
Consider the duty cycle
Before making your final decision, it is crucial to consider the flux core welder duty cycle. The duty circle refers to the ratio of time that the welder is On compared to the machine is Off. For instance, a 60% duty cycle means that the welder will need to cool for at least 6 minutes after every 4 minutes of continuous welding. This factor is particularly important if you are planning to perform welding tasks for a long period. The higher the duty cycle, the more time the machine will operate before cooling off.
Consider wire feed speed
Wire feed speed refers to the speed at which the MIG wire gets fed from the machine to the gun. If the wire feed speed is too slow, then the wire will quickly disappear when it comes into contact with the metal. On the other hand, if the speed is too fast, the cord will get out of the gun and leave you with plenty of spatters. To protect yourself from any of the above scenarios, choose a flux core welder with an automatic feed speed setting.
Consider portability and size
This is a crucial factor to consider if you are planning to use the welder on multiple different working sites. If your welding task requires you to move around frequently, you need to choose a portable welder. Size is also important, especially if you have limited storage space. If you want to be on the safe side, choose a flux core welder that is compact and portable.
Consider input power
This is a crucial factor that most people usually overlook when buying a flux core welder. Most flux core welders run on a 110V or 220V power circuit. 110V is ideal for bigger because it is compatible with most home power circuits. However, if you plan to perform demanding welding tasks, you should consider choosing one that runs on both 110V and 220V power circuits.
Consider Amperage rating
The flux core welder amperage determines its output. A welder machine with a higher amp rating not only welds faster but also handles thicker metal sheets. If you are considering performing light welding tasks, you buy a flux core welder with an amperage between 80A-140A. On the other hand, if you plan to weld a thick sheet of metal, you should buy a flux core welder with an amperage rating that exceeds 140A.
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FAQs about flux core welder
Yes, flux core welds are strong. With the right filler materials, you can create clean, strong welds.
Flux core welding is mainly used in operations such as maintenance, shop fabrication and shipbuilding. Flux core welding is particularly useful where the base material to be welded some degree of rust, scale, or any other surface contaminants.
Most flux core welder operates on 110V and 220V that can weld up to 3/8 inch of sheet metal on a single pass. However, the thickness that a flux core welder weld varies depending on the unit that you purchase. Therefore, it is crucial to check the thickness that the welder can weld before making your final decision.
Conclusion
There are many flux core welders on the market to choose from. However, not all of them will give you the result that you are looking for. The five best flux core welders under 200 that we have reviewed are among the best on the market.
So, if you want to get value for your hard-earned money, we recommend that you purchase it from the list provided above. They are not only affordable but are also equipped with many incredible features that will enable you to perform your welding tasks with ease. They are also very easy to use and don’t require you to have pro welding skills.
