The Chicago Flux 125 Welding Machine is a compact, user-friendly unit perfect for beginners. It offers smooth, consistent welding with its wire-feed speed control, and thermal overload protection ensures safety. However, it might not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
- No Gas Flux Core Welding
- Variable Speed Wire Control
- Weld mild steel from 18 gauge up to 3/16 in
- Output up to 125 amps
Table of Contents
Summary
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.5 x 14
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Max Output: 125 amps
- Output Range: 30-125
- Polarity: DC
- Duty Cycle: 20% @ 80A
I rate this as low powered welder. This is an extremely cheap welding machine. It can weld up to 3/16 inch steel. This welding machine is impressively lightweight at just 38lb. It adds to the portability and ease of use.
You can download the manual here.
Pro Tip: For effective Flux-Core welding with the Chicago Flux 125, always ensure your wire feed speed and voltage settings match the thickness and type of your material. Also, maintain a proper stick-out length - typically, 3/4 inch from your contact tip to the work. This will ensure a stable arc and efficient melting of the flux.
What is Included?
- Flux core gun with 6 ft. cable
- Ground clamp with 6 ft. cable
- Spare contact tips
Pros
- High Versatility for an Entry Level Machine
- Built with Beginners in Mind
- Portable – Easy to Move and Store
Cons
- Not Suitable for Professional Welders
- Not Suitable for Large Jobs
Features
1. Advanced Inverter Technology
The Chicago Flux 125 welding machine comes with Advanced Inverter Technology, a feature designed to improve the performance and efficiency of the machine. This technology helps reduce the machine’s size and weight, making it more portable and easier to handle.
It also ensures a steady, low-spatter arc that improves weld quality, and optimizes power usage to lower energy cost. This feature makes this welding machine a reliable, cost-effective tool suitable for professional welding and DIY projects.
2. User Friendly Design
The Chicago Flux 125 welding machine boasts a user-friendly design ideal for beginners and professionals alike. It features easy-to-understand controls and a compact, lightweight build for effortless maneuverability.
The machine is also equipped with thermal overload protection, ensuring safe operation. Its wire feed speed is adjustable, allowing for smooth and precise welding. This straightforward and intuitive design makes it easier for users to operate the machine and achieve their desired results.
3. Portable and Durable
The Chicago Flux 125 welding machine boasts of its portable and durable features. Weighing just under 38 pounds, it is compact and lightweight compared to other models, making it easy to maneuver and transport.
The robust metal case enhances the machine’s durability, promising longevity even under tough working conditions. The machine’s portability does not compromise its power, providing a reliable tool for welding projects. Its durability ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use.
Field Testing
I can attest to its impressive performance after field testing the Chicago Flux 125 Welding Machine. Right out of the box, it was easy to setup, with clear instructions. The machine is compact and lightweight, making it extremely portable, which is a big plus for those constantly moving around on site.
The control settings were simple to adjust. It has a 90-Amp output, powerful enough for most light to medium duty welding jobs. I ran it for several hours, and it performed consistently without overheating. The machine easily handled flux core wire, providing clean and strong welds.
The ground clamp and gun are sturdy, but the provided welding mask could be better quality. One thing to note is the machine doesn’t have gas setup, which might deter some professional welders.
Overall, the Chicago Flux 125 Welding Machine is a good value for its price and performance. It’s a great tool for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, but professionals might need a machine with more advanced features.
Results
This machine is suited for light to medium welding tasks in general repair and fabrication applications.
This Chicago Welder only has a 90 day defect warranty, so it isn’t protected from any faults or issues that appear as you use it. Keep this in mind when making your buying decision.
Conclusion
My experience with the Chicago Flux 125 Welding Machine has been relatively positive. Its performance scored 6 out of 10, which suggests it’s dependable but has room for improvement. Durability and value for money both scored 70%, indicating a good level of toughness and reasonable pricing.
With an overall score of roughly 67%, I would say this machine offers a solid performance for its cost. It’s not perfect, but it holds up well and is worth considering for those needing a reliable welding machine without breaking the bank.
