6 Best Forney Easy Welders – 6 Models Worth Considering

In this article, we reviewed Forney Easy welders available on the market and composed our list of the best ones.
By
Christopher McDonagh
Christopher McDonagh
Research Writer
Chris is a teacher of Literature at a school in New Berlin, Wisconsin. He is also our favorite irreplaceable freelance writer who can turn such a boring topic into something read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Thomas Garcia
Thomas Garcia
Expert Consultant
Thomas is a professional welder who gained his certification several decades ago and learned all the nuances of this job since then. When not at work, Thomas loves fishing i read more
Last updated: September 06, 2023
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If you are looking for a welder, you may have come across the Forney Industries brand. This is a famous brand of welders known for their affordability and ease of use. In this blog post, we will be reviewing six different models of the Forney Easy Welder. We will talk about the pros and cons of each model and help you decide which one is right for you. Stay tuned for our in-depth reviews!

We considered such factors as how easy the welder is to use, the quality of the welds, the weight and dimensions, duty cycle, cables length, and any other additional features that may be helpful. We also took into account the price of each welder. After considering all of these factors, we have come up with our list of the six best Forney Easy Welders.

Quick Summary

  • "A lightweight and portable welder, perfect for a variety of metals. Features a generator-friendly design, adjustable amperage range, dual voltage operation, and rugged all-metal case"
  • Premium Pick: Forney Easy Weld 140 MP
    "A lightweight and compact welder that is perfect for home use. This 3-in-1 welder can be used for stick, MIG, and DC TIG welding; duty cycle of 30% at 80A; easy start technology; an electrode diameter of up to 1/8in"
  • "A portable plasma cutter that is easy to use. It can clean-cut various metals up to 1/4in. and aluminum up to 3/16in. Features Drag Torch Technology and a built-in regulator and air dryer"
  • Best Affordable Stick Welder: Forney Easy Weld 100 ST Stick Welder
    "This Forney Easy Weld 100 ST Stick Welder is a compact and lightweight welder that reduces overall input amperage, making it perfect for beginners. It’s also versatile, capable of both stick and scratch start, and TIG welding"
  • Best Flux-Core Welder: Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-I
    "Weighing in at only 19 lbs., this Welder is designed for easy transport and use. With a 140 Amp output, it can handle up to 1/4in. mild steel, making it perfect for home repairs, light fabrication, and more. The all-metal case; infinite voltage and wire feed speed control for precision welding"
  • Best Flux-Core Welder Best Arc Welder: Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder
    "The Forney 298 Arc Welder is a portable, easy to use welder that handles up to 1/8 inch rod. It can be used as a stick welder and lift arc; adjust the voltage from 120V to 230V using the included voltage regulator simple design and quality construction"

Top 6 Forney Easy Welders Review 2022

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Features
  • Weight: 14 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 11 x 6 5/16 x 14 1/8in.
  • Max. welding wire diameter: 1/2 mild steel
  • Duty cycle: 80A at 30% for 120V; 180A at 25% for 230V
  • Output: 180A

More features: lift start TIG operation only, 120/230 volts, 180 amperes, 6ft. power cord, 8 ft. electrode cable, 8 ft. clamp cable, single-phase, amperage adjustment

A powerful stick welder for the do-it-yourselfer, Forney Easy Weld 180 ST is an excellent choice for home and light industrial use. This high-quality welder features an adjustable amperage range of 180 amperes and welds up to 1/2 inches mild steel with 7018 welding wire. The AC stick welder also operates from a 120V power source and includes a 6ft. power cord, 8 ft. electrode cable, 8 ft. clamp cable, single-phase, and weighs 14 lbs. We recommend the Forney easy weld for those looking for a powerful and versatile stick welder.

This stick welder is still pretty good when it comes to durability but unlike the other models on the list, it is very lightweight and more portable as a result. The output being as high as 180A also makes it a high-amp model that can be adjusted if you need to. The welder has a long power cable and can be used in a variety of situations.

    What stands out?
  • Various weldable metals
  • Generator-friendly design
  • Rugged all-metal case
  • Adjustable amperage range
  • 120/230 Volt dual voltage operation with adapter for versatility
  • Operates from 120V power source and welds up to 1/4in. of mild steel
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Not recommended for aluminum welding
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Chosen by 3187 people in the past 30 days
9.8
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Based onweb analytics
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Features
  • Weight: 25.8 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 14.19 x 19.31 x 11.61in.
  • Max. welding wire diameter: 0.035in.
  • Cable length: 8
  • Duty cycle: Stick: 30% at 80A; MIG: 30% at 90A; Stick: 30% at 80A; TIG: 30% at 110A
  • Output: 140A

More features:  10ft. MIG gun, 8ft. electrode holder, 8ft. ground clamp, 20A-15A adapter, and one additional 0.030in. contact tip

Our top choice is the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP Multi-Process Welder, a 3-in-1 multi-process unit that lets you weld with MIG, DC TIG, and stick welding. With the 3-position fast switch, you can easily change between processes. The easy-start technology makes it simple for first-time users to get started on their projects. This unit features an output of 140 amps and a duty cycle of 30% at 80 amps for stick welding and 30% at 90 amps for MIG/DC TIG welding. The welder has a wire range of 0.023-0.030 for MIG welding and 0.030-0.045 for stick welding to handle various projects. The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP Multi-Process Welder also includes a 10-foot MIG gun, an electrode holder, and a work clamp so that you can get started right away.

The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP Multi-Process Welder having a long MIG gun makes it really easy to start and use in a variety of situations and has three different types of welding available, unlike the competitors. Unfortunately, the TIG accessories aren’t included with this so for TIG welding you have to buy a separate torch. There’s also no gas hose.

    What makes it stand out?
  • 3-in-1 multi-process unit for stick, MIG, and DC TIG welding
  • 3-position fast switch
  • Easy-start technology
  • Electrode diameter range of up to 1/8in.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Regulator and gas hose are omitted
  • TIG torch and other TIG accessories are not included
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9.5
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Features
  • Weight: 21.5 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 15.125 x 8.125 x 11.57 in.
  • Max. welding wire diameter: 1/4in. mild steel
  • Duty Cycle: 35% at 20A
  • Output: 20A

More features: Drag Torch Technology, 13ft. cutting torch, 8ft. ground clamp, 20A-15A adapter, one additional electrode, and one additional nozzle

The Forney Easy Weld 20P Plasma Cutter is the perfect tool for cutting and welding steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, brass, copper, and more. It features Drag Torch Technology for a smoother cut with less spatter than traditional torches. The built-in regulator and air dryer allow you to adjust the air pressure easily so you can use it on multiple types of metal. The lightweight and portable design make this plasma cutter an easy-to-use operation that can be used anywhere. The Forney Easy Weld 20P Plasma Cutter also has a built-in cooling fan for extended use.

The 13ft cutting torch is one of the longest on the list, setting it apart from the rest of the models. It also has some technology not included with every Forney Easy Welder on the list – a built-in regulator and an air dryer to enhance the functionality of the welder for use cutting and welding a variety of metals.

    Why is it special?
  • Can clean-cut mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, brass, and copper up to 1/4in., and aluminum up to 3/16in.
  • Easy-to-use operation
  • Drag Torch Technology
  • Built-in regulator and air dryer
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Portable
    What are the flaws?
  • Hard to operate on the thicker metal with curved cuts
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9.6
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4
Best Affordable Stick Welder

Forney Easy Weld 100 ST Stick Welder

Features
  • Weight: 10 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 5.5 x 10.5 x 12in.
  • Max. welding wire diameter: 3/16in.
  • Duty cycle: 30% at 80A
  • Output: 90A

More features: 8 ft. electrode cable, 8 ft. clamp cable

Welding is a great skill to have, but it can be hard to get started. The Forney Easy Weld 100 ST Stick Welder makes it easy and affordable for beginners to get started with stick welding. Its lightweight, compact design allows you to take it anywhere and weld almost anything. This welder can handle up to 3/16-inch diameter electrodes, making it perfect for most household projects. It has an adjustable AC output from 90-100 amps, which means you can use this welder with a wide variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, and cast iron.

This is the second most tiny and portable model on the market in the Forney brand. The Forney Easy Weld 100 ST Stick Welder is very small and great for those who need to be able to weld on the go and are not able to carry around large models. It still has a decent max cutting diameter of 3/16in too.

    What are its best features?
  • Quick start guide
  • Compact and lightweight, reduces overall input amperage
  • Versatile welder, perfect for beginners
  • Handless stick
  • Stick or scratch start
  • TIG capable
    What could be improved?
  • TIG torch not included
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Chosen by 2788 people in the past 30 days
9.5
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9.4
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9.5
5
Best Flux-Core Welder

Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-I

Features
  • Weight: 19 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 16.75 x 8.12 x 12in.
  • Max. welding wire diameter: 0.035 inches
  • Duty Cycle: 30% at 90A
  • Output: 25-140A

More features:  8ft. MIG gun, 8ft. ground clamp, 20A-15A adapter, and one additional 0.030in.

The Forney Easy Weld FC-i MIG Welder is one of the most versatile and best flux-core welders on the market, perfect for the beginner or experienced welder. This unit has a maximum output of 140 Amp and can handle 2-10lbs. rolls of 0.030in. Flux Core Wire. The welder features an infinite voltage control that allows you to set your desired output between 25A and 140A while maintaining constant wire feed speed at your desired setting (0-200 IPM). The welder also has a rugged, all-metal case that makes it easy to transport around the shop or job site.

The Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i Flux-Core Welder can take flux core wire so it is perfect for applications that need this. It also features a better case than some of the cheaper models, and the wire feed speed control gives you a lot of different functionality and control of the welding application, whichever type of flux-core wire you are using.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Infinite voltage and wire feed speed control
  • Rugged all-metal case
  • Designed to handle 2- and 10-lbs. rolls of 0.030in. flux-core wire
  • 140 Amp output welds up to 1/4in. mild steel
  • contact tip
  • MIG ready
    What could be better?
  • Might be hard to operate for the beginners
  • Slow wire feed rate
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6
Best Flux-Core Welder Best Arc Welder

Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder

Features
  • Weight: 9.65 lbs.
  • Dimensions: ‎ 12 x 5.5 x 10.5 in.
  • Max. welding wire diameter: 1/4 in.
  • Duty Cycle: 30% at 80A
  • Output: 90A

More features:  8ft. electrode holder and 8ft. ground clamp

The Forney 298 Easy Weld is a great arc welder for beginners. It has a duty cycle of 30% at 80 amperes and an output of 90 amperes. This machine can weld up to 1/8 inch rod, making it perfect for small projects around the home or farm. The Forney 298 Easy Weld features 8-feet electrodes, an 8-feet ground clamp, and a 120-volt input power source. It is portable and easy to use, making it ideal for anyone who wants to learn how to weld but does not want the hassle of a bigger machine.

Compared to the other models on the list, this small and portable model is definitely the “beginners” pick. It does not handle foot pedal operation and does not operate at the same levels of heat you might expect. The TIG torch is not included, and this welder is more of a starter option but the portable design is great for first-time welders.

    What makes it stand out?
  • TIG Capable
  • ‎120V input and 90A output
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Handles up to 1/8 inch rod
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Stick welder and lift arc
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Welds colder than more expensive options
  • TIG torch not included
  • No foot pedal operation

Things to Consider

If you are in the market for a welder, you may have come across Forney Easy Welders. Forney is a leading manufacturer of welding machines, and their Easy Weld line is trendy among DIY welders and hobbyists. In this article, we will take a look at six of the best Forney Easy Welders and see what makes them stand out from the competition.

Home vs. Professional Use

6 Best Forney Easy Welders - 6 Models Worth Considering
Portable Forney Easy Weld 180 ST Stick Welder is perfect for the home handyman, farm or light industrial shop.

The two most common options for users are home welders and professional welders when it comes to welding. Home welders are smaller, less expensive, and easier to use than experienced welders. They are perfect for small projects or repairs around the house. Professional welders are larger, more expensive, and require more setup time than home welders require. They are better for larger projects or those who plan to weld frequently.

So, which option is best for you? It depends on your needs and how often you plan to weld. If you only need to weld occasionally for small projects, then a home welder would be a good choice. However, a professional welder would be better if you plan to weld frequently or for larger projects.

No matter which type of welder you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully and always wear proper safety gear when welding.

Welding can be dangerous if not done correctly, so always take precautions and use common sense. Read our reviews on the best Miller welding helmets and best welding boots to learn about the protective accessories that you need while welding!

Size and Weight

Welders come in all shapes and sizes, making it difficult to choose the right one for your needs. In this guide, we will look at the size and weight of welders so you can make an informed decision before purchasing.

First, let us take a look at the size of welders. Welders range from small, portable models to large, industrial-sized machines. The size of the welder you need will depend on the type and amount of work you plan to do.

If you are only going to be doing light welding jobs, a small, portable welder will suffice. These welders are typically less expensive and can be easily moved from one job to another. However, they also have limited welding capabilities.

If you are looking for a welder that can handle heavier jobs, you’ll need to choose a larger and more durable model. These welders are typically more expensive but offer increased power and flexibility. They also tend to be heavier and harder to move around.

Now that you know about the different sizes of welders let’s look at their weight. Again, this will depend on the type of work you plan to do.

  • Portable welders weigh less than 20 pounds, making them easy to carry from one job to the next. They are perfect for light welding jobs but may not be powerful enough for more heavy-duty projects.
  • Mid-sized welders weigh between 20 and 50 pounds. These welders offer more power than portable models but are still easy to move. They are a good choice for medium-duty welding jobs.
  • Heavy-duty welders can weigh over 50 pounds and not move around as quickly. However, they offer more power than smaller or mid-sized welders for heavier welding jobs.

Power

When looking for the power for your welding needs, it is crucial to consider various factors. The welder’s output amperage, for example, will determine the size and thickness of metal that can be welded. Therefore, a welder with an output of around 100 amps should suffice for smaller projects. However, you will need something more powerful for bigger projects – or if you plan to do heavy-duty welding. A welder with an output of 250 amps or more would be a good choice for those situations. Voltage is another essential consideration.

Lower voltages are better for thinner metals, while higher voltages are necessary for welding thicker metals.

Duty Cycle

Another factor to consider is the welder’s duty cycle.  This is the amount of time the welder can continuously use before it needs to “rest.”  A welder with a 20% duty cycle, for example, can be used for two minutes before resting for eight minutes.

Weldable Metals

6 Best Forney Easy Welders - 6 Models Worth Considering
Some welders are better for thicker metals while others are perfect for thinner metals, so it is important to select the welder that will work best for the projects you have in mind.

There are a few factors to consider when determining which metals are weldable. The main factor is the chemical composition of the metal. Carbon steel and stainless steel are both weldable, for example, because they have relatively low levels of carbon. Aluminum is also weldable, but it requires a different welding process than other metals.

It is essential to use suitable filler metal for the job when welding.

Filler metals are available in various compositions and alloys, so it is important to select the one that will provide the best results for your project. A skilled welder can weld just about any metal, but it is always best to start with metals known to be weldable. With the right tools and a little practice, you will be welding like a pro in no time!

Maximum welding wire diameter

When it comes to welding, one of the most important factors is the diameter of the welding wire. The right size welding wire will ensure that your welds are solid and durable. However, picking the wrong size can result in weak and brittle welds.

The maximum welding wire diameter will vary depending on the type of welding. For example, MIG welds can typically use a thicker wire than TIG welds. Generally, here are the maximum welding wire diameters for the most common welding types:

– MIG welds: .030-.035 inches

– TIG welds: .020-.025 inches

– Stick welds: .045-.070 inches

When choosing the right size welding wire for your project, you need to consider a few factors. First, you need to think about the thickness of the metal you are welding. The thicker the metal, the thicker the welding wire you will need. You also need to consider what type of weld you are doing. Some welds require a stronger bond than others do.

If you are unsure about what size welding wire to use for your project, it is always best to consult with a professional. They will help you choose the correct size welding wire for your needs and ensure that your welds are solid and durable.

Phase

A single-phase welder uses direct current (DC), meaning the electrode and the welding area are always at the same polarity. This is the most common type of welder. A three-phase welder, on the other hand, uses alternating current (AC). This means that the electrode and welding area are constantly changing polarity, making for a more consistent weld.

While single-phase welders are the most common, they can only be used with 120V outlets. If you need to weld something thicker than 1/4” or if you want to use a larger electrode, you will need a three-phase welder. Luckily, most Forney Easy welders are three-phase welders.

FAQ

What is drag torch technology?

Drag torch technology is a process that uses inert gas to shield the weld from the atmosphere. This helps to produce a cleaner, more consistent weld. Drag torches are also known for being be used in all positions, making them an ideal choice for many welding applications.

What is arc/stick welding?

Stick welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), is a manual process that uses an electric arc to fuse two pieces of metal. The electrode—a piece of steel wire covered in a flux compound that helps protect the weld from contamination and reduces the amount of spatter produced—is stick-fed into the welding machine. The welder then strikes an arc between the electrode and the workpiece, melting both the electrode and the base metal. As the weld pool cools, it forms a strong joint between the two pieces of metal. Stick welding is a versatile process used on various materials, including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Read our article about the best 110v stick welders for further information!

What Is MIG Welding?

MIG stands for metal inert gas welding. A process uses an arc of electricity to create heat and bond two pieces of metal together. The electric arc melts the metals, and the gas (inert) protects the weld from contamination.  MIG welding is perfect for smaller projects because it is easy to use and produces fewer sparks than other welding methods.  It is also great for welding thicker metals because it has a strong weld.

What is TIG Welding?

TIG welding (or tungsten inert gas welding) is one of the most popular methods because it produces high-quality welds with little distortion. In TIG welding, an electrode made of tungsten is used to heat the metal while a stream of inert gas protects the weld from contamination.

TIG welding is often used for welding thin metals because it produces a very clean weld with minimal distortion. It can also be used to weld alloys such as aluminum and magnesium, which are difficult to weld with other methods. TIG welding is more complicated than different types of welding, so it is usually best to learn how to do it from a qualified instructor.

What is Flux-Cored Arc Welding?

Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is a type of welding that uses a continuously fed wire electrode that is coated with flux. This flux creates a shielding gas while the welding is taking place, which helps to protect the weld area from contamination.

FCAW is generally used for thicker materials that are difficult to weld with other methods. FCAW is a popular choice for welders because it is relatively easy to learn and produces high-quality results.

Our verdict

With a duty cycle of 80A at 30% for 120V, this welder can handle any job you throw at it. Whether you are welding 1/4in. mild steel or repairing a car, the Forney Easy Weld 180 ST Stick Welder is up for the challenge.

The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP is a 3-in-1 multi-process unit that can do stick, MIG, and DC TIG welding. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to start welding or needs an extra welder for their business.

The Forney Easy Weld 20P Plasma Cutter is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and lightweight plasma cutter. With its Drag Torch Technology, this plasma cutter makes it easy to cut through various metals up to 1/4in. thick.

References

1.
Safety Topic - Welding Health and Safety
This guide was written to provide a general understanding of the different welding and cutting processes, the potential health hazards associated with welding and cutting, and a summary of the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) regulations, OAR 437 Division 2 Subdivision Q: Welding, Cutting and Brazing (1910.251 - 257).
2.
Weldability of Materials - Carbon Manganese and Low Alloy Steels - TWI
Guidance is given on ferritic steel weldability and the causes of weld imperfections: porosity, solidification cracking, hydrogen cracking and reheat cracking. Procedure and welder techniques for reducing the risk of these in arc welding are recommended.
9,9
Total Score
Forney Easy Weld 180 ST Stick Welder - Editor’s Choice
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