![]() ![]() Many cheap machines have a similar issue, but this is something to consider. ![]() The Flux 125 has integrated leads, making them formidable to change if damaged or if you become unsatisfied with the short 6 feet MIG gun and ground cables. With inverter technology advances, and manufacturers competing to make the lightest possible welders, there isn’t a reason to go in the opposite direction. YesWelder’s model that we review later in the article, and other brands, offer significantly lighter units at the same or lower prices. While you can use this welder on the go, it wouldn’t be our first choice. But it is a 125A flux-cored welder, period. If it were a multi-process machine with a high-duty cycle, just under 40 lbs. But 38 lbs is too heavy for a small amperage output welder. Sure, you can lift it and move it around. While the Harbour Freight labels it as “lightweight and portable,” that’s only true if measured by 2010 standards. It’s heavy because of the transformer core located inside the unit. If you don’t know the precise amperage your settings provide, you’ll always have to stick to the recommended settings chart, which doesn’t help you develop your welding skills. The min or max amps are poor for beginners developing their welding techniques. Instead, this welder uses a “min/max” button in tandem with an infinitely adjustable wire feed knob to control your welds. A primary digital readout helps beginners learn how amperage output impacts the penetration, bead, and arc on different metal thicknesses. But since many brands provide it, you can get it if you look around. Having a digital display is not a must-have for inexpensive welders. Plus, it uses a “min/max” power switch for your amp output, which unnecessarily complicates the experience. Without a digital display, the wire feed speed is determined with arbitrary numbers around the knob. While this welder is not hard to operate, it misses a few things. However, since many competing models let you weld longer, purchasing something that will handicap you doesn’t make sense. So, for DIY enthusiasts, this is not a dealbreaker. But then you will bump up against the duty cycle. If you are welding a gate, patio, or garden elements like benches, flower, and veggie frames, you must make many longer welds. While this satisfies the needs of many hobbyists, you cannot complete every DIY project with short welds. The welding time is even lower if you use the maximum amperage output of 125A. The Flux 125 offers a duty cycle that lets you weld for 2 minutes using a 90A output, then wait an additional 8 minutes for the welder to cool down. So, let’s review where it falls behind the competition to help you decide if this welder is for you. But you should also know many competing models don’t have most of these negatives. ![]() You should know how these shortcomings affect your work. The Chicago Electric Flux 125 has multiple flaws that hinder your welding experience. What To Know Before Buying The Chicago Electric Flux 125 Unspecified wire feeding speed range in inches per minute.Weldable Mild Steel Thickness (Single-pass) (Flux-cored welding accommodates rust and other contaminants, reducing the need to grind.) Tech Specs Welder Type Without copper contacts, you must grind the metal well for the best electrical connection.īut cleaning the base metal thoroughly negates one of the advantages of FCAW. The worst thing about the cheap clamp is that you can’t replace it quickly since it doesn’t use the standard bolt and nut wire connection.Īlso, the ground clamp lacks copper contact points, so it doesn’t provide maximum conductivity. The provided ground clamp is pathetic, while the MIG gun is in line with the price. You can’t replace them readily as it requires opening up the machine and wiring skills. I also don’t appreciate the built-in nature of the leads. ![]() However, the 6-foot leads are below-average length. So, the limited package contents are no surprise here. It’s normal for bargain welders to include no or few extras. ![]()
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