Quality DC Flux Core Welder $500 or Less

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Someone please recommend a flux core welder that is ac/dc that won't splatter all over the place. I'm looking for a gas less option that is wire feed. Thanks
Reply:115v machine ?Last edited by puty72; 07-15-2014 at 09:24 PM.
Reply:Yeah 115v.
Reply:Mig welders(gmaw) or flux core(fcaw) welders are DC.  I don't know why you'd need AC/DC.If you need a 115v flux core welder I would suggest a lincoln 140 or hobart 140.  You can always upgrade to mig if you add gas.  Fcaw will have spatter, more so than mig.  Good wire, proper technique and proper settings will help but you'll have spatter.Last edited by Going nowhere; 07-15-2014 at 09:56 PM.
Reply:Hobart handler 140 is around 500 new give or take a few dollars depending where you by it from  and can also be used with solid wire and gas if u choose so.  Hobart also makes a 125 which is flux core only and cheaper but i have no expierence with that machine.    The cheap harbor freights flux core machines are ac polarity which they spatter like hell so I'd steer clear of them
Reply:I have used a harbor freight flux welder that a freind had bought.  It was pretty bad.  The wire stays energized, only thing the trigger does is feed the wire.  You would be better off with a lincoln or hobart.
Reply:Some of the dirt cheap wire feed machines are AC and appear to be CC. They call them spatter boxes.Also if you know you want a dedicated flux core machine I recommend adding a larger capacitor to it. Makes .035inch Lincoln NR-211 wire burn so smooth. Go over it with a wire wheel and it almost looks like a CO2 and solid wire weld.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by puty72Hobart handler 140 is around 500 new give or take a few dollars depending where you by it from  and can also be used with solid wire and gas if u choose so.  Hobart also makes a 125 which is flux core only and cheaper but i have no expierence with that machine.    The cheap harbor freights flux core machines are ac polarity which they spatter like hell so I'd steer clear of them
Reply:Thanks guys! I have pretty much moved on to looking at a lift stop TIG or a MIG with a bottle. I think my flirtation with flux core was an arghghgh fk it too many options type of exploration. Check out my new thread.
Reply:Nothing wrong with flux core if you use it correctly.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:If you are looking for a basic tig set up. I have heard quite a bit about everlast machines, they can be picked up around the $500-$600 range and some come with a few bells and whistles like hi freq start and pulse. I have no personal experience with them but have heard quite a few people talk about them, just food for thought!It also really matters what the machine will most commonly be used for, in my opinion the all around go to welder at my shop would have to be gas mig, they are easy to learn and convenient for most of your general work! I still love to tig whenever I can, but it involves more cleaning, setup, and takes longer in general (that kinda offsets the fun factor when your in a hurry)Hope this helps, good luck!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!