A Forney is a big name when it comes to welding machines. No doubt about it! In terms of build and quality, few models can match the brands’ performance. The majority of these types of equipment come at a fair price tag.
Forney welders are versatile for home and industrial use for TIG, CG, and stick welding. Another major advantage of these machines is that the company is reputable and complies with industry specifications and regulations.
In our forney welder reviews, we explore some of the best products on the market.
Are Forney welders good?
Are Forney welders any good? Absolutely! Forney welders are multi-purpose machines for various welding jobs at home and in the industries. They are suitable for stick, MIG, and TIG welding. These machines feature a compact design and are appealing.
As if that’s not enough! They offer an easy arc start, and therefore you’ll have a guarantee of efficiency. If you’re a beginner, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to learn how to use it. As for the build quality, the Forney is a sturdy machine that will see better days. Hence, regardless of the costs, Forney welders are a good value for money.
Forney welder comparison chart
To make a point! There is a wide variety of Forney welders on the market. There are large machines for industrial work. However, for DIY and minor repairs, you’ll find small, compact and portable welders.
Our review comprises multi-process Forney welders, MIG, and TIG welders to enable you to make a quick comparison.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Forney Easy Weld 140 MP |
| Check Price!Buy From Northern Tool |
 | Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder |
| Check Price! |
 | Forney 309 140-Amp MIG Welder |
| Check Price! |
 | Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder |
| Check Price! |
 | Forney 291 Easy Weld 180 ST 120V/230 V Welder |
| Check Price! |
Top 5 Forney welders after 48 hours of research
Are you looking for a Forney welder for your projects? It cannot be easy to find the best option from a wide variety.
Fortunately, after 48 hours of research, we’ve assembled the top 5 Forney Welders for hassle-free shopping. Our products have a high rating in terms of quality and efficiency. Treat yourself!
Forney multi process welders
A multi-purpose welder is a versatile machine for various tasks, such as TIG, MIG, Flux-core, and TIG welding. Some expensive welders have a plasma cutter and are suitable for heavy-duty projects. Some of the users of these machines include farmers, specialists, and home DIY.
In our Forney easy weld reviews; you’ll discover that these tools are useful for cutting sheets of metal, pipes, and machines.
1. Best for hobbyist – Forney easy weld 140 MP review
Forney Easy 140 MP is a multi-purpose tool for stick, MIG, or TIG welding. You’ll get everything you need in the starter package, which includes all accessories for your welding project. We highly recommend it for beginners welders and DIY enthusiasts.
About Forney Easy Weld 140 MP
Forney Easy 140 MP runs on 20 amps and 120voltage of power. Hence, it’s suitable for use at home as a plug-and-play. It’s user-friendly and a favorite if you’re a beginner. The setup process is not complicated, whereas the wire-feeding process is simple and straightforward.
Weighing only 38 pounds, this welder is a good option for shop repairs, hobbyists, and construction jobs. Think about it!
It’s, therefore, easy to carry for your outdoor projects.
Lastly, this machine is built like a rock and thus a money saver! The exterior is made of durable material, and the parts will not break off easily.
Specifications
- Weight: 25.8 pounds.
- Product Dimensions: 14.19 x 19.31 x 11.61 inches.
- Material: Metal.
- Warranty: 1 Year.
What we like about the product?
- We like the fact about Forney Easy 140 MP because it’s user friendly and easy to use. Therefore, it’s a good choice for beginners as well as DIY hobbyists.
- Secondly, it’s top-notch quality, durable, and the setup is less complicated.
- Finally, it’s lightweight and transportable, which makes it convenient for your out-of-doors projects.
What could be good?
In our Forney MIG welder review, this model is a user-friendly machine for your tasks. But that’s just one side of the story! Unlike other machines, this model doesn’t feature air mixture software or an LCD screen.
Generally, if present, these features would boost your overall user experience. Additionally, the price is a bit steep for a beginner, a turn-off for someone starting out.
2. Best for DIY welding – Forney 324 combo welder review
Forney 324 is a 3-in-1 machine that incorporates TIG, Stick, and MIG welders. Hence, it’s a multi-purpose machine for all your welding jobs.
You see! It’s easy to use with a simple start and features a 3-position switch that lets you adjust the process fast.
About Forney 324 combo
Forney 324 is a versatile machine that allows you to control the welding process depending on your preference. It’s a high-quality tool with a durable metal case.
Multiple accessories accompany the package, such as the gas hose and flow meter. Further, it features a compact design and is portable. It has an overall dimension of 20.2”x10.2”x16″ and weighs only 50 pounds.
This Forney stick welder uses a voltage of 115/220, which makes it ideal for home or industrial use. It’s a bit on the pricey side because you’ll need to buy other accessories separately. These include a spool MIG gun, TIG torch, and foot pedal.
Specification
- Voltage of 115 or 220 Amps
- Weight: 50 lbs
- Input: 120V/230V
- Output: 190 amps
What we like about the product?
- We like the fact that Forney 324 is a high-quality device that will deliver the best value.
- It comes with many accessories that will ensure an easy start. The machine is easy to use, which is good news to a beginner and a hobbyist.
- Here is the kicker! It also uses 115/220 voltage and is therefore recommended for use at home and in a factory setup.
What could be good?
There is no doubt that Forney 324 is an incredible machine. Turns out! This top-seller is pricey, though that shouldn’t be a problem if you’re looking for the best product on the market.
Another shortcoming is the list of accessories such as the spool gun, TIG torch, and foot pedal, which you’ll need to buy independently.
Forney MIG welder reviews
Simply stated! Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, you need a reliable machine for your welding projects. Forney brand has revolutionized the welding industry through the provision of high-quality and efficient machines.
Due to the influx of many products on the market, it can be not easy to choose the best product that suits your needs. We have several reviews for Forney Welders to help you decide. Read on!
1. Best for light welding – Forney easy weld 261 review
If you’re looking for a MIG welder, you can consider Forney Easy weld 260. This incredible welder is a moderately priced machine for your projects. You can use it for shop repairs, workshop projects, or home DIY tasks.
About Forney Easy Weld 261
Forney Easy Weld 261 is user-friendly and the best option for beginners and DIY enthusiasts. Additionally, it’s powerful and uses up to 140 amp of electrical voltage. Therefore, it’s a multi-purpose machine for welding mild-steel and 1/4 inches plates. These are just a few!
With a low-profile design, this machine is extremely lightweight, and you can use it for your outdoor projects. The quality is outstanding and can handle large up to ten pounds of wire rolls.
The package comes with a ground clamp, an adapter, and an integrated handle. However, you’ll need to buy other accessories such as nozzles, flux core wire, nozzle gel, diffuser, and more.
What we like about the product?
- We like the quality of the Forney Easy Weld 261, which is exceptionally outstanding. Although it’s moderately priced, the metal casing, build, and accessories are all durable. Hence, you’ll get real value with this machine.
- Other than that, it’s a versatile product for metal fabrication, shop repairs, welding projects at home, and more.
Specifications
- Weight: 19 lbs.
- Output: 140 AMP.
- Input: 120 V.
- Duty cycle: 30% @ 90A.
- Warranty: 12 months.
What could be good?
The Forney 261 will surely exceed your expectations. Everything from the setup to its operation is outstanding. Additionally, it’s cheap when compared to other MIG welders on the market.
However, it could be good if all the accessories are part of the package. Buying these items separately inflates the cost of this machine.
Forney easy weld 261 vs titanium 125
Titanium 125 is from the Harbor Freight brand, whereas Forney Easy is from the Forney brand. The main difference is that titanium is suitable for flux welding and the Forney model is ideal for MIG welding machines.
Also, the titanium price is tolerably much lower, which makes it ideal for learners and DIY hobbyists.
Other than that, everything else is similar. For instance, the setup is easy and is powered by a voltage of 120V. However, the circuit requirement for optimal output is 20A.
2. Best for automotive welding – Forney 309 welder review
Forney 309 welder costs more than the easy 261. However, it packs a lot of punch for its small size. It weighs 15 pounds, and therefore it’s portable for use at home, around the workshop, and outdoors.
About Forney 309
Inside the kit, you’ll find a gas hose and a flow meter. However, an Argon regulator is not included in the package. On the same note, there are other accessories to help you get started.
The performance is great since the duty cycle is higher than most machines within the same range. Best of all, the quality of this model is superb and will last many days.
And we don’t stop there! This welder is a multi-purpose option since you can use it for MIG and Flux welding. It weighs 62 pounds with a dimension of 10x16x20 inches. Further, its voltage requirement is 120 volts and thus ideal for use at home and in workshops.
Specifications
- Wire Diameter: .024" - .035"
- Weight: 62 lbs
- Input: 120 V
- Amperage: 30-140 A
- Voltage: 120 volts.
What we like about the product?
- We like the fact that the Forney 309 is a multi-purpose device for your welding needs. For this, it’s noticeably suitable for heavy-duty as well as DIY projects.
- Also, it promises a remarkable performance thanks to the higher duty cycle.
- This machine is made of high-quality materials and, consequently, will last long.
What could be good?
We don’t dispute that Forney 309 is a great machine. However, the instruction manual features a foreign language. It would be good if the instructions were in English.
Additionally, there is the possibility of this machine overloading on a 20-amp circuit breaker when you turn it on. We recommend checking on the wiring to prevent overload at full power.
Forney 309 vs Hobart 140
Hobart 140 is ideal if you want to upgrade your welding machine. It’s a versatile machine that can cut up to 1/4 inches of metal with just one pass. It’s suitable for welding iron, aluminum, copper, and brass.
Best of all, it can crank up to a voltage of 115 and a speed of 40-00IPM. It has a duty cycle of 20%. Both machines have the same capability, only that they are from different brands. However, the Forney is a heavy-duty machine since it has a higher duty cycle.
Forney TIG welder review
Forney TIG machines are suitable for many applications at home or at the workshop. These include professional repairs or simple projects.
The machines are easy to use and feature dual voltage power, thus can weld small to moderate metal. What’s more! They use AC/DC power hence can weld aluminum to mild steel effortlessly.
1. Best for novice welding – 298 Forney welder review
If you’re starting out or looking for a versatile machine to use at home, as a backup or private shop, the Forney 309 is what fits the description. Ideally, it’s best suited for small projects and comes at an affordable price.
About 298 Forney Welder
Forney 298 welder is suitable for professional TIG welding. It uses 90-amp output and 120v input amp and a duty cycle of 30%.
It means that it’s a powerful machine that can handle tough jobs. It can weld through 1/8 inches of steel or any metal with one pass and precision.
The machine is lightweight, which allows for portability. Therefore, this offers you the flexibility of using it at home or at your job location or moving with it from one project to the next. It features an electric holder and a ground clamp for an easy start.
Specifications
- Input: 120 V.
- Output: 90 Amp.
- Duty cycle: 30% @ 80A.
- Weight: 13.74 pounds.
What we like about the product?
- Forney 298 is a simple and compact welding machine for your tasks.
- We like the fact that it’s lightweight and portable. What does this mean for you? Whether it’s at your shop, home, or backyard, you can carry it anywhere for your projects.
- As if that’s not enough, it doesn’t take much space in your trunk.
What could be good?
True! Forney 298 is a small and compact machine for your welding job. It produces a smooth arc, but it’s a bit cold when on 90 amp and thus not suitable for large welding projects. It would be good if it can sustain a high temperature to enable it to handle complex jobs.
Forney 309 vs Hobart 140
Hobart 140 is a trustworthy, multi-use, and work-hose machine that’s also surprisingly easy to use. Its best suited to handle small to medium-sized projects. It differs from Forney 309 in that it’s suitable for Flux and MIG welding.
Accordingly, it costs less and delivers even better than the higher-priced model. It sustains heat when welding, and hence it has the upper hand when it comes to efficiency. By all accounts, it’s a durable machine and money saver which will last a long time.
2. Best for your farm – Forney 291 easy weld review
Forney 291 is an amazing little tool for beginners as well as semi-professionals. It has a stick and TIG capability, which saves you money on buying two machines for different projects.
About Forney 291 Easy Weld
Forney 291 is a powerful machine that can weld approximately 1/2 inches of mild steel. It’s a dual voltage machine that runs on 120/230 voltage, and hence you can use it at home and at a workshop.
The package has everything you need to get started, such as a power cable, ground clamp, and electrical holder. The machine is easy to use, and this solves the problem of electrode sticking. It’s extremely durable, and the metal case consists of tough material.
Another thing to add is that it’s generator-friendly and thus you can use it outdoors. Lastly, it’s portable, and you can carry it anywhere for your projects.
Specifications
- Weight: 14 lbs
- Voltage: 230 Volts
- Wattage: 8000 watts
What we like?
We like that the machine is a dual voltage that makes it suitable for use in your shop, backyard, and garage.
For clean work in your farm, ranch, small industry, or private shop, the Forney 180 is a sure bet. It’s the right investment for you that’s also less costly and super durable.
What could be good?
Forney Easy is an excellent product for small to medium projects. However, it has limitations due to the 120v requirement. In some old homes, the wiring system doesn’t have 220 voltage circuits.
Although it’s generator-friendly, this may work out as a disadvantage since it can increase the cost of buying a generator and maintenance.
Where are Forney welders made?
Perhaps you’re asking yourself, who makes Forney welders? Forney Industries is a reputable and famous brand in the welding industry. It’s an old family-owned American company with Headquarters in Fort Collins. Think about this for a moment!
Look! Quite too often, you’ll find that the company has partners in different parts of the world, such as Italy. However, the machines are designed strictly as per Forney’s specifications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the thinnest steel I can weld with this Forney machine?
Ans: Forney welders’ advantage is that they are versatile and can weld a wide variety of metals with varying degrees of thickness. The thin steel recommended is 0.048 inches.
Q: Does this Forney welder work off normal house current?
Ans: Yes! Forney welder can work off normal house current as long as there’s a special circuit, including a 15 AMP breaker.
Q: What is the best Forney welder for the money?
Ans: From our review, we recommend Forney 298 since it comes at a lower price yet is incredibly powerful. It’s versatile and a good value for money.
Conclusion
From our review, Forney welders are the best option for beginners and professionals alike. They are portable and suitable for projects at the workshop and outdoors.
These powerful machines are easy to use, especially for beginners looking for a reliable machine for DIY tasks. In a nutshell, Forney welders will deliver the best value and save you some money.
