Ever dreamed of welding like a pro, but felt overwhelmed by all the different welder choices? You’re not alone! Many DIYers and small shop owners face this exact problem when looking for a flux core welder that can also use gas.
Choosing the right flux core welder with a gas option can feel like navigating a maze. You want the convenience and portability of flux core for windy days or quick fixes, but you also crave the cleaner welds and better penetration that shielding gas provides for more serious projects. The confusion about which models offer both, and how to use them effectively, can stop you in your tracks.
But what if you could finally understand the difference between flux core only and dual-shield welding? By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a flux core welder with a gas option, understand its benefits, and feel confident picking the perfect machine for your needs. Get ready to boost your welding skills!
Our Top 5 Flux Core Welder With Gas Option Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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YESWELDER Gas Gasless 160A Multiprocess MIG Welder | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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ARCCAPTAIN 160A MIG Welder 110V 220V 4 in 1 Welding Machine Gas MIG | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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ARCCAPTAIN 130A MIG Welder | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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YESWELDER 165A MIG Welder | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Flux Core Welder With Gas Option Detailed Reviews
1. YESWELDER Gas Gasless 160A Multiprocess MIG Welder
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the YESWELDER YWM-160, your new go-to welding machine! This 4-in-1 wonder can handle Flux Core MIG, Gas MIG, Stick, and even Lift TIG welding. It’s built tough for all sorts of jobs, from fixing cars to building things in your garage. Plus, it works with both 110V and 220V power, making it super flexible.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 welder, so you can do many different types of welding.
- The 160A output is strong and reliable for most projects.
- It has smart Synergic control that helps beginners set things up quickly.
- You can also manually control settings for more advanced users.
- The bright LED display makes it easy to see what you’re doing.
- It’s lightweight (only 19.4lb) and easy to carry around.
- It has built-in safety features to protect you and the machine.
- It works with different wire sizes and welding rods.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy a separate torch for Lift TIG welding.
This welder is a fantastic tool for anyone who needs a versatile and user-friendly machine. Its combination of features and portability makes it a great value.
2. YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO, a versatile and affordable 3-in-1 welding machine designed to handle a variety of projects. This 110V welder offers Flux Core MIG, Stick, and Lift TIG capabilities, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced welders. Its user-friendly design and impressive features make welding easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 welder, so you can do MIG, Stick, and even Lift TIG welding (with an extra torch).
- It can weld mild steel up to 2/5” thick, which is great for many jobs.
- The synergic control makes setting the wire speed and voltage simple, even for beginners.
- The large LED digital display shows you exactly what’s happening during welding.
- It’s very light at only 11.4 lbs, making it easy to carry around.
- It comes with extra flux core wire so you can start welding right away without needing gas.
- Safety features like overload and overheat protection keep you and the machine safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Lift TIG welding requires buying an additional torch.
- The maximum thickness for welding is 2/5”, so it might not be enough for very thick materials.
The YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a multi-process welder that is easy to use and doesn’t break the bank. It’s a solid choice for home use and light fabrication.
3. ARCCAPTAIN 160A MIG Welder 110V 220V 4 in 1 Welding Machine Gas MIG
Rating: 9.2/10
The ARCCAPTAIN 160A MIG Welder is a versatile 4-in-1 machine designed for both beginners and experienced DIYers. It handles various welding tasks like Gas MIG, Gasless MIG, Lift TIG, and MMA Stick welding. This welder is ideal for home projects, outdoor repairs, and fixing farm equipment. It’s portable and built with safety features to ensure a long lifespan.
What We Like:
- It offers four welding modes: Gas MIG, Gasless MIG, Lift TIG, and MMA Stick welding, so you can tackle many different jobs.
- The synergetic control automatically matches the best settings for your wire diameter, making it super easy for beginners.
- It’s very portable, weighing only 11.8 pounds, with a handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying.
- Built-in safety features like over-current and overheating protection keep the machine safe and help it last longer.
- The welder is built with high-quality materials and has passed tough tests, so you can trust its performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy a separate Lift TIG torch if you want to use that welding function.
- A small note about waiting for the fan to stop before powering on again is included, which is a good reminder for users.
This ARCCAPTAIN welder is a solid choice for anyone looking for a user-friendly and capable welding machine for a variety of projects. Its portability and smart features make it a great addition to any workshop.
4. ARCCAPTAIN 130A MIG Welder
Rating: 9.4/10
The ARCCAPTAIN 130A MIG Welder is a versatile 3-in-1 welding machine that’s great for home projects and repairs. It can do Flux Core MIG, Lift TIG, and Stick welding, making it useful for many jobs. Its portable design means you can take it anywhere.
What We Like:
- The SYNERGIC CONTROL makes welding easy for beginners. It automatically sets the right current and wire speed for different wire sizes (.030″, .035″, .040″).
- It’s a 3-IN-1 WELDER, offering Flux Core Gasless MIG, Lift TIG (torch sold separately), and MMA (Stick) modes. This covers many welding needs.
- The machine has built-in SAFETY PROTECTION like over-current, over-load, and overheating features to keep it working longer.
- It’s PORTABLE AND COMPACT, weighing only 11.79 pounds. It comes with a handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying.
- The package includes everything you need to start Flux Core MIG welding right away, including a MIG gun, ground clamp, and 2lb of flux-cored wire.
- ARCCAPTAIN welders are tested in tough conditions to ensure HIGH QUALITY and reliability.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy a separate Lift TIG torch to use that welding mode.
- While it’s great for home DIY and small repairs, it might not be powerful enough for very heavy-duty professional work.
This welder is a solid choice for anyone needing a user-friendly and portable welding solution for their home or shop. It offers good value with its multiple welding capabilities and helpful features.
5. YESWELDER 165A MIG Welder
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the YESWELDER MIG-165DS PRO, a 4-in-1 welding machine that can handle a lot! This welder is a real workhorse, letting you switch between different welding styles like Flux Core MIG, Gas MIG, Stick, and even Lift TIG (with an extra torch). It’s great for all sorts of jobs, whether you’re a beginner or have been welding for years. The digital display makes it easy to see what you’re doing, and it even helps you out by suggesting settings when you’re using Synergic MIG. Plus, it’s super light and portable, so you can take it anywhere.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 machine, so you can do many kinds of welding.
- The Synergic MIG feature makes it easy for beginners to get started.
- It has a clear digital display that helps you control your settings.
- The MIG torch detaches easily for simple setup and cleaning.
- It’s very light and portable, weighing only 18lbs.
- It has safety features like voltage compensation and protection against overheating.
- You can adjust settings for Stick welding like Hot Start and Arc Force.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy a separate torch for Lift TIG welding.
- The manual MIG mode might take some practice for complete beginners.
This welder is a versatile and user-friendly option for many welding projects. It offers a great balance of features and portability.
Choosing Your Next Welder: Flux Core with Gas Option Explained
So, you’re looking for a welder that can handle different jobs and materials? A flux core welder with a gas option gives you that flexibility. It’s like having two welders in one! This guide will help you pick the right one.
Why Choose Flux Core with Gas?
Flux core welding uses a special wire. This wire has a powdered flux inside. This flux creates a protective gas shield as you weld. This is great for outdoor welding because it helps block wind.
The “gas option” means you can also connect a separate gas cylinder. This gives you even better protection. It also makes for a cleaner weld. You get a smoother bead and less spatter.
Key Features to Look For
Amperage Range
The amperage tells you how much power the welder has. A higher amperage means you can weld thicker metal. For home projects, 100-150 amps is usually enough. For heavier work, look for 175 amps or more.
Duty Cycle
This tells you how long the welder can run before it needs to cool down. It’s shown as a percentage. For example, a 30% duty cycle at 100 amps means you can weld for 3 minutes out of every 10. More is better if you plan to weld for long periods.
Wire Feed Speed Control
This lets you adjust how fast the wire comes out. Getting this right helps you make a nice, even weld. Look for a welder with adjustable wire feed speed.
Voltage Settings
Some welders let you adjust the voltage. This also helps control the heat of your weld. More settings mean more control over different metal thicknesses.
Portability
Think about where you’ll use your welder. Some are small and light enough to carry easily. Others are heavier and best left in a workshop.
Included Accessories
Check what comes with the welder. Does it include a welding gun, ground clamp, and maybe some starter wire? Having these included saves you extra trips to the store.
Important Materials for Your Welder
Metal Thickness
Flux core welding is great for different metal thicknesses. Without gas, it’s best for thinner metals. With gas, you can weld thicker steel. Know what kind of metal you’ll be welding most often.
Type of Wire
You’ll use different wires for flux core and gas-shielded welding. Flux core wire is self-shielding. Gas-shielded wire needs a separate gas. The welder will be set up for both.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making good, reliable welders. Reading reviews from other users can help you find a trusted brand.
Build Quality
A sturdy metal casing and good quality internal parts mean the welder will last longer. Look for a welder that feels solid and well-made.
Ease of Use
Some welders are simpler to set up and use than others. If you’re new to welding, a user-friendly model is a good choice.
Customer Support
If something goes wrong, good customer support is important. Check if the manufacturer offers a good warranty and helpful service.
User Experience and Use Cases
Home Projects and Repairs
These welders are perfect for fixing fences, building shelves, or working on car parts. You can tackle many common household tasks.
DIY and Hobbyists
If you love building things or have a passion for metalworking, a flux core welder with gas option is a great addition to your toolkit. You can create custom projects and express your creativity.
Light Fabrication
For small businesses or makerspaces, these welders can handle light fabrication jobs. You can build small structures, custom furniture, or artistic metal pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between flux core and MIG welding?
A: Flux core uses a wire with flux inside for shielding. MIG welding uses a separate gas to shield the weld. A welder with a gas option can do both!
Q: Can I weld aluminum with this type of welder?
A: Generally, flux core welders are best for steel. Some advanced MIG setups can weld aluminum, but it usually requires specific wire and gas.
Q: Do I need a special helmet?
A: Yes, you always need a welding helmet with a dark lens to protect your eyes from the bright light and UV rays.
Q: What kind of gas do I need for the gas option?
A: For steel, you typically use a mix of argon and carbon dioxide (often called C25). Your welder’s manual will recommend the best gas.
Q: How often do I need to change the gas cylinder?
A: It depends on how much you weld and the gas pressure. A small cylinder might last for a few hours of welding.
Q: Is flux core welding messy?
A: Flux core welding can create more spatter and slag than gas-shielded MIG welding. You’ll need to clean the weld bead afterward.
Q: Can I use this welder outdoors?
A: Flux core welding without gas is good for outdoors because the flux helps protect against wind. Using gas outdoors can be tricky because the wind can blow the shielding gas away.
Q: What is the smallest metal thickness I can weld?
A: You can usually weld very thin metal, like 20-gauge steel, with a flux core welder. Thicker metals require more amperage.
Q: How do I maintain my welder?
A: Keep the welding gun clean, check the wire feeder rollers, and store the welder in a dry place. Regular cleaning helps it run smoothly.
Q: What safety gear is essential?
A: Always wear a welding helmet, gloves, a welding jacket or leathers, and sturdy boots. Work in a well-ventilated area.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
