Best Flux Core Welder Under 200 Dollars, What 5 Best To Buy

When you only have $200 to spend on a flux core welder and that’s it.

And you’re longing to learn welding.

Or you’ve the odd job that needs welding up. And you really can’t justify spending a lot of money on a welder.

Don’t despair!

You’ll find here a round up of the best flux core only welders under 200 dollars.

Itching to find out?

​*Disclosure: This document contains affiliate links. And at no extra cost to you this site earns a commissions through these links should you decide to buy.

When you’re yearning to find out which is the star welder …

Your pick for the best flux core welder under 200 dollars, is the Super Deal Commercial MIG 130.

​​​In this document you’ll be guided through the most important points of the ​Super Deal MIG 130.

And the runner up’s for the top spot. Please read on to find out more.

You’ll find flux core only welders in this list .

Not MIGs welders that’ll also weld flux core – they cost a lot more than $200!

​Want to look at some of the MIG welders?​

​Then head over ​and ​find the good ones here​. ​

What Are Flux Core Only Welders?

Flux core welders use an electrical arc and flux core welding wire to weld with.

The welding wire a flux core welder uses is special because it is self shielded. What is self shielded welding wire?

A wire made as a tube. On the outside you’ve mild steel. And in the middle you’ve special chemicals called flux.

You can improve your welding on all these welders by getting yourself some decent self shielded flux core welding wire.

​Want to see the best? Take a look at this group. Collected and reviewed for you at this link.

Want to know more about Flux Core Welding?

You’ll find an article here for the curious on what is flux core welding.

​And if you’re not sure what self-shielded flux core welding wire is then you’re covered there too. Take a look.

Hold on to your welding helmet.

You’ve not bought one yet?

You’ll need one when you start welding.

You’ll find below a quick review on each of the best flux core welders on the list. Some of the flux core welders selected have longer reviews with images and video’s here on the site. So don’t be shy, take a look around and stay a while.

And if you’re still thinking your choice through. Book mark this page to come back later.

Quick Review Of The ​Super Deal MIG 130

Reason​s To Buy The Super Deal MIG 130

​Reasons To Pass The Super Deal MIG 130 By

Summary Of Super Deal MIG 130 Flux Core Welder

Your Super Deal MIG 140 is light on its duty cycle at 10%. But it makes up for that in it’s keen pricing. 

​It’ll be your flux core welder if you’re a hobbyist and need to weld small mild steel jobs about your home and yard. You’ll feel the thrill of using one and paying under $200 for a starter flux core welder.

What Are The Super Deal MIG 130 Features?

Yes, the Super Deal MIG 130 has MIG in its name. But it’s not a true MIG welder. You can’t put a tank of compressed gas on this welder and weld with solid MIG welding wire. 

Your Super Deal MIG 130 is a 110v flux core only welder and perfect for this list.

Duty Cycle Of The Super Deal MIG 130

Knowing your flux core welder’s duty cycle is key. Because it gives you an idea of the strength of your flux core welder.

You’ll find the Super Deal has a duty cycle of 10% at 105 Amp. And 35% at 60 Amp.

What does that mean?

This duty cycle means that you’ve one minute of welding time. Inside a 10 minute period at the Super Deal’s 105 Amp setting. After that your Super Deal MIG 130 would overheat.

When you compare all the flux core welders on this best of list. You’ll see that although your Super Deal has a 10% duty cycle. This is at one of the highest amp settings of the flux core welders here at 105 Amp.

Best Flux Core Welder Duty Cycles Compared​

Flux Core Welder	Duty Cycle
Super Deal MIG 130	10% at 105 Amp
Forney Easy Weld 29901	20% at 80 Amp
Ironton 125	20% at 80 Amp
MIG 130s	10% at 105 Amp
Forney 140 FC-i	30% at 90 Amp

You’ll find that all the duty cycles of these flux core welders are not measured at their top output.

This means that when you’re using any of these flux core welders at their max settings. You’ll have less time welding than the duty cycle says.

You’ll see in the table that the Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i wins. 30% compared to 20% means you’ve an extra full minute of welding time before it overheats.

​You’ll see the Easy Weld 29901 and the Ironton 125 come in second with 20% (2 minutes welding time).

Welding Output Range Of Your Super Deal MIG 130

Your Super Deal’s flux core welding output goes from 50 to 120 Amp.

And you can set its output using two rocker switches.

And depending on how you set these switches you get 4 output heat settings.

Now this might not seem like much. But when you compare it to the Forney welders with their 2 settings you get double the output positions.

To fine tune your welding further. You’ve an infinitely variable wire feed speed control.

Types And Sizes Of Metals Your Super Deal MIG 130 Will Weld

You can flux core weld mild steel from 18 gauge thick to  3/16th of an inch.

For you to flux core weld 1/4 inch thick mild steel you’ll need to do multiple passes.

Your Super Deal MIG 130 flux core welds mild steel only.

You won’t be able to weld stainless steel or Aluminum with the Super Deal MIG 130.

Because flux core stainless steel wire takes more power to weld than this little welder can produce. And you’ll find no flux core Aluminum wire out there on the market. Read this article to find out more.

Wire Spool Sizes And Wire Diameter Sizes On The Super Deal MIG 130

You can weld with 0.030 inch and 0.035 inch flux-cored wire.

And you can put inside 1 lb. or 2 lb. spools of flux core wire.

Be sure to buy yourself a spool of good quality flux core wire when you buy your Super Deal 130.

You’ll thank yourself for it.

The free spool you find in the box with the Super Deal is not good quality. And will leave you cursing your first few welds. Give your Super Deal a chance and put in some good flux core welding wire.

Size And Weight Of The Super Deal MIG 130

You’ll find your Super Deal MIG 130 has the dimensions of 20 inches by 15 inches by 12.5 inches. And it weighs 38 lbs. which is reasonable for a flux core welder under $200.

Round Up Of Other Notable Features Of The Super Deal MIG 130

You’ll find in the box that your Super Deal MIG 130 has a 6 ft. hose from the welder itself to your flux core gun.

You have a 6 ft. cord to your ground clamp. And a 7 ft. power cord.

This gives you a reasonable welding area from where you plug your Super Deal in to where you flux core weld.

Also consider changing out the ground clamp that comes with the Super Deal MIG 130. Good welds need a good ground connection and the ground clamp in the box is a bit light weight.

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Quick Review Of The Forney Easy Weld 29901

Reasons To Buy The Forney Easy Weld 29901

​Reasons To Pass The Forney Easy Weld 29901 By

Summary Of The Forney Easy Weld 29901

You’ll find your Forney 29901 is a quality flux core wire welder from a great brand name. Whether you’re new to welding. Or you’ve some skills already, the Easy Weld 29901 is a tasty option for your $200 budget.

​When you’re looking for a flux core welder that’s straight forward to use and reliable. And your extra bonus is that it’s reasonably portable too.

​What Are The Forney 29901’s Features?

You’ll find two Forney flux core welders in this list and for good reason.

Forney is a great welder brand that has been in business for the last 80 plus years. Forney has produced in the Easy Weld, a flux core wire only welder for you as a novice. And you’ll enjoy owning one as a professional welder wanting an easy starter set.

Use for your light duty to medium duty flux core welding jobs.

Duty Cycle Of The Forney Easy Weld 29901

You’ve a duty cycle of 20% at 80 Amp.

And this means you’ll have a straight 2 minutes flux core welding. When you’ve your 29901 set at 80 Amp. Pretty good for an entry level flux core welder.

Welding Output Range Of Your Forney 29901

Your Forney 29901 has a flux core welding output spread of 65 Amp to 80 Amp. With a total output of 125 Amp.

For you to get the maximum output from your Forney 29901 you’d best have it plugged into a power socket with a 20 Amp fuse.

You adjust your flux core welding output voltage through a single switch.

Thin plate is your highest setting. Sheet metal is your lower.

You’ll find a quick reference welding chart on the inside of the cabinet.

The chart shows examples of the thickness of metal. Compared with the voltage output setting you should use. And your suggested wire speed for a successful flux core weld. 

Useful for when you’re starting with a new welder. You’ve somewhere to start with your output settings.

Best Flux Core Welder Output Ranges Compared​

Flux Core Welder	Output Ranges
Super Deal MIG 130	50 Amp to 120 Amp
Forney Easy Weld 29901	65 Amp to 80 Amp
Ironton 125	60 Amp to 80 Amp
MIG 130s	50 Amp to 120 Amp
Forney 140 FC-i	32 Amp to 140 Amp

On the output spread the Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i wins.

The Super Deal MIG 130 comes in second along with the MIG 130’s. The Ironton 125 is third.

​Types And Sizes Of Metals Your Forney 29901 Will Weld

You’ll be welding mild steel with your Forney 29901.

When you use 0.030 inch flux core wire, you’ll be welding from 24 gauge up to 3/16 of an inch thick in a single pass.

Beveling and several passes will see you welding 1/4 inch mild steel.

Wire Spool Sizes And Wire Diameter Sizes Used On The Forney 29901

Forney recommends the use of 0.030 inch flux-cored wire in the Forney 29901.

And for the welding output of the Forney 29901 it’s the wire size best suited to this welder. 

You can use 0.035 inch wire as well. But you’ll need a set of 0.035 inch contact tips. You won’t find any in the box.

Your Forney 29901 will use 2 lb. or 10 lb. spools of flux core welding wire (4 or 8 inch spools).

So you can take advantage of the lower cost per pound of the larger spools. Perfect when you’ve a lot of flux core welding to do.

Size And Weight Of The Forney 29901

Your Forney Easy Weld 29901 is a portable welder with dimensions of 24.6 by 12.6 by 18.5 inches. And it weighs 42.6 pounds.

Round Up Of Other Notable Features Of The Forney 29901

You’ll find in the box a quality Forney 2 lb. starter spool of 0.030 flux core welding wire. Plus two 0.030 inch spare contact tips. And that’s extra to the contact tip you’ll find on your welding torch head.

You’ve an option to buy your Forney’s Easy Weld 29901 125FC Flux-core as a ‘Start Up Kit’.

And as a startup kit you’ve the basics you need to get flux core welding.

But this option will blow through your 200 dollar budget.

But your kit includes a quality welding helmet. Quality welding gloves. A Forney grinding wheel, and a wire scratch brush. They are all Forney products so they’re first class.

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Quick Review Of The Ironton Flux Core 125

Reasons To Buy The Flux Core Ironton 125

​Reasons to Pass the Ironton Flux Core 125 By

Summary Of The Ironton Flux Core 125

When you’re a do it yourselfer who only needs a welder a few times a year.

Or you already have a big boy’s welder and need something to carry along with you to those little jobs.

Then you don’t necessarily want or need a flux core welder that costs 500 dollars. This Ironton 125 flux core wire welder would have you covered. And for the price there is a lot for you to like.

YouTube Video On The Ironton Flux Core 125

Here is a 1 minute 28 seconds video for you. It’s a quick overview of the Ironton Flux Core 125 welder covering all the main points.

Ironton Flux Core 125, 115V Flux Cored Welder

​Video Credit: Northern Tool

What Are The Ironton Flux Core 125 Features?

Your Ironton 125 is a 115 volt flux core welder. It needs a standard 3 pin, 110 to 120 volt household outlet. Fused to 20 Amp for you to flux core weld.

Unlike the MIG 130s. Whose welding guns become electrically ‘hot’ as soon as you turn on the main power switch. Your Ironton plays nice. And the power only goes to the welding gun when you press the welding trigger.

​So no accidental arc flashes to your eyes just because the welding gun is near a metal surface.

Duty Cycle Of The Ironton Flux Core 125

The duty cycle for your Ironton 125 is 20% at 80 Amps. You’ll find that’s pretty decent compared to the other flux core welders in this list.

Welding Output Range Of The Ironton 125

Your Ironton Flux Core 125 has a welding output range of 60 to 80 Amp.

Your peak welding output is the same as the Forney 29901 at 125 Amp.

And like the Forney 29901 you control your output using a single rocker switch.  The two output voltage settings you have are 1 and 2.

You can set your wire feed speed with a dial that runs from 1 to 10. And it’s infinitely controlled.

Types And Sizes Of Metals Welded By Your Ironton 125

Your Ironton 125 will flux core weld mild steel. And you can weld metal thicknesses from 18 gauge to 3/16ths of an inch.

You’ll be able to weld 1/4 inch mild steel as long as you prepare your steel. You’ll need to bevel your joint. And have the skill to do multi pass flux core welding.  And use multi-pass flux core wire.

Best Flux Core Welder Gauge Of Metals Welded Compared

Flux Core Welder	Metals Welded
Super Deal MIG 130	18 Gauge to 3/16ths
Forney Easy Weld 29901	24 Gauge to 3/16ths​
Ironton 125	18 Gauge to 3/16ths
MIG 130s	18 Gauge to 3/16ths
Forney 140 FC-i	24 Gauge to 3/16ths

When you look at all the flux core welders side by side. The Forney 29901 and the Forney 140 FC-i are able to weld thinner gauges of metal than the Ironton 125.

(when looking at metal gauges the high number means thinner metal).

​Wire Spool Sizes And Wire Diameter Sizes On The Ironton 125​

Your Ironton 125 will feed 0.030 and 0.035 flux core wire. It works best with 0.030 flux core.

You can put in 4 inch or 8 inch spools. In pounds this means 2 lb. or 10 lb. spools of flux core wire. You’ve an included spool adaptor to allow you to put in the larger spools of welding wire.

Size And Weight Of The Ironton Flux Core 125

Your Ironton 125 comes in around the middle of the pack of flux core welders reviewed here. At 17.7 x 9.3 x 14.4 inches and 38 lbs. it’s relatively portable in size and weight.

Round Up Of Other Notable Features Of The Ironton 125

You’ve a 6 foot power cord. A 6 foot lead to the ground clamp and 6 foot hose to the flux core gun.

A little short, but the same as the Forney Easy Weld 29901 125FC.

You get 1 year limited warranty.

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Quick Review Of The MIG 130

The MIG 130s are your cheap entry level flux core welder

They’re under one heading on this best flux core welder under 200 dollars list. Because they’re basically the same flux core welder.

You’ll see that they look the same. Some have different paint colors.

You’ll see their fronts are the same, with the same controls and inside they are the same.

You’ll find they’re sold by different companies with their own brand names.

​And you’ll find them called Zeny, Arksen, SunCoo, Goplus, FDS, and under other brand names.

Reasons To Buy A MIG 130

Reasons To Pass The MIG 130 By​

Summary Of The MIG 130

Yes, they have MIG in their name. But it doesn’t matter if is the Zeny MIG 130, the Goplus MIG 130, or Arksen MIG 130 or even SunCoo MIG 130 you’ve bought. You’ll find it’s a flux core only welder.

When you accept that these flux core welders are made to hit a price point. And some of brands names will come and go.

Choose the  company that you feel will offer you fast delivery. And the backup support you want.

​Then you’ll have yourself a flux core welder that is the best value for the money.

YouTube Video Showing You An Unboxing Of A MIG 130​

You’ll like this 12 minute 9 second video. It’s fun yet useful. Watch the first five or so minutes or all if you like.

It shows you the unboxing of a MIG 130. And how to feed your flux core welding wire. Something the manual doesn’t show.

Along with some first welds.

My New MIG 130 Welder

​Video Credit: Pickles Builds

What Are The MIG 130 Features?

You’ll find that these MIG 130 flux core welders are a reasonable entry point. And for those on a low budget to get into flux core welding.

​They’re flux core only and only use gasless self shielding flux core welding wire.

Duty Cycle Of The MIG 130

You’ll have a duty cycle of 10% at 105 Amp. And 35% at 60 Amp.

This means that you have in ten minutes. One minute of flux core welding time. And this is when your MIG 130 is at its 105 Amp setting. After that you’ll need to rest your MIG 130 or it overheats.

This is a shorter time flux core welding than the other welders on this list. But it’s at a higher amp setting than the other flux core welders. And that makes up for the shorter welding time.

At your 60 Amp setting you’ll have 3 and a half minutes flux core welding time.

Welding Output Range  Of Your MIG 130

The welding current ranges from 50 to 120 Amp over 4 heat settings.

You get your 4 outputs through two rocker switches. And their different positions give you your four welding output levels.

You’ll find this is a real plus for the MIG 130’s.

You get more flexibility than the Forney Easy Weld 29901 or the Ironton 125. With their single switch and two output settings.

​The MIG 130s have infinitely variable wire feed speed control.

Types And Sizes Of Metals Your MIG 130 Will Weld​

You can flux core weld 18 gauge mild steel through to 3/16th of an inch.

And if you’ve the skill you can flux core weld 1/4″ mild steel.

You’ll find some claims on some of the MIG 130 welders that they’ll weld with Stainless steel wire.

​These MIG 130s can’t use gas so cannot use solid stainless steel MIG wire. And don’t have the power to use stainless steel flux core welding wire.

​Wire Spool Sizes And Wire Diameter Sizes On The MIG 130​

You’ll find some of the MIG 130 marketing say you can use 0.023” to 0.035” diameter wires.

Flux core welding wire doesn’t come in a 0.023″ size. And you can’t use solid MIG welding wire which does come in this size.

In reality you’ll be using 0.030” or 0.035” flux cored wire.

You can’t fit the larger 10 lb. (8 inch) spools inside your MIG 130.

They use the 1 lb. or 2 lb. spools of flux core wire.

Size And Weight Of The MIG 130

You’ll find they’re reasonably compact. There is a small difference in size and weight between the versions of the MIG 130’s.

Goplus, FDS, Suncoo at 14 x 8 x 12 inches. And you’ll find they weigh in at around 34 lbs.

​Zeny and Arksen are 20 by 16 by 12.5 inches in size and weigh 38 lbs.

Round Up Of Other Notable Features Of The MIG 130

You’ve a 6 foot hose to the flux core gun and a 6 foot cord to the ground clamp.

A 7 foot power cord means you have a little more welding area to work in. When you compare to the Forney Easy Weld 125FC or the Ironton 125.

The warranty on these MIG 130’s is a grey area and isn’t clear.

​You shouldn’t  expect much.

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Quick Review Of The Forney Easy Weld 261 140 FC-i

Reasons To Buy The Forney Easy Weld 261 140 FC-i

Reasons To Pass The Forney 261 140 FC-i By​

Summary Of The Forney Easy Weld 161 140 FC

You might think I’ve cheated a little here. Putting a flux core welder on the list that’s a few dollars outside the $200 limit. But you’ll find it’s such a great compact flux core welder.

Plus it’s the replacement flux core welder to the Forney 29901. The flux core welder that was the top pick for this list until it was discontinued.

When your budget can stretch just that little bit more. Then you’ll find the Forney 261 140 FC-i the pick of the bunch.

Lightweight and flexible, for the money it is a great little flux core welder.

​YouTube Video On The Forney 261 140 FC-i

This short 1 minute 25 second video walks you through unboxing your Forney Easy Weld 261 140 FC-i. And covers the main points of this great flux core welder.

Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i Unboxing

​Video Credit Forney Industries

What Are The Forney Easy Weld 261 140 FC-i Features?​

You’ll be buying yourself a 120 volt flux core welder that runs on a 20 Amp fused circuit.

When you want to drive this flux core welder to its max. Then you’ll need to plug it into a 30 Amp fused circuit.

Duty Cycle  Of The Forney 261 140 FC-i

You’ve a duty cycle of 30% at its 90 Amp setting.

Fantastic!

That means you’ll have a full three minutes welding time at its 90 Amp setting. Definitely the strongest flux core welder on this list.

Welding Output Range Of The Forney 261 140 FC-i

You’ve a welding output range of 32 Amp to 140 Amp on your Forney 140 FC-i flux core welder.

The widest welding output range of all the flux core welders on this list.

You’ll find its voltage output dial runs from 1 through to 10.

One of the best features of the Forney 140 FC-i is that you’ve an infinitely variable welding output dial.

This gives you such great flexibility.

On this flux core welder you’re not restricted to two or four output settings. Like the other flux core welders here.

You can set the output to just where you want it.

Your wire feed speed is also infinitely variable. And that dial runs from 1 to 10.

Types And Sizes Of Metals Welded By Your Forney 261 140 FC-i

You can weld mild steel from 24 gauge right up to 3/16ths of an inch.

You can flux core weld 1/4 inch mild steel using multiple passes. And with multi-pass capable flux core welding wire.

Wire Spool Sizes And Wire Diameter Sizes On The Forney 140 FC-i

Your Forney 140 FC-i will hold 4 inch or 8 inch diameter flux core wire.

A 4 inch spool is the same as 2 lb. spool. And an 8 inch spool is the same as a 10 lb. spools.

Your Forney Easy Weld 261 will weld with 0.030 flux core wire only.

Which let’s face it, is the welding wire diameter size that’s best suited to all the flux core welders listed here.

​0.035 flux core wire takes more power from a welder to melt. And you need that power for the wire to weld well.

​You’lI find a document here that goes over ​why. And compares 030 versus 035 flux core wire. ​

Size And Weight Of The Forney 261 140 FC-i

You’ll find it’s excellent when compared to the other flux core welders that made this list. Due to its inverter design you get more output for the size of this flux core welder.

You’ll find your Forney 261 140 FC-i is a trim 16.7 x 8.13 x 12 inches. And only 19 lbs. in weight.

Best Flux Core Welder Size And Weight Compared

Flux Core Welder	Size & Weight
Super Deal MIG 130	20 x 15 x 12.5 inches and 38 lbs.
Forney Easy Weld 29901	24.6 x 12.6 x 18.5 inches and 42.6 lbs.
Ironton 125	​17.7 x 9.3 x 14.4 inches and 38 lbs.
MIG 130s	up to 20 by 16 by 12.5 and 38 lbs.
Forney 140 FC-i	16.7 x 8.13 x 12 inches and 19 lbs.

The Forney 140 FC-i is the winner on this measure. You’ll see it’s the smallest and incredibly light. The next up is the Ironton 125 and then the MIG 130s.

Round Up Of Other Notable Features Of The Forney 261 140 FC-i

You’ve an 8 foot hose to the flux core welding gun.

And an 8 foot cord to the ground clamp.

You get in the box 1 spare 0.030 inch contact tip.

The Forney 261 140 FC-i uses Tweco style contact tips. This mean you can choose a non Forney branded replacement. As several manufacturers make Tweco style contact tips.

You’ll get 1 year limited warranty. The longest warranty of the flux core welders on this list. That alone is worth the little extra.

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​Last Words On The Best Flux Core Welder’s Under 200 Dollars

How did you enjoy this article?

You’ll find the flux core welder winner, the Super Deal MIG 130 is a good competitive price.  And the runner ups flux core welder were winners in their own ways.

They didn’t get the winners spot because it’s amazing what you can with the Super Deal MIG 130. And for less than your $200 budget.

But if you do have a few dollars over your $200 budget. Then you should take a serious look at the Forney 261 140 FC-i. It’s such a great flux core welder.