Setting out to purchase your first welder or a substitute for the old one is not as easy as it used to be. Today, there are many kinds of welders on hand, each with their distinctive pros and cons. Even skilled metalworkers can have a difficult time picking the best one for their requirements and needs. 

The two most common questions most people have is which brand is better and what model is suited for your needs. Forney Easy Welders are becoming more and more in our community. This company produces some of the best selling machines for welding projects.

This article is made to give you a comprehensive and full guide to purchasing the best welder for your projects without overspending. There are great pics for both beginners and advanced fabricators. Especially, if you are a newbie, buying the first welder for a garage or home shop, then you will find this article very useful. 

Are Forney Easy Welders a Reputable Company?

There are lots of companies out there that manufacture and produce welders, but only a few stand out from the rest. Forney Industries is one of those companies that have this reputation. There are many good reasons why Forney Easy welders are one of the best selling welding machines amongst newbies and professionals out there. So, why Forney Easy Welders a reliable and dependable company? Keep on reading to know why.

Early Years

Forney Industries is a reliable and reputed manufacturer of welding machines. They are the oldest family operated and owned welding and metalworking products agencies in the United States. The company was developed in the year 1932 and started with the discovery of the heat soldering iron and presented the first publicly available arc welder in the 1930s.

Many Products to Choose From

At this point, Forney provides about 9,000 products useful in the field of hardware, farm, automotive, industrial, and DIY markets. The company is located in Fort Collins and provides products all over the US and across the globe. The company is steadfast in providing the best product and most personal support service accessible today.

High-Quality Welders for a Cheap Price

The company name is almost synonymous with the phrase value for money. The products they offer are perfect for car enthusiasts, DIYers, hobbyists as well as a metalworking artist. The company expanded the products they offer to allow each one the chance to use the product in their garage using a standard power source.

What Makes Those Machines So Special

They keep in mind the design and the superiority to ensure that they are not just providing welders, which generates the brilliance and distinction that their clients look forward to them. Their biggest advantage is that they are simple to use for people who don’t have any experience. The company wants to take the stress and fear out of welding. So, they are trying to break myths about the costs, the risk, and the complexity of the process. 

Welding was just for those who are skilled and working in commercial or industrial settings. Then again, for people who want to make art, repair something right at the comfort of their home or carry out some easy repairs on a lawnmower or a car, now they are able to easily perform those processes.

Available Online and Offline

Forney welders are available for purchase offline and at the leading online store. All of them operate on a 120-V, standard outlet current. 

Lots of Documentation

The company offers detailed guides about how to use the machine and prepare for the weld. That’s because they don’t want some users to take the risks of welding lightly. It’s not that simple like striking an arc and starting the process without taking safety measures or choosing the right settings. The company encourages those who buy these products to consider that welding helmets, welding gloves, and fire-resistant clothing are vital.

The company provides instruction online, which takes about sixty minutes to review. This is intended for novice welders out there who want to get started. This video can assist them in gaining the confidence to start welding. They also offer various kinds of accessories, aside from their welders. 

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Welding can be interesting, particularly to a welder who has his eyes set on becoming an expert in this job. Wannabe welders need to brace yourself for continuous learning and many hours and days of practice prior to handling big welding projects. 

It is critical to know things regarding common welding techniques and the needed welding accessories. An understanding of diverse equipment used in welding will indeed enhance your skills in welding. Therefore, becoming familiar with the settings of your very own machine is very important.

However, selecting the right machine for performing projects you usually encounter can speed up the learning curve. Ideally, you want a machine that has settings that help you weld easily. Having a few settings options might cause delays and a slower learning curve. Still, you don’t want to overspend on a machine that has many features that don’t make a difference.

So, here are a couple of parameters to take into account before you pick a welder.

Type of Metal

One factor to consider when buying a welder is the type or nature of metal you are working with. Normally, welding is done on carbon steel which is a metal that you can apply a lot of heat without having problems. On the other hand, stainless steel doesn’t need high amperage. Usually, stainless steel welding is done on MIG or TIG machines. Aluminum needs a consistent supply of heat for the base metals to be conjoined well. A TIG welding machine is perfect for welds on aluminum. 

Amperage

It is also vital to consider the amperage when buying a welding machine. This determines the type of works or projects the machine is able to handle. The interest of the user working on either thin or thick metals differs significantly in terms of amperage. For welders, it is vital to know the machine that works for you and the flexibility needed in a machine prior to purchasing.

Specs Sheet

When you look at the specs sheet, it brings to light a number of vital elements concerning the welder machine, which can prove essential when picking between various welding machines. Like for instance, the specs sheet is able to assist you in understanding how long you are able to utilize the machine, duty interval, number of welds you are able to weld in normal intervals of ten minutes. You have to know as well as access these variables because going beyond, as the duty cycle may result in harming the machine.

Multiprocess

If you are searching for a machine that can perform different types of welding processes, you have to think of buying a multiprocess welder. It comes much cheaper to have such a machine than having a couple of machines for different projects. 

Top Forney Easy Welders 

From the very beginning, Forney is one brand that has only focused on welding accessories and machines. And after decades of continuous improvement and innovation, you can see the outcome in a wide array of winning and state of the art welder models available in the market.

If you have been a fanatic of this company, then this review is for you. Please go through the review of the top best Forney Easy Weld to know which is one is ideal or suitable for you.

Let’s get going.

1. Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Flux Core Welder, 120-Volt, 125-Amp, Green

Key Features 

• Welds 24 gauge of up to ¼ inch
• Only gasless flux core welding
• Accepts 2 and 10lbs spools
• 120V input/125 amp output

If you are searching for a beginner-friendly flux core welder that can be obtained for a very reasonable price, look no further than the Forney Easy Weld 299. This is the best and ideal choice of welding machine that you must buy if you want the perks of flux core gasless MIG welding, and you want a superior and high-quality machine.

Flux core wire welding is considered the simplest process of welding for newbies, and this machine does just that. There’s no compressed gat to select, think about, as well as store or transport. This groundbreaking welder is included in this list due to its reliability and user-friendliness feature. The ground clamp and torch head come ready installed, allowing you to start the job easily.

It will not take time with this MIG welder for you to get past the beginner level of MIG welding. If you are a seasoned welder and need a flux core machine from a reliable and reputable company, then the Forney Easy Welder 299 flux core welder is indeed the perfect choice.

This is a reliable and great welding machine in the price range. If you are not certain that the sole thing, you’re going to carry out is the FCAW welding process, then the Forney Easy Welder 299 flux core welder is a perfect choice overall. A number of optimal metal sheet thickness that you are able to weld begins from twenty-four gauge up to ¼ inch. However, with multiple passes as well as good weld preparation between pass, you are able to go higher.

It comes with a plastic-made feed mechanism, which is a flaw to some. However, it is a bit cheaper compared to other brands. This is a perfect welder to buy as it can save you a lot on bigger projects.

Pros 

• Easy to use, this makes it perfect for newbie
• Well built and last well
• Budget-friendly

Cons 

• The company suggests using .035 wire
• Work with mild steel only

2.Forney Easy Weld 251 20 P Plasma Cutter, Green

State of the art Forney Easy Weld 251 is considered one of the best and powerful plasma cutters available today. This is intended to cut almost anything. 

Aside from being a user-friendly, easy to use a plasma cutter, Forney Easy Weld is also generator friendly. Perfect for sheet metal to thin plate cutting as well as auto body, HVAC, farm and ranch, contractor and plumbing job. 

It is a perfect option for absolute beginners and skilled operators who deal with cutting metals of up to ¼ inch thick on a daily basis as well as thicker on some occasions. The thickness is applicable to copper, brass, stainless, mild as well as galvanized steel. 

For aluminum, the suggested thickness must not be more than 3/16 inch. For specific materials such as steel, you can look forward to a severance capability of up to 3/8 inch. However, you have to understand a compromise on the frequency of use to ensure optimal performance as well as the lifespan of the parts. 

This machine is able to cut stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, galvanized, brass as well as copper with ease. You can easily use this feature. All you want is a 120 V power source as well as an air compressor with 1.5 CFM @ 90 PSI. It comes with a regulator as well as an air dryer to make the operation easier and simpler. 

It also comes with a drag torch system that enables the user to drag the cutting tip in contact with the metal you are cutting for a smooth, consistent, clean cut. Portable and light inverter technology only weigh 21.5 pounds. This state of the art plasma cutter is generator friendly. Thus it is possible to go cutting and move to diverse job sites. 

It has a pilot arc with HF start. Some may have higher expectations on the duty cycle. However, it is typical for these budget welders. Let us see the pros as well as its cons of using this welder.

Pros 

• Compact, cheap, and super lightweight for simple and easy usability in all workplaces.
• Different cutting capacities as well as working range for assisting with various kinds of uses
• Integrated with dryer for making sure clean, dry air as well as a pressure regulator to control the flow
• Comes with a fan for a safe cooling
• Thermal overload protection for stopping the operation in case of undue pressure
• Post flow system for increasing consumable life

Cons 

• Prolong duty cycle expected

3.Forney Easy Weld 261 140 FC-I MiG Welder 

If you are an individual who is into DIY, maintenance, metal fabrication as well as repair, the Forney Easy Weld 261 is a perfect choice. This is considered one of the best MIG welders available today for the most difficult projects that hobbyists and amateurs might encounter. It is lightweight; you can carry it anywhere you want to go and easy to use as well. Also, there is a regulator that controls the amount of voltage. An unstable amount of voltage can cause shocks and unwanted problems related to electricity.

Another important characteristic of the machine is that you can control the speed of the fed wire. It comes with torch wrap and adapters, that increase the levels of effectiveness and efficiency in your work.

The design of this welding machine is worth mentioning. The weight is its most notable feature, weighing only 19 pounds. Since a gas cylinder is not needed during the process, you can place the machine on a cart. It comes with a huge handle located at the top for extra convenience and breeze when carrying it out. This welding product comes with an all-metal frame or casing, which enables more convection and, at the same time, avoids the unit from overheating, even if you use it for a long period of time. For peace of mind, the whole unit comes with a one year warranty. 

Pros 

• It is super lightweight that makes it easy to move around
• Weld up to ¼ inch
• The warranty provides confidence when purchasing this product
• Tough as it made of superior and high-quality materials
• User-friendly
• Can be transported easily
• Customer service responds fast to customer queries and concerns

Cons 

• You can only use parts manufactured only by this company
• Costly but a good investment
• Flux-core might be hard and tricky even though this machine performs great in these conditions.

4.Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder

Key Features

• 120V input and 90 amp output
• Inverter power system
• Handle 1/8 inch rod
• TIG capable

State of the art Forney Easy Weld 298 is an arc welding machine that is great. It’s definitely one of the best choices due to many good reasons. This arc welding machine is portable, super lightweight, and very cheap as well.

The integrated stick starts up in just a few seconds, and it works like a charm. This amazing tool is very consistent when it comes to offering power as well as penetrating the metal. Thus, you can take it anywhere you want with ease, and without exerting too much power and sweat. It only weighs 7.5 pounds and a 6-feet long cord. It is very durable and safe to use in various kinds of settings. Also, this welding machine can be utilized both indoors and outdoors. What is more, it comes with an integrated carrying handle, so you are able to wrap the wire or cords around that. This way, you can keep everything nicely organized.

However, there is one characteristic that makes this welding machine superb and exceptional among others on this list. You can utilize this welding machine for stick welding and TIG welding too. Also, switching one mode to another is as simple as turning the knob. 

It has 120V and 90 amp output. Even if it is not the highest amperage, it is enough for DIYers to complete the task they have. This is also cost-efficient, making it an ideal welder for starter and beginners alike. State of the art Forney Easy Weld 298 is ideal for a newbie or beginners’ welders out there. You can set it up and operate with ease without breaking your bank account. 

Pros 

• Available for a very reasonable price 
• The high-quality build is unmatched, and this is the reason that makes the company renowned 
•  Great for beginners
• Very portable and super lightweight
• Can be applied with a low voltage input
• Extremely forgiving to know the trade with

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a gas hookup
• Even if this machine is TIG capable, still you need to buy a TIG torch from this company
• Some clients complain of being overpriced for what it is able to do
• AC only

5.Forney Easy Weld 140 MP

Key Features 

• User-friendly MIG welding machine 
• Makes use of 0.30 flux core wire 
• 140 amp output which enables you to weld mild steel of up to ¼ in plate 
• Portable, only weighs 19pounds 
• A metal case which makes it rugged 
• It features an 8-inch MIG gun, an 8-inch ground clamp, an integrated handle with torch wrap, and an adapter. 
• 12-month warranty 

As long as you are looking for a quality and superior welder, Forney Easy Weld must be at the top of priority. This is considered one of the best 120-volt welding machines available today. The reviews on Amazon are excellent. 

It is considered a semi-professional grade MIG welder that has 140 amp output. Together with many accessories, this will surely be in the list of the best MIG type of welder machine. 

The company had taken extra care of the wire feeding system of this machine. It makes use of a flux core cable with a size of 0.30 to 0.35 inches. The infinite voltage control, as well as the smooth wire feeding, also puts your welding experience to a higher level. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional welder you will appreciate the craftsmanship of this machine. 

On the other hand, you can expect a high amp output from this machine.

This state of the art MIG welder has a maximum output of 140 amps that is constant for the long duty cycle. It is lightweight since it only weighs 19 lbs so that you can carry it around with ease. 

However, this machine is durable because it is made entirely out of metal. If anything falls upon this unit, it will not break or harm due to its toughness and durability. 

This machine supports a number of different accessories essential for welding manufactured by this company. When it comes to the compatibility of parts, there are recommendations by Forney Easy Weld. 

Pros 

• Well-matched with a 0.35-inch flux core wire 
• The limit output is 140 amp
• Super lightweight, its weight is 19lbs 
• Coated with a metal case for safety and protection 
• A MIG gun comes with the machines
• Comes with eight inches ground clamp
• Safe to use even for a long duty cycle

Cons

• Not A1 usability for newbies or beginner welders out there.

6.Forney 291 Easy Weld 180 ST 120V/230 V Welder

Key Features

• You can weld up to ½ inch mild steel 
• Dual voltage 
• Extremely versatile 
• Rugged 
• Generator friendly
• Very functional

For novice welders who want to take their welding skills to a higher level, then the Forney 291 weld machine is here to help. It is a very powerful machine that is able to weld up to ½ mild steel.

The best thing about this welding machine is that it comes with 10 to 90 amp for 120V and 10 to 180 amp for 230V. 

One good reason why it is included in this list is the satisfactory level of the duty cycle. This state of the art welder has a 30 percent duty cycle at 80 amp at 120V. It has a 25% duty cycle at 180amp at 230V. Therefore, we can say that it has a balanced duty cycle.

Another distinctive feature of this machine is that welders of different skill levels can use it. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, DIYers, seasoned experts as well as hobbyist, you will find this tool easy to use for almost any project regardless of its difficulty. This is the reason why it is one of the best selling models of Forney Easy Weld. It is a lightweight and compact machine that comes with a superior and tough handle, which makes it easy for you to move or carry around. This is a perfect machine, which enables you to do TIG and DC stick welding. It doesn’t overheat, and what is more, it comes with an amazing and satisfactory duty cycle.

Pros 

• Lightweight
• It is also user friendly and has the capability to go through metal thoroughly.
• This is generator friendly so you can give a stable arc off a power generator as well
• The packages take account of electrode holder, cable, and ground clamp. A power cord, as well as a 120V adapter, is also included in the package.
• It is relatively cheap and affordable

Cons 

– TIG torch does not include

– You must not utilize this for welding aluminum materials

What Product Should I Buy for Professional Use? 

Are you searching for a welding machine for professional application or home use? 

State of the art Forney Easy Weld 140 is a multiprocess welding machine ideal for professional use. It is a semi-professional type of a machine which runs at 140amp and is suitable for different types of a professional job. On the other hand, it is can also be used by DIYers, provided the fact that you have the skills and knowledge and how to use it. 

What Product Should I Buy for Home Use 

On the other hand, if you are searching for a welding machine for home use, look no further than the Forney Easy Weld 291. This special unit comes with dual voltage, making it easy and stress-free to weld in your garage, backyard, or small shop. For car body parts, farm and ranch, and light industrial and metal art, you have to consider using this one. 

Forney Easy Welder Recommendation for Beginners

If you are a beginner and just staring in this kind of work, then the Forney Easy Weld 299 is the best choice. This is a reliable beginner-friendly flux core welder able to do simple tasks in your home’s comfort. This is the best and ideal choice of welding machine that you must buy if you want the perks of flux core gasless MIG welding, and you want a superior and high-quality machine. 

What are the Benefits of MIG Welding?

The machines that we have previously discussed are mainly MIG welders. While some of them can be used for other types of welding processes like TIG or stick, MIG is the method that Forney Easy focuses on. It is the standard in the industry in many circles and that’s why anyone who calls himself a welder ought to have experience with this method.

What Is Exactly MIG Welding?

MIG welding refers to the process of utilizing a spool of constantly fed wire. This wire is inserted into the seam while the inert argon gas produces a blanket that protects the metals from contamination. This procedure caused an electric arc to shape between the metals and the electrode that heats them. The heat created allows them to join and become a single piece.

Benefits of MIG Welding

As I mentioned MIG is a very popular method. So, a common question that you might have is what are the benefits of this process. Let’s find out.

• Versatility and Quality: This type of welding can be utilized or applied on many metals, from the superior steel to metals such as nickel, aluminum, and many others. Welds are generated at a high quality, with just slight or negligible spatter generated.
• Speed: This welding process has gone better in comparison with older welding procedures when it comes to speed factor. That’s probably the main reason why MIG dominates. Imagine making miles and miles of welds in a shipyard. If MIG didn’t exist then the duration of such a project would increase. At the same time, the costs would skyrocket.  
• Small Loss of Alloys: One important fact related to this type of welding is that only a small portion of the alloys is removed from the seam. That’s a common problem with other techniques. The gas blanket utilized in MIG solves this problem. This fact makes the whole process more efficient and cost-effective.  
• High-Quality: This welding process provides lots of control when it comes to quality instead of other techniques. The superiority of welding does differ; it all depends on the welder. On the other hand, even a newbie can make great welds with the MIG procedure.

As the process of welding is spotless, a welder can create cool designs and patterns. A lot of work can be performed through MIG welding as opposed to others with the same value or price.

Final Thoughts 

In general, the Forney Easy Welders are considered reliable and dependable welding machines. Those who want to take their skills in the fabrication of metals to a higher level should consider Forney Easy Welders products. It is an obvious choice for basic and complex tasks. 

Obviously, there are other great machines for MIG and TIG welding. However, it is easy to notice the reasons why Forney’s products are different.