Lincoln Electric (Century) FC 90 Flux Core Welder [2023 Review]

Welcome to our in-depth look at the Century FC90 Flux Core Welder, a notable offering from Lincoln Electric.

This welder stands out for its unique combination of power and portability, catering to both professional and hobbyist welders alike.

We’ll delve into what makes the FC90 a valuable addition to any welder’s toolkit, exploring its features, performance, and overall usability.

Lincoln Electric acquired Century Welding back in 2003. This merger brought together two giants in the welding world, combining Lincoln Electric’s reputation for quality with Century’s innovative approach to welding technology.

The FC90 is a product of this collaboration, embodying the strengths of both companies.

As a seasoned welder, I’m always looking for tools that not only deliver top-notch performance but also offer convenience and ease of use.

My journey to the FC90 began with a quest for a welder that was compact and portable, yet powerful enough to handle smaller projects with the precision and efficiency I require.

The FC90 promised to meet these needs, making it an intriguing choice for my workshop. In this review, I’ll share my experiences with the FC90, providing insights into how it stands up to the demands of both everyday and specialized welding tasks.

Features and Specifications

The Century FC90 Flux Core Welder impresses with its notably small and compact design, making it an ideal choice for welders who value space efficiency and portability.

The dimensions are quite modest, standing at just 12 inches in length, 10 inches in height, and a mere 5 inches in width.

This sleek size does not detract from its capabilities, making it a powerful tool in a conveniently small package.

Such a design ensures it fits comfortably in smaller workshops or can be easily transported to various job sites, embodying the essence of ‘big things come in small packages’.

What’s In The Box?

Item	Functionality
Century FC90 Welder Unit	The main welding machine, responsible for the core welding functionality.
Flux Core Wire Spool	Preloaded wire spool to get started with welding projects immediately.
Ground Clamp	Used to complete the electrical circuit. It’s attached to the workpiece or metal being welded.
Welding Gun and Cable	Allows the welder to control the welding process; the cable transmits the welding current.
Power Cord	Connects the welder to a standard 110-volt power outlet.
User Manual	Provides instructions, safety guidelines, and tips for using the welder effectively.
Contact Tips (Multiple)	These are replaceable tips for the welding gun, used in directing the welding wire and current.
Hand Shield with Lens	Basic protective gear to shield the eyes and face from welding sparks and bright light.
Chipping Hammer/Brush Combo	Used for cleaning and removing slag from the welds.
Knurled Drive Roller	Helps in feeding the flux core wire from the spool through the gun. Can be adjusted for wire thickness.

Power Source and Output

One of the FC90’s key features is its adaptability to standard power sources. It plugs seamlessly into any standard 110-volt outlet, a common feature in most workshops and garages.

This ease of connection is complemented by its versatile output range. The welder offers a DC output that varies from 30 to 90 amps, accommodating a broad range of welding tasks.

This range of amperage ensures the FC90 can handle everything from delicate, precision work to more robust welding requirements, making it a versatile tool for various projects.

User Interface

The FC90 welder’s user interface is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. It features two intuitive knobs that control the wire feed and amperage.

This dual-knob system allows for precise adjustments, enabling the welder to fine-tune the settings to match the specific requirements of each task.

Whether needing a slower wire feed for detailed work or increased amperage for thicker materials, these controls provide the user with the flexibility to adjust settings quickly and accurately.

Loading and Spool Capacity

A notable convenience feature of the FC90 is its top-loading mechanism for wire spools.

Specifically designed to accommodate 0.35 wire spools, this welder has a maximum spool capacity of two pounds. While it may not support larger 10-pound spools, this capacity is generally sufficient for a wide range of projects, particularly those typical of smaller-scale or occasional welding tasks.

The top-loading design makes it straightforward to replace or adjust spools, minimizing downtime and maintaining workflow efficiency.

This feature is particularly beneficial for those who may not weld daily but require a reliable, easy-to-maintain machine when the need arises.

How Does It Perform?

From the moment I began using the Century FC90 Flux Core Welder, its ease of use was immediately apparent.

The welder’s intuitive design made the initial setup a breeze, allowing me to get straight to welding without a steep learning curve. As someone who has worked with various models over the years, I noticed significant improvements in this model.

The FC90’s compact size did not compromise its power, providing a surprisingly robust performance.

The smooth and consistent wire feed, along with the precise amperage control, allowed for a seamless welding experience, marking a noticeable upgrade from previous models I’ve used.

Testing Procedure

To comprehensively assess the FC90’s capabilities, I conducted a series of tests on different metal thicknesses – specifically 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch, and 1/4 inch.

These thicknesses were chosen to simulate a range of typical welding scenarios, from light to more demanding tasks.

Each test was carried out under the same conditions to ensure consistency, adjusting only the wire feed and amperage settings to suit the thickness of the metal.

This methodical approach was intended to push the welder to its limits and observe its performance across a spectrum of welding challenges.

Results

The FC90 demonstrated exceptional performance across all tested metal thicknesses.

On the 1/8 inch metal, the welder produced clean, consistent welds with excellent penetration, a testament to its precision capabilities. When moving to the 3/16 inch thickness, the FC90 maintained its consistency, effectively handling the increased demand without any loss in weld quality.

The real test came with the 1/4 inch metal, where the FC90 truly shone. It achieved deep penetration and a strong weld, without any signs of struggle or overheating.

Across all tests, the welder consistently delivered high-quality welds, showcasing its reliability and adaptability to various tasks.

Personal Challenges

From personal experience, I know hand tremors, a common issue among welders, especially with fine and detailed work can be an issue.

However, the FC90’s design and features, like the steady wire feed and the precise control over amperage, greatly mitigated this challenge.

The stability of the welder allowed for smoother operation, reducing the impact of the tremors on the welding process. This aspect of the FC90 was particularly impressive, as it not only performed well under standard conditions but also adapted to accommodate specific user challenges, making it a highly user-friendly tool.

Final Thoughts

Considering its features, performance, and overall build quality, I wholeheartedly recommend the Century FC90 Flux Core Welder.

This recommendation comes not just from its technical prowess but also considering its price point. Priced at a very reasonable rate, especially for its capabilities, it offers significant value for money.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to start welding or an experienced professional needing a reliable, portable welder for smaller projects, the FC90 is a purchase you’re unlikely to regret.

Its blend of performance, convenience, and affordability makes it a wise choice for anyone in the market for a new welder.