

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 simply 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

The low price of this welder is tempting. Overview of the Chicago Electric Flux 125 In this article, you’ll learn about the areas we find troubling, some of its pros, and an alternative we recommend for much better value. It weighs 38 lbs, and it’s just a 125A flux-core welder, making it one of the heaviest “portable” welders with low amperage output. This welder and its specs belong in the era before the first-ever inverter welders hit the commercial marketplace. But it’s outdated compared to newer budget entry-level welders. The inexpensive Chicago Electric Flux 125 welder offers a standard welding experience for beginners.
