Flux core mig welder

[Sal Lubrano]

I want to get a 125 amp flux core mix welder but are the any good? I don't have much experience with a welder but I see the ones that need gas are expensive and they are rather cheap but are they worth the money?

 

[fitz3820]

I am not a very good welder but MIG is easier for me than using flux core. The welds tend to look neater with MIG, at least when I do them.

I would say save up for the MIG or at least get a machine that can be upgraded.

 

[GOT JCE]

Welder

You definitly don't want to cheap out on a welder.Go with a Lincoln SP-135T.It comes all set up to do flux cored wire and gas wire.All you need to run gas is a bottle of CO2 or 75/25 argon-co2.If you buy a no name welder such as a Chicago Electric,Chicago Pnuematic,Astromig,Century,or some of the snap on welders beware.Trying to get consumables for them is a nitemare.I run a welding supply store in CT and would only recommend the big three welders.Lincoln,Miller and Hobart.They are all priced within 50 bucks of each other.The bottle can be as little as 79.00 up to 200.Flux cored wire runs hotter and yields more penetration at the expense of a spattering weld.Try buying something from a company who stands behind their products.Lincoln is by far the best and I have dealt with them all.Figure spending about 525.00 for a SP135T from a welding supply dealer or about 450 online with free shipping.Call me at 203-596-1564 or 203-879-0200 if you have any questions.

 

[chevyII]

flux welding is like using a coat hanger and torch works OK looks like ....! I wouldnt even consider it. Go with the gas I have a miller 130. They say it can only weld 3/8 but at that gap you start to multipass so dont go to big 120-150 amp with a 110 outlet is OK.


By the way if I forget to turn the gas on and start welding it takes about 1/2 inch before I'm looking for the obvious. its that different with and without.

 

[turbofabricator]

I think that the MOST important thing is to identify what you are going to be welding, and how often? If you will only be welding sheet metal, i.e. body work or light bracket welding (steel only) then the 110/115V MIG welder will be perfect for you. If you want to do ANY chasis work like ladder bar, roll bar, frame notching, or welding anything over 3/16" thick, then I would HIGHLY recommend a 220V MIG welder. I agree that I would only buy a Lincoln, Miller, or Hobart welder. I have seen some REAL scary welding that has been accomplished by hobiests'. Try a welding class at a community college to get a feel for what is going to work for you, or if you know a certified welder, ask them waht they would suggest for your welding project. Most of the 135 amp MIG's out there are rated for 1/4" steel, but I have found them to be inadaquate for anything over 3/16". Even 3/16" is pushing a 110/115v MIG if you have any more than about 6" to weld. The duty cycle is usually 20% at full amps., and it will shut off on you at usually the most inappropriate time
So, back to my original question.........What do you intend to weld with a wire feed?