Flux core wire?
I know this don't help but I weld every day.
Harbor freight, flux core=nope...
Please tell me your not using a HF hood?
A friend got the HF 110V flux core and the hood.. it just not good.
If you want just rub powdered glass and metal shavings in your eyes now.
Find a nice Miller with bottle on craigslist, buy a NICE hood.
A good hood will make you a better welder right now and you wont get flash burned.
Think of having sand, metal, glass and a sun burn on your eye, it's not fun...that's what a cheep hood will get you. Plus you cant see your weld...