Transformer or inverter flux core

[MoArk Willy]

I suppose this thread will get some fiery responses.
I purchased an inverter arc welder a few years ago. It is a 120 / 240 model and I am very happy with it.
I am looking to purchase next a wire feed welder. I am choosing flux rather than gas only because my use is limited as a hobby user and "fix things that break" user.
I welded with an old transformer arc welder many years ago and never really got that good at it. When I bought my inverter arc either I magically got better or the DC arc is easier to work.
I expect it is the latter. Fast forward 30 years.
At my last job I had the opportunity to use a Miller 252) mig welder. Very easy to use.
My question is two fold.
Is there an appreciable difference between the quality of the transformer vs the inverter flux core welder?
Is the inverter flux core similar in the sense of being easier to use and weld with than the transformer type?
I don't expect to spend more than $250 no matter which way I go. And I do not want a gas MIG.
The Everlast welders seem to be a good option, but Forney, Century-Lincoln and even Harbor Freight have machines that fit into my categories.
I would appreciate opinions from those who have owned either or both.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I've used my Titanium MIG 170 on both 110 and 220V using flux core and have been impressed with it, I even did some welding with my Champion 3500/4000W generator with it on 110V... I haven't put anything but the small wire (.030? don't remember, my 90A Chicago Electric transformer welder won't work with the smaller wire).

I've been trying to use that welder on anything iffy and it's proven itself, gone through almost a full spool of wire (small size) without a hickup, taken it camping a couple times and it was used twice that trip once on an Onan generator on a 5th wheel and another with the bigger Harbor Freight inverter generator both on 110V doing very structural welding on off road vehicles. I've been using that welder mainly because I got in on a sidewalk deal for a fraction of retail...

 

[yomax4]

Difficult to compare quality on $250.00 welders. There is likely a good reason for that price point.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Any MIG welder can be used as a flux core welder with the right drive rolls. Don't stop at Flux-core only. It's a waste in a small welder, unless you have nothing better to do with your time but clean up your welds. lol.

 

[MoArk Willy]

Well Mark I have considered that but I just can't see myself needing a MIG often enough to justify the additional cost.
Unless of course you are suggesting I buy an "EASTWOOD" welder.
And I am 100% sure you aren't.
I have done my research and your machines are, IMHO, with the Millers, Hobarts and Lincolns as far as quality.
But I am on a budget, have minimal usage requirements and again can't justify the additional $$$.

 

[JimRB]

I have a Handler 135 which runs on a 120v/20 amp breaker and 12 gauge wire. I wish I had a bigger mig. I have run flux core, wire with co2, and even some stainless with the wrong gas. It is a transformer machine as far as I know. It works fine. I do have an Everlast 200dv ac/dc tig/stick welder. It works fine for me. Running stick on it is fun. I am a hobby welder. First choice for knocking stuff out with the Handler is gas weld with wire, not flux core. The Hobart is easy to weld with.

What machines are available for $250?

 

[DerekF]

I’m not going to say I am an expert but I do really think I am a good person to answer this question.

I bought a Century FC-90 inverter welder about 2 years ago now. Used the crap out of it. Thought all I would ever do or even want to do was Flux Core. Then started getting antsy to try stick. I bought a cheap Amico Chinese 160 inverter stick welder off of Amazon. It’s not a bad little unit and I like it. I then found instances where I wish I could weld thinner material and not spend so much dang time cleaning my welds. I started looking into MIG welders and long story short I settled on the Forney Multi Process 110v welder it’s the Forney MP 140.

With that being said, here is what I can say about inverter vs. transformer.

The inverters make a little bit nicer looking welds especially because they don’t quite have as much spatter. You can actually dial in the settings just right and get almost no spatter. That one is a good enough reason for me to avoid transformers. Also, most transformers I see don’t have much in the way of voltage selection. They have four taps or four selections on a switch and then a fully adjustable wire feed speed control. Not very good for precise welding (not that people use flux core for precise welding but who cares...)

Here my suggestions.

For $400 you can get a Forney that does MIG, Flux Core, Stick, and TIG. If you ever want to branch out of Flux Core you have the option and it is a Inverter machine which I think is almost always better. The other MIG welders in this price range are just MIG and flux core welders and any less than this price range are just not very good from my research. They all have more limitations.
The Campbell Hausefeld MIG welder would be an example having only four voltage level selections.

If you don’t go with that and really just want Flux Core then I would go with the Titanium Flux Core. It has higher output, it’s cheaper with a coupon and comes with some things that the Century Doesn’t. I would just about crown those two machines the kings of Flux Core units when you consider price and purpose.

Also, don’t let anyone talk you out of Flux Core, the process is a little nasty but it’s fine. It’s easy. And it just works.

 

[dragoneggs]

Someone needs to explain why an inverter is better than a transformer, all things considered.

 

[yomax4]

Someone needs to explain why an inverter is better than a transformer, all things considered.

Most inverters use IGBT switches to shape the wave. This results in a smoother more consistant arc with Mig and Tig. That's it in a nut shell. Transformer will likely last longer however.

 

[radios1]

Someone needs to explain why an inverter is better than a transformer, all things considered.

inverters are MUCH lighter, operate at 60,000 hertz or higher, and the voltage is regulated, unlike a transformer which droops in voltage under a load. also, it is possible to get 100% duty cycle with an expensive inverter, a transformer welder could do that, but it would be huge, very expensive, and very heavy..