Harbor Freight Chicago Electric Flux 90 vs. the Titanium Easy-Flux 125

Comparing the Chicago Electric Flux 90 to the Titanium Easy-Flux 125 Amp Welder.
Note: One mistake in the video. I did not use the cold feed feature that is on the Easy-Flux 125. I had scanned the manual, but too quickly and missed this addition. The old 90 does not have this and so I just loaded the new one the same old way.
If you are a professional welder who is easily triggered, don't watch :-)

[@xtrah8ed4life]

I had the old 90 amp for 4 or 5 years and finally jumped to this 9ne and the DC output makes all the difference with flux. Anyone looking for welder go with the titanium brand

[@ocre78]

I just got one a few weeks ago. I think they are pretty awesome for the price. It's very good for what it is. Now on to the video. I can't help but bring this up, assuming you didn't already know--- There is a cold feed button right by the spool feed. The nozzle and wire should be pulled out straight, away from the welder and then use the cold wire feed switch to run the wire thru. Always take the copper nozzle off when running wire thru. It's not only safer using the cold wire feed, it's also better on the machine and liner going to the nozzle tip. The surge and struggle you had while feeding in the wire was due to the tip of the wire plowing and scraping its way thru. Having the gun and line pulled out straight away from the machine so the feeding wire's tip can glide thru without having scrape the edge as it finds its way thru whatever bend is made when you are holding the handle in your hand. The cold feed feature let's the wire run with no voltage or power on the nozzle or tip. The proper procedure is in the manual/setup booklet that came with the welder.

[@DavinDesborough]

Well, that's embarrassing. That is not a feature on my old unit, and I apparently read through the directions too quickly and missed that on the new one. Thanks for the comment pointing this out!

[@ocre78]

@@DavinDesborough I was just trying to help, wasn't sure if you knew and I certainly didn't want to offend or embarrass you. It's a helpful feature that's not built in all welders

[@DavinDesborough]

@@ocre78 No worries, I appreciate that you called it out!

[@davehoward2791]

Nice video! Good comparison of the two machines side by side. I got my Titanium 125 back in November and love it. I upgraded the ground clamp to the 400 amp one HF sells (about $11 with coupon) as it seemed a cheap no-brainer, and I run INE wire which gives me smooth welds with minimal spatter. Maxed out this machine can weld up to 1/4" material on a 20 amp circuit with good penetration, especially if you bevel the joint. As for the gas shield on the CE machine, all it does is impede visibility of your puddle; for flux core all you need is the plastic cover like the Titanium has, so if the plastic cover fits on the CE machine I'd pitch the gas shield and go with the plastic one. Again, thanks for a great, informative video.

[@DavinDesborough]

Thanks for the feedback and the compliments! Swapping out the ground clamp seems to be a common upgrade, I'll look into that.

[@BryanWhite77]

I have both welders also (actually I have the Chicago Electric 125(replaced the 90) and the Titanium 125). Nearly everything said in this video is what I would say regarding the two welders. The CE 125 is a more violent welding experience (typical of A/C welding) and requires more attention to well weld. The Titanium 125 is SO much nicer to weld with. It's almost like you have to try to mess up. Welding everything from 22 guage sheet to 3/16. If you can, save up for the Titanium.

[@DavinDesborough]

Thanks for commenting. Good to have to have a second opinion to validate what I said!

[@badbob]

Always take the tip off when feeding the wire and use the cold feed button. As far as tips go, one is for mig welding and the other is for gas less flux core. Use the plastic for gas less. you can see your welds better.

[@TheDopalgangr]

I didn’t realize you can use .035 on these. The description only says .030. Anyone ever use the Forney FC 140? I wonder how it would compare to the Titanium with the added amperage?

[@DavinDesborough]

Sorry I missed this comment. These are the only two welders I have used, so I can't answer about the Forney. Thanks for watching!

[@hdman97]

Nice video thanks, I have the AC unit wish I would’ve waited for the DC

[@DavinDesborough]

Thank you! It is a lot nicer. Save up and upgrade when you get a chance.

[@BulliKid]

Can you see a puddle when welding? I got the harbor freight titanium on my channel and I’m having a very hard time laying down anything.

[@DavinDesborough]

Yes I can. At least the leading edge of it. I probably am running my mask too dark, but have not played with the setting too much. Are you using the included wire? If so, go out and get some name brand wire and see if it helps. The HF wire is thin and spatters more in my experience.

[@BulliKid]

Davin Desborough yah using it out of the box. I’m on shade 10-11. What settings did you run for power and wire speed? I’m sure mine are not good either. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@beemackin2316]

Good video sir

[@DavinDesborough]

Thank you!

[@bobd.fletcherjr4912]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️

[@OU812NVME]

Just mod the 100 dollar Chicago electric with a bridge rec., compasidor, bleed resistor and ferrite core cuz the chicago can handle 10lbs of wire for 40 dollars. Mod with fan shroud for older fans, cut heat vent opening beside wire feed system at top left...Shroud tonactually pull in air from back and breather hole to vent more heat.

[@marierosellev]

Do you remember what size bleed resistor? I did modify mine over 3 years ago. I got Titanium this month .

[@ajbrown2013]

Way to much tension Jesus man