Titanium Flux 125 welder from Harbor Freight

This video I review Harbor Freight’s new compact flux welder, the Titanium flux 125.
This is the newest welder in the Titanium series of welders to be released to there line up, I own the Titanium unlimited 200 and I really like how well it works.
This Flux125 is a super compact 125 Amp welder that is about the size of a big lunch box and it only weighs 15 Lbs!
It’s a simple entry level welder good for repairs around the house and farm, it runs off a 120 volt plugin plus it’s a inverter welder that’s why it’s so light weight, I have found inverter welders to have better arc control and inverter welders tend to weld smother and draw less amps so they are more efficient with there amp draw, also the amp control is a dial rather then stepped switches like on a transformer welder so you can dial in the right amount of amps for the job.

[MsWillysg]

For any of u guys not satisfied with the welds with this little machine, i did some testing on steel between 14 gauge, and 3/8" thick.The factory setting guide on the inside of the lid seem very voltage rich to me.This causes pin hole porosity, and excess splatter.using the supplied .030 wire, I came up with these settings: 14 gauge (wire speed 5, voltage C) 1/8" (wire speed 6, voltage D) 3/16" (wire speed 8, voltage E ) 1/4" (wire speed 9 voltage E.5) and even on 3/8" (wire speed 10, voltage E.5).Caution, 3/8" is way above the recommended thickness.Try these settings, go slow, more like stick, less like mig, watch the puddle, have fun! this little bitch welds good!

[prime]

Ok, so. Ok. I am certified in GMAW and FCAW processes. I schooled with Miller products and work with Miller products. I had the HF Chicago Electric 90 amp machine and it ran... ok. It was impossible to weld anything over 1/8" due to tripping the breaker so I always just figured that it ran a little wonky due to electrical shortcomings. I bought this TI 125 machine today and honestly, thoroughly impressed with how it runs. I ran outside corner joints on thin gauge, ran great. Fillet weld on a 1/8" flat stock, ran great. Good fusion at the toes, good contour. Didn't cut and etch. Ran an 1/8" square groove with backing on 1/8" flat stock. Again, ran great. Good contour. Good fusion. Haven't cut and etched. Thanks for the review, I'm satisfied with my purchase.

[kraut]

I love mine too and I was a welder for 40 years. Retired in 2005.

[gmanchurch]

Mike, thanks so very much for not spending all that time on unpacking stuff! I think that most people people can figure out how to unbox things on their own.

[stufoo]

People are so quick to blame their tools and not examine their own skills. A cheaper welder in the hands of an experienced welder is better than an expensive welder in the hands of an amateur.

[BigSlick]

I had mine for a little over a year and it has been a solid welder. Gone through maybe 8 spools of wire in that time. I did replace the ground clamp with a better one and also replaced the electrical cable with a true 20 amp cord. 3/8 is no problem.

[gmanchurch]

Mike, thanks to your great review of this welder I have decided to purchase one of them when I can find a coupon. I attended a welding class at night at the local community college in West Memphis, Arkansas. I worked as an licensed aircraft mechanic for over thirty years and I was the only one who could weld on the airport. Most of the welding that I did was torch welding on chromolly tubing and brackets. The torch I used was made by Smith’s. It was the aircraft industry standard for welding. I also had a Lincoln mig welder that I used on the other types of metal.

[TAShannon]

I decided to buy this welder. I am a small contractor and i recently started to explore wrought iron fencing, it is a profitable niche! This is what i went with and had little previous welding experience. This turned out to be the best welder i could have bought. It is easy to use and no hassle. In the field on the jobsite that is GREAT not needing to dick with gas. I use a more comfortable strap but i do wield it on my shoulder while I go down the line. It is so damn small and light. It is so weird to be able to wear my welder, but it is really awesome. I love it. I've built about 1000' of wrought iron fencing with it and several small, repair jobs. Just hop in the Honda civic through the welder in the front seat and go fix a gate for $500 be back by lunch time i love the convenience of this thing. So far no problems

[rockandrollbuddha]

I was sent here from the harbor freight ad. I was just curious about welders after seeing the ad and thought I'd take a look at this video. And you know, even if I wasn't remotely interested in buying a welder, I think this is a great video. And in fact I'm ready to go buy a welder right now. I always thought about it and now seeing the price and seeing the the quality and seeing the work you did, I'm going to do it! One of the things I want to use it for is metal sculpture. Of which I have no clue about. But it's art! I can do whatever I want.

Also, I'm a tech, I was various disciplines, and there are so many times where I know I could have used a welder. Now that they've become so inexpensive and easier to operate it's time to get one. Even though I'm retired, I like to work on old junk like cars, vintage lawn tractors, bicycles, and more. I'd like to do some custom work, I've even got an idea about building a bobber motorcycle. Yeah so I guess you could say that little harbor freight ad really worked out for them and I think you did a great job on this vide. You're a natural at doing presentation work, you're enjoyable to watch and listen to, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your stuff. Later! John.

[bmocaby]

I just bought one of these about 2 weeks ago and so far am blown away. I welded exhaust on my truck from the cab back. Smooth steady beads. No issues. And also have welded some 1/4" and 3/8" steel on some tractor implements and actually got good penetration and have yet to have anything break. After welding with thousands of $'s worth of machines this little thing kicks ass for the price.

[DoctorMotorcycle]

Hey man, thanks for this video. I always assumed that harbor freight welders were junk and not worth the time (I thought they only sold the Pittsburg one). Saw this video and assumed just by the way the welder looked it was 500$+, only to google it and realize they're only 219.99. Just bought this welder today based off this review, and I had no Idea I could get into welding this cheap. Sure my first ever welds look like junk, but it's my fault not the machine's. After 20 minutes of practice, I welded a tail-light mount on to my current build, and it came out pretty damn good! Thanks again.

[wcjcnc]

I have a small engine repair shop. I have a great stick welder and a big TIG welder but I wanted something small I could easily and quickly do small welding jobs on zero turns and riding mowers. This welder is great for this. I replaced the crappy original wire with some Lincoln wire and replaced the ridiculous ground clamp with the heavy duty brass one. I use it for decks, frames, mufflers, and buildings things around the shop. Just recently used it to put hand rails on the front steps of my house. Great to have a tiny welder you can plug in anywhere.

[jameshuggins]

Nice to see someone who gives competent reviews on the cheaper machines. I personally believe in the buy once cry once philosophy. However I understand that some people can't afford or don't want to spend a lot of money on something that they aren't making a living with. One man's trash is another man's treasure. No need for hating on them.

[ellobo]

I’ve been stick and flux core welding for 40 years. Caught this on sale for $168 and couldn’t pass it up. Love the small form factor and light weight. Will be a perfect companion for my Predator 3500 generator to do small jobs in remote areas.

[bradmorris]

It was cool to see this video used in the latest Harbor Freight email ad.

[truthseeker]

Just picked up a Titanium Flux 125 from HF primarily because of your very good review of this basic and affordable flux welder. I haven't tried it out yet but I have little doubt it will perform as expected for what I need it for around the house and garage.
Thanks for putting out such great reviews.

[patloughner]

I have a Chicago Electric 125 amp welder, I used it to weld a hook to fork truck for dead pulling 3 ton racks. Granted I used 4 passes to make sure it has good penetration. I did this 5 yrs ago and its still holding good.

[campbellmarty]

Here’s is the truth!!! A welding machine is EXACTLY like a guitar!!!. A touch of a masters hand is the trick to them both!!! A well seasoned welder can make this welder work for about 90% of ANY job he needs around the house!!!. A well seasoned guitar player can take an $80 pawn shop guitar (as long as it’s tuned) and play it and change it’s worth in front of any crowd!!!!. I’ve seen BOTH proven MANY times!!!. I’m DEFINITELY gonna pick this up for the $200 price tag!! It’s convenience is definitely worth the 💰!! Great video!!!👍👍☝️

[randellgribben]

i have one now, for a year..i find it welds quite nicely.. always use clean steel, i like to soak any new steel in vinegar to remove the scale, , soak it for a short time, , a little steel wool, and nice clean metal.. i find the wire brushing or grinding new steel just pushes the scale deeper into the steel// vinegar just washes it off... clean metal and this welder word great

[mjohnsonw]

Picked one up on the Black Friday sale for my 14 year old's Christmas present. Having a great time learning to weld together, thanks for the video!