Best Cheap Flux Core Welder of 2023 – Complete Review

Most welders chose the flux core welder for the money due to several advantages over the other welding methods, such as the welds’ speed and pace. When it is compared to stick and TIG welding, flux core welding is much faster in time. Hence best cheap flux core welder much faster production rates than any other welding process. Also, flux core welders are easy to perform for both experienced and novice users.

Choosing the best flux core welder for the money is not a big deal; you can easily select the flux core welder which suits you. However, the problem may arise due to the wide variety of flux core welders, which may confuse the buyer with different operating features and specifications.

These best affordable flux core welders have the advanced welding features available in the market. Additionally, these low-cost flux core welders are suited for both experienced and beginners. Here is the list of these fantastic products.

Our list contains those flux core welders with an affordable price range with no compromise on performance and welding quality. Like always, we make things easy for you, so we offer a list of flux core welders with spending our time and effort for you. Have a detailed look at these TIG welders; hopefully, you will get your best inexpensive flux core mig welder.

TOP PICKS

500559 Hobart

500559 Hobart 140 MIG

  • Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 13 inches
  • Weight: 57 lb
  • Input Voltage: 110/120 v
  • Max Amperage: 140 A

 

Weldpro MIG

Weldpro MIG155GSV 155

  • Dimensions: 96 x 13.58 x 6.69 inches
  • Weight: 21 lb
  • Input Voltage: 110/230 v
  • Max Amperage: 155 A

 

Lincoln

Lincoln K2185-1

  • Dimensions: 18 x 10.3 x 16.75 inches
  • Weight: 26 lb
  • Input Voltage: 115 Volts
  • Max Amperage: 88 A.

 

Contents

Best cheap flux core welder 2023

IMAGE
PRODUCT
DETAILS
PRICE

500559 Hobart 140 MIG

500559 Hobart 140 MIG and flux core Welder
  • Current Type: DC
  • Wire Feed Speed: IPM Range 40 IPM – 700 IPM
  • Weld Output: CV
  • Product Length: 19.5 in

Weldpro MIG155GSV 155

Weldpro MIG155GSV 155 AMP flux core
  • Dual input power: 120/240 volt
  • Output range: 30 to 155 amps
  • Processes: Offers DC stick, MIG, and flux core
  • Electromagnetic: noise-free

Lincoln K2185-1

Lincoln K2185-1 Electric MIG flux core
 
  • Input Voltage: 115 V.
  • Process Type: Flux Core, MIG.
  • Width of the welder: 8.8 in
  • Duty Cycle: 20% @ 70A.

LOTOS MIG140

LOTOS MIG140 Flux Core & MIG Wire
  • Input Voltage: 110 V.
  • Input Phase: 1-Phase.
  • Current Type: DC.
  • Amperage: 30 A-140 A.

Pro-Series MMIG125

Pro-Series MMIG125 Amp flux core
  • Max metal thickness: 18 gauge / 3/16-Inch
  • Voltage: Two voltage settings
  • Welds: All types of carbon steel
  • Weight of product: 10.39 pounds

1. 500559 Hobart 140 MIG and flux core Welder

BEST Overall

★★★★★

500559 Hobart 140 MIG Best Cheap Flux Core Welder

Specifications:

  • Dimensions of product: 19 x 11 x 13 inches
  • Max Open Circuit Voltage: 28 VDC
  • Current Type: DC
  • Wire Feed Speed: IPM Range 40 IPM – 700 IPM
  • Input Voltage: 115 V
  • Weld Output: CV
  • Product Length: 19.5 in
  • Product Weight: 57 lb
  • Amperage Range: 25 – 140 Amps
  • Power source: Corded-electric
  • Material: Stainless steel, aluminum, and steel

Hobart has a great name in the welding machines competition. This brand comes with the best welding machines. Moreover, 50059 Hobart 140 MIG Welder is one of the miller flux core welders. This machine is easy to use and affordable.

Features

Now, we discuss the features of this flux core welder.

Power: Hobart MIG welding machine can work on low current as 25 amperes and high current as 140 amperes. The mig flux core welder can run by an ordinary household current at a voltage of 115 volts.

Duty cycle: The machine has a 20% duty cycle at 90 amps. Hence, it can run continuously for two minutes, and then it cools down for eight minutes.

Weldable materials: This flux core welder machine has been used for mild welding steel up to ¼ inches. The materials that can be welded using this machine are stainless steel, aluminum, and steel.

Versatility: It is more versatile due to the five range voltage, selector, and wire current. Wire feed speed is controllable that stabilizes the work, and provides a smooth arc irrespective of the welding thicknesses. Gas welding is helpful for indoors and reliable wire welding, while gasless welding is helpful outdoors.

Components included: 50059 Hobart 140 MIG Welder consist of the following features: 10ft work cable with clamp, Dual-gauge regulator with gas hose, Power Cord, 030 in. contact tips, 10ft HR-100 MIG gun, Sample spool of flux-cored wire, Material thickness gauge, and Quick Select drive roll.

Safety features: This machine is equipped with many safety features that protect you from any damage. It consists of sensors that detect the increase in temperature; it automatically turns off when overheating.

Portability: Hobart MIG welder is lightweight and weighs only 57 lbs. It can be easily carried out anywhere. Hobart provides the option of a cart with wheels to easily carry the machine. Hence, it is one of the flux wire feed welders.

Build up: This flux core welder is made up of steel that makes it strong. It can be easy to install. Also, this machine consists of a user manual that helps in solving the problems.

PROS:

  • Work on a household current
  • Versatile
  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight due to which easy to transfer
  • Robust steel body that makes it a good welding machine
  • Protection sensors for overloaded temperature are present

CONS:

  • Not a generator friendly device
  • An extra cost is invested in buying gas cylinders
  • Not used for heavy industrial work
Final verdict: although the duty cycle of 50059 Hobart 140 MIG welder is low, which is just 20%. However, this machine has many excellent features like protection sensors, the versatility of welding functions, and portability makes it the flux core mig welder in the present market.

2. Weldpro MIG155GSV 155 AMP flux core

BEST Dual voltage welder

★★★★★

Weldpro MIG155GSV 155 Best Cheap Flux Core Welder

Specifications:

  • Weight of product: 21 pounds
  • Dimensions of product: 96 x 13.58 x 6.69 inches
  • Dual input power: 120/240 volt
  • Output range: 30 to 155 amps
  • Processes: Offers DC stick, MIG, and flux core
  • Electromagnetic: noise-free
  • Thickness: 24 gauge sheet up to the 3/8-inch plate
  • Voltage: 110/230 Volts
  • Material: Metal

Many flux core welding machines are too heavy, and some have large sizes, due to which their portability becomes an issue. If a device is portable, then this thing has the advantage of working anywhere you want.

This advantage is present in the case of MIG155GSV 155 Amp. Like other Weldpro products, MIG155GSV 155 Amp also a compact and affordable flux core welder. A footprint is also present to facilitate the portability of the welding machine. Due to the MIG155GSV 155 Amp properties, it is one of the compact flux core welders.

Features

Comfortable welding: MIG155GSV 155 Amp can easily weld ¼ inches steel with the power input of 220 volts. The Manual Metal Arc and flux-cored MIG supports heat settings and wire speed of this best cheap flux core welder.

During the welding operation, controls also do not dodge the user like the other cheap mig flux core welders machine. All of these features allow welding smoothly with ease and providing control over the operations.

2T/4T mode: Both 2T/4T sequencer functions are present in the machine for control. 4T is helpful for those who want to have a long welding time continuously. In that situation, it saves you time for having to hold the trigger the whole time. Both of these functions also help during the out of position welding.

Overheat and current protection systems: To ensure the protection of the welding machine, MIG155GSV 155 Amp has a protection system to save your money. An overheating system is present in the welder, which automatically shuts down the device after a specific temperature.

The overcurrent system protects the flux core mig welder from an alteration of the current in the input source. A voltage compensator is also present that compensates for the decrease or increase in the voltage.

IGBT inverter technology: This dc flux core welder is superior to the other inverter technologies used in the MIG welders. IGBT technology enables fast switching in the welding machine. Inverter technology is also an energy-saving technology that reduces your electricity cost to save your money.

Package includes: Package of the MIG155GSV 155 Amp contains multiple drive rollers, complete reel of flux-core wire, MIG welding gas regulator, electrode stinger for stick welding. These accessories make MIG155GSV 155 Amp the flux-cored mig welder and allow it to deliver quality results.

PROS:

  • Compact MIG and flux core welder both
  • Protection systems for welder’s safety
  • Comfortable welding experience

CONS:

  • Leads are short
Final verdict: MIG155GSV 155 Amp is a good welding machine suitable for low or moderate-type of MIG welding purposes. It is best suited for farmhouse or home purpose use. Due to these features, MIG155GSV 155 Amp is the mig flux-cored welder.

3. Lincoln K2185-1 Electric MIG flux core

BEST Handy Welder

★★★★★

Lincoln K2185-1 Best Cheap Flux Core Welder

Specifications:

  • Input Voltage: 115 V.
  • Process Type: Flux Core, MIG.
  • Width of the welder: 8.8 in
  • Duty Cycle: 20% @ 70A.
  • Weight of product: 26 pounds
  • Dimensions of product: 18 x 10.3 x 16.75 inches
  • Power source type: Corded-electric

This one is the great flux core wire welder. K2185-1 welder can be used with gasless flux or with argon gas flux. Moreover, It is a cheap flux core welder use for auto body panels and door hone work. It is also the flux wire welder. This machine is lightweight, portable, and compact.

Features

Now, we discuss the features of the K2185-1 Lincoln Electric MIG Welder.

Power: flux core welder for sale usually works efficiently at a low voltage of 115 volts giving good results. It has 88 amperage output voltages, which is very suitable for the flux core welding machine. This voltage is very low and ideal for a small workshop.

Voltage settings: This best cheap flux core welder comes with four different voltage settings. These settings help you in welding different metal thicknesses. If you select the high voltage, then it welds the thickest metal. You can choose the voltage based on the thickness of the metal you want to weld.

Duty cycle: K2185-1 Lincoln Electric MIG Welder has a 20% duty cycle at 70 amps. This duty cycle is good for efficient welding results. MIG welder has a handle at the top of the machine that helps quickly grab the device.

Versatility: K2185-1 Lincoln can be used as either flux-cored welding or for MIG welding. It can be used to weld the mild steel up to 1/8 inches.

Portability: If you need a portable MIG welder, you must choose the K2185-1 Lincoln Electric flux-core Welder. It is lightweight that weighs only 26 pounds, and can be easily carried out anywhere. It is also the 120-volt flux core welder.

Safety features: Lincoln welder comes with safety features that cool down the wires and never let them be heated. This feature also helps to increase the life span of the machine. This good flux core welder is highly durable and reliable.

Components included:  This good flux core welder consists of the following parts: Welding gun, cable assembly, gasless nozzle for flux-cored welding, work cable with clamp, Spools of solid wire and flux-cored wire, Chip hammer and brush, Gas hose and regulator, Welding hood, and lens, and contact lens.

PROS:

  • Perform multifunction
  • Temperature sensors keep wire cool
  • Compact and Lightweight
  • Four different voltage settings
  • Easy to setup
  • Portable

CONS:

  • No use for aluminum welding
  • Cannot weld more than 1/8 thickness.
Final verdict: K2185-1 Lincoln Electric MIG Welder is a low-power welder that offers good quality clean welds on metals. K2185-1 is one of the most accurate mig flux welders in the market, with useful controlling features. Also, have the advantage of being a low-power input machine that can save your money, reducing electricity bills.

4. LOTOS MIG140 Flux Core & MIG Wire

BEST Professional Welder

★★★★★

LOTOS MIG140

Specifications:

  • Processes: Flux Cored (FCAW) MIG (GMAW).
  • Weld Thickness Range: 18 Gauge – 3/16″
  • Weldable Materials: Steel, Aluminum with Spool-weapon, Stainless Steel.
  • Input Voltage: 110 V.
  • Input Phase: 1-Phase.
  • Current Type: DC.
  • Evaluated Output: 20% at 90A duty cycle
  • Amperage: 30 A-140 A.
  • Wire-Feed Speed: 0-100 ipm.
  • Weight: 54 lb.

Assuming you’re searching for the best flux core welder, the most current model from LOTOS MIG 140 is undoubtedly a machine that merits a subsequent look. This top-rated model is accessible at a sensible cost, and while it’s not favorable to the quality welding machine.

Features

Now, we discuss the features of the wire feed flux core welder.

Strong mid-range welder: The LOTOS welder flux core is a solid mid-range MIG/FC welder and one of only a handful, not many on the rundown, that can handle treated steel. An extraordinary welder from California with an aluminum wire feeder that is advertised as an aluminum welder.

It can handle gentle and hardened steel up to 3/16″; and aluminum up to 1/8″, which is, as I would see it incredible for a 110v welder.

Lightweight: This reduced MIG welding machine is lightweight, rugged, and very beginner-accommodating. If you’re new to welding, this is an incredible first machine. In any case, it will likewise be comfortable in a star’s workshop as used flux core welders for sale.

This machine should work for most welding occupations around the home or more modest welding assignments at work. In general, we strongly suggest it if you’re searching for a welding machine that is easy to ship, versatile, and intended to last.

Best budget plans: This flux core welder for the money highlights a rough outline, which implies it’ll have the option to handle a lot of utilization and maltreatment at work. The conservative plan additionally makes it profoundly convenient, so it’s easy to move and store.

Tipping the scales at 54 pounds, it’s light enough to effortlessly move yet hefty sufficient that you will not need to stress over genuine harm on the off chance that you drop it or it gets banged around during transport.

For beginners and pros both: Some significant wellbeing highlights that the beginner and the professional will appreciate. Its natural controls permit you to work all the more gainfully and proficiently. Obviously, you can disregard a ton of free additional items like a mig flux-core welder cap or other significant stuff at this value. Yet, for the beginner, this is perhaps the best cheap flux core welder to rehearse with.

All the more precisely: The customer can change the wire feeder speed and welding voltage all the more absolutely with the two advanced displayers—new planned ground link fast connector.

PROS:

  • Easy switch for the ground link
  • 2T/4T Switch
  • Aluminum wire feeder
  • the flexibility of the unit
  • Fast set up

CONS:

  • No welding graph provided
  • There is no generator connection
Final verdict: This is a pleasant welder for certainly reasonable upgrades over its competitors. If you purchased this welder, then it can be for short, infrequent use since the flux welding machine is so easy to utilize and sturdy. Inevitably you’ll wind up using this welder increasingly more regularly.

5. Pro-Series MMIG125 Amp flux core

BEST Beginners welder

★★★★★

Pro-Series MMIG125

Specifications:

  • Duty cycle: 20-percent at80 amps
  • wire size: .030 – .035
  • max metal thickness: 18 gauge / 3/16-Inch
  • Voltage: Two voltage settings
  • Welds: All types of carbon steel
  • Manufacturer: Buffalo Tools
  • Weight of product: 10.39 pounds
  • Dimensions of product: 12.25 x 21.25 x 17.75 inches
  • Power source: Corded-electric

Pro-Series MMIG125 is a good flux core welder that has versatile applications. It is easy to install and operates at low voltage. Also, this is a portable welder.

Features

Now, we discuss the features of this gasless wire feed welder.

Easy setup: beginners who do not have much information about the welding machines can easily use Pro Series MMIG 125 due to its simple design. The user can quickly assemble all of its parts with the information provided in the user manual.

Low power input: Pro Series MMIG 125 welding machine can work on the low power input and give high performance. This flux core wire welder can operate on 120V input and offers its best efficiency. You do not need to fear power input to this machine because it is a flux core welder for sale.

Versatile applications: This flux core welding machine can handle both thick and thin materials for welding purposes. Hence it can be used for home and farm-based applications, so it is the top flux core welder. However, the commercial user can also have a great time with this machine.

Can work with various metals: Pro Series MMIG 125 is the top flux core welder because it can do flux welding of different metals like carbon steel, aluminum, nickel, stainless steel, etc., powerful enough for flux core welding of 18 gauge to 3/16 inch.

Temperature protection system: to avoid the welding machine’s heating, a powerful temperature protection system is present. This protection system senses the amount of heat in the machine and automatically shuts down the machine above a certain level.

Portability: The machine’s weight is only 10.35 pounds, which means it is a portable flux core welder. The size of the machine is also less. Additionally, a small handle is also present to lift the machine easily.

Versatile applications: This flux core welding machine can handle both thick and thin materials for welding purposes. Hence it can be used for home and farm-based applications, so it is the mig/flux welder. However, the commercial user can also have a great time with this machine.

Accessories with the package: several supportive accessories are given with the Pro Series MMIG 125. These things include a Face shield, Welding gun, Brush hammer, Spool, flux-cored wire, Ground cable, and clamp.

PROS:

  • A welding machine is more versatile
  • Capable of functioning at low input, which is 120V
  • The weight of the machine is deficient that’s why it is more portable
  • Easy to set up
  • Weld different metals

CONS:

  • Small warranty period
  • No DC output
Final verdict: Pro Series MMIG 125 is for finding the flux mig welder. This welding machine has many supportive features that can be very useful for a learner. Hence all of these features make it sound like the mig/flux-cored welder.

Conclusion

Finding the flux core welder is not an easy job. You must have proper knowledge of the things and features that are present in the machine. One other easy way is to compare that item with the other similar product that is available.

We recommend choosing the flux core mig welder depending upon the required type of work and environment of use. Budget is another essential thing to consider. The best cheap flux core welder is expensive; however, we have added some welding machine models that are cheap but deliver the performance like other expensive ones.

The final selection of the product to buy is always yours to have, and we can guide you with the best possibilities and options you have. Making a new and right choice is confusing and challenging, especially when you have a low budget. Most of the good flux core welder is very much expensive and proves heavy on your pocket.