Today there are many types of welders in the market. Choosing the right welder for your project can be quite tricky – you’ll have to check out their distinctive pros and cons, which is time-consuming.
Professional welders usually have a hard time, too, when it comes to picking the best generator for their needs and requirements. There are many brands, and people usually wonder which is best.
Forney is a popular welder brand known for its high quality and affordable units. The article contains a comprehensive guide on picking the best Forney welders for your project.
Whether a beginner or a professional welder, each group has great picks.
The Top Three Best Forney Welders
Who Makes Forney Welders?
Forney is a popular brand name in the welders market. James Forney did found the company in 1932.
The company is among the longest operating American-owned family companies that make accessory products, equipment, and tools.
Its headquarter is in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since then, the company has grown exponentially and makes different high-quality welding equipment, charger, generator, etc.
Therefore Forney makes the Forney welders, but not from America. The heavy-duty welders are experts or engineers from America and Europe, following Forney’s specifications.
Here are some pictures of Best Forney Welders we have tested out:
Forney Company has a partnership with an Italian company that manufactures their welders. The Italian company follows the specifications and designs from Forney.
Still, the welders are high quality and have amazing performance and durability.
You can also read our review on best weldpro welders
Are Forney Welders Any Good?
Yes, the design of Forney welders makes them quite a deal. The Forney brand is popular and has been in the welders’ industry for quite along.
Each of its welders comes with unique features and capabilities. Forney Company has some of the best units for hobbyists, beginners, and DIYers.
All its units have a straightforward operation procedure, including powering them up. In addition, the welders are durable, lightweight, compact, and come with handles that allow easy portability.
Their compactness makes them easy to store since they don’t eat space. The welding machines also have several user-friendly features such as a spool gun, long cord, torch, etc.
Some single welder units can perform multiple tasks such as Stick, Flux and MIG welding, etc. Note that switching between the modes is quite simple, thanks to the user’s manual.
Forney welders come with amazing warranties. Therefore you won’t have worries in case your unit has issues. Overall, Forney units are high quality and will be super useful to your project.
Also you can check out our in depth review on best everlast welders here.
Features Of Forney Welders
The Forney welders have amazing design and superiority. It means that the output from their units will have next-level brilliance and distinction. Another amazing thing is that the welders are easy to use even without experience.
People love the Forney welders because of their affordability, less complexity, and risk of the process.
In the past, welding was only for those with top-notch skills or those in industrial or commercial settings.
Today, Forney welders are available and easy to use by people who want to do repairs and make art at their home’s comfort.
It’s because they are easy to use. Forney generators also have amazing features that make them stand out from other brands. Here are some of them.
1. Versatility
Some models can use fluxed-core methods and MIG, and these offer you more welding options. The wire feed welding option allows you to try a different types of gases and mixes.
After several trials, you’ll surely be able to get the gas type that works well for you. For example, when it comes to MIG welding, people mostly use 75% Argon and 25% Carbon dioxide.
However, you can try several other gas blends, and each has a specific result. On the other hand, TIG is limited and ideal for beginner welders.
With TIG, you can weld chrome-moly, copper, stainless and mild steel. If the welder is lifting TIG capable, you need to try these metals.
Consider learning the proper lifting techniques if you want to deal with tungsten contaminating the weld properly.
2. Build Quality
Forney has several multi-process and high-quality welders that are so affordable. The primary focus of Forney in most of their products is the build quality.
All their machines have features that make them more reliable and durable. Some of the machines have stamped aluminum wire feed systems.
They are designs offer durability and simplicity. Wire spool spindle comes with several parts that are properly fit. There are no loose, flimsy parts, and they all have a strong build that’ll last over time.
It’s so important since some units use around 10 lb. spools. With such weight that applies rotational force, you should have a high-quality spindle.
If not, the spindle might become loose due to the momentum. It will lead to birds nesting or wire nesting issues in the long run. Forney house units’ casings are of full metal.
The corners are quite rugged and have protective rubber points. Therefore you can comfortably lower the unit to the concrete ground.
3. Built For Beginners
Forney has several welder lines, and most of them are so straightforward. With some of the Forney welders, you won’t worry about amperages, voltage, and wire feed speeds.
The welders come with simple and infinite adjustment knobs that range from 1-10. Therefore you can easily make adjustments like a pro.
It also has a user manual containing detailed information about selecting the exact numbers. You’ll surely learn about the actual specs from the manual.
Plus, wire feed setup is usually simple, and all information about it is in the instruction manual.
Therefore, the entire setup has minimal wires and is not confusing like other welders. The most amazing part is its uncluttered and intuitive front panel.
4. Portability
Forney welders are highly portable, and others are quite compact that you can run them from a generator.
However, the generator should be quite powerful with a minimum output of 4000W. The units also come with handles that make them so easy to carry.
Top 8 Best Forney Welders Reviewed
1. Forney Easy-Weld 251
It’s an amazing piece and is among the best and most powerful plasma cutters in the market. It can surely cut almost anything and is user-friendly, plus the plasma cutter is easy to use.
- Light and portable
- Easy to use
- Drag torch technology
- Plasma cutter
- One Forney Easy weld unit
- 13-inch cutting torch
- One additional electrode
- 20A-15A adapter
- 8-inch ground clamp
Specifications
| Item weight | 21.1 Pounds |
| Warranty description | 12-month warranty |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Power source | AC |
Outstanding Features
Easy to use
You need to have a power source of 120 volts plus 1.5 CFM of compressed air. The welder has a built-in air dryer and regulator that make the process a breeze.
Light and Portable
It weighs only 21.1 pounds, and this makes it easily transportable. It’s also generator friendly, meaning it’s possible to move with it from one job site to another.
Drag torch technology
With the technology, you can simply drag the cutting tip directly into contact with the metal you want to cut. The cut will come out smooth, consistent, and clean.
Warranty
A warranty is an important part of any product, more so electronics. The Forney welder comes with a 12-month warranty which is great.
Therefore you won’t have worries about repair and replacements in the first year after purchase.
Rugged
Its casing is all metal and durable enough to push through the days.
HF Start
The welder comes with a pilot arc that has an HF start. However, certainly, most welders usually have higher expectations regarding the duty cycle.
But that of Forney Easy Weld 251 is typical considering its budget welder.
2. Forney Easy-Weld 140 MP
It’s quite more expensive than most welders on the list but has some amazing features that make it so dependable.
- Multiple processes
- Easy usability
- Infinite voltage and smooth control
- Wire feed speed
- One Forney Easy Weld 140 MP unit
- 12-month warranty
- 8-inch ground clamp
- 8-inch electrode holder
- 10 inch MIG gun
- Integrated handle
- Torch wrap
- 030” contact tip
- Adapter
Specifications
| Item weight | 25.8 pounds |
| Warranty description | 12-month warranty |
| Voltage | 140 |
| Power source | AC/DC |
Outstanding Features
Multi-process welder
Being multi-process means, it’s a three-in-one welder and can perform the functions of a DC TIG, MIG, and Stick welder.
However, you should note that it doesn’t include accessories for TIG welding – therefore, you will have to make a separate purchase. Overall you’ll get all the things you need on one machine.
Easy To Use
The welder has an easy start, making it easy to start and use. Plus, the switch is in a great position for quicker access, making the switching process quick.
Professional welders usually need a welder that’s easy to deal with and start. Therefore the quick start mechanism makes this welder ideal for both professionals and beginners.
Plus, you can quickly change between the welding processes, MIG, TIG, and Stick welding.
Weld Control
The wire feed speed and infinite voltage controls allow you to choose the perfect weld.
140 Amp Output
To some, the 140 amp output is quite low, but it’s quite good for professionals and industrial-grade welding. The flow will be okay if you handle electrodes with the usual sizes.
Rugged
Its case is all metal and so durable to handle the day-to-day struggles. Plus, it’s quite big to handle powerful wire rolls (two and ten-pound).
3. Forney 318 190-Amp MIG Welder
- Improved design
- Easy to use
- Powerful and spacious
- High output at 190 amp
- Quick start guide
- One 190 MIG welder unit
- 10-inch ground cable and clamp
- Regulator and gas hose
- I5 inch power cable
- MIG gun with 10-inch lead
Specifications
| Item weight | 76 pounds |
| Warranty description | N/A |
| Voltage | 190 Amps |
| Power source | Corded – electric |
Outstanding Features
Easy to use
The Forney 190 MIG welder is an amazing welder that’s quite easy to use. It has Euro-Connect MIG guns that have the great TWECO style consumables.
The unit also has the fast disconnect feature that allows easy swap between clean the liner and torch. Usually, most welders’ problems stem up from the torch.
It’s known to alleviate several other issues. As mentioned, the Euro-Connect feature can help remove the torch in just five seconds and replace the liner quickly.
Improved and better design
The machine has better upgrades; for example, it has an improved aluminum wire drive system. It also features a drive roll with a better de-spooler and a dual geared idler.
In addition, it has a torch wrap that ensures cable organization, and the cables have the built-in strain relief that extends cables life.
Powerful and spacious
The welder has capabilities for both flux-core and MIG. It’s powerful enough to weld up to 3/8 inch.
According to professionals, the standard thickness of welding metal is usually 3/8 inches. Plus, it can weld several metals such as aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel.
It has a very large cabinet that offers room for storage and spools. Plus, it comes with a lift-up door that makes loading and unloading into the unit easier.
Gas hose and regulator
The welder comes with a gas hose and regulator that cater to your immediate needs as a welder.
Longer MIG gun
The MIG gun included measures approximately 10 –feet. At the same time, the working envelope between the MIG gun and power cord is about 25- feet.
Therefore this offers convenience to you as you work on different projects.
4. Forney 324 MIG, Stick, TIG Welder
The Forney 324 is among the best high-end welders. People love it for being innovative, multifunctional, and user-friendly. You can use it to weld three different styles: stick, MIG, and TIG.
Plus, it’s ideal for home repair works, light duty industrial jobs such as automobile and boat touch-ups, and fabrication. It also has a metal case that offers durability.
- Easy controls that make the switching process easy
- Multiple trigger modes
- A large cabinet that offers easy access
- Versatile inverter technology
- Power saving
- Euro connect torch
- Stick and MIG setup
- One Forney 324 Stick, MIG, and TIG welder unit
- Flowmeter and gas hose
- Electrode holder
- TIG and MIG welder guns
- Power cords and grounds clamp
Specifications
| Item weight | 51.4 pounds |
| Warranty information | 5/3/1 warranty against manufacturer defects |
| Voltage | 190 |
| Power source | Corded – electric |
Outstanding Features
Multipurpose welder
The welder is three in one and can do stick, MIG, and TIG welder. However, it lacks some accessories for TIG welding. Therefore you’ll have to make a separate purchase.
Easy to use
It comes with an easy start that makes each strike easier. The well-placed three-position switch enables the welder to change the welding process quickly.
Control your weld
With the welder, you can move at a speed you feel fits you right. Plus, the welder has a flow meter that supplies the correct gas amount using a single-stage piston.
Flexibility
The welder is dual voltage, and thus, you can switch between precision and heavy-duty welding. Switching styles is also so straightforward.
With any of the two ranges plus the combination of 190 amps, finishing that welding project will be easy and quick. Plus, you can set it to low current when dealing with thin metals.
Performance
As mentioned, the MIG weld has dual voltage. It can perfectly get through 3/16 steel in a single pass at only 140 amps. It will also effectively and efficiently weld 3/8 steel without risking overheating.
In addition, the machine can perfectly handle electrodes of up to 5/32 when it comes to sticking welding. All in all, it’s an amazing machine that has got you covered in all your welding projects.
The welder is ideal for light industrial jobs, maintenance, repairs, boats, automotive, and general fabrication. Lastly, it has an intuitive LCD that makes it easy for the welder to set up the machine.
5. Forney 319 270-Amp MIG Welder
If you need a high-capacity welder and can handle ½ steel, you should go for the Forney 319 270 amp MIG welder.
It’s surely the best welder for professionals and will offer an output of up to 270 amps. The most amazing part is that the welder has 15 inches of gun wire.
- Portable
- Ideal for thick metals
- Compatible with spool gun
- Ideal for industrial use
- One MIG welder
- Gas hose
- Flowmeter
Specifications
| Item weight | 203 pounds |
| Warranty description | N/A |
| Voltage | 270 |
| Power source | Corded – electric |
Outstanding features
Long cables
If you want a model with long cables, then this model is the best. It comes with a power cord and 15 inches MIG gun.
The long cord is ideal for large job sites where you have to move the welder frequently. Overall the model is ideal for thick and large steel structures.
Great for thick metals
The model is powerful and comes with more amperage and capacity. Therefore it can perfectly joint thick metals.
Splatter free
The welding machine is powerful and offers a top-notch and splatter-free finish. Plus, it has a great wire feeding speed that comes with great control. You can adjust the voltages in ten different steps.
6. Forney 235 AC/DC Stick Welder
For any welder that needs a top-notch AC/DC stick welder that offers high power or you want a transformer-type welder without spending too much –then it’s the right for you.
- Easy to use
- Ready to weld from the box
- Powerful
- Versatility
- Large working envelope
- Forney 235 AC/DC stick welder
- 15 inches power cord
- 15 inches ground cable and clamp
- Electrode holder
- 15 inches welding cable
Specifications
| Item weight | 108 pounds |
| Warranty description | N/A |
| Voltage | 230 volts |
| Power source | Corded – electric |
Outstanding Features
Great duty cycle
The welder has an amazing duty cycle, which makes it different from the rest in the crowd. Some of its duty cycles are 50% at 150 amps AC, 35% at 123 amps DC, and many more.
Powerful
The welding machine is AC/DC CC and has a power 24-gauge that can perfectly weld ½ inch thickness metal.
Easy to use
The welder has a unique style connection that allows easy polarity change and cable repair.
Various applications
The welder doesn’t need any complex setup, and you surely use it directly from the box. You can use it for different purposes such as metal fabrication, repairs and maintenance, automotive, agriculture, and contractor and DIY.
7. Forney Easy Weld 299
The unit is a basic flux-core welder. Some welders refer to it as a MIG machine. However, it doesn’t need shielding gas like other typical MIG machines.
- 125 amp output
- 120-volt input
- Gasless flux core welding only
- Accepts 10 lbs. and 2 lbs. spools
- Welding wire
- Welding accessories
- Power tool accessories
Specifications
| Item weight | 51 pounds |
| Amperage capacity | 125 amps |
| Warranty description | Six month |
| Material | Metal |
Outstanding Features
Flux Core Wire Welding
Flux core welding is the most straightforward welding process and best for newbies. With this welder, you won’t have the pressure of dealing with compressed gas. It means there are no extra costs for transportation and storage of gas.
User Friendly
Welders love this groundbreaking welder because of its user-friendliness features. The welder’s ground clamp and torch head are come installed. It allows you to start the job quickly.
A beginner will not take the most time to get past the beginner level. If you’re a professional welder, the flux-core machine is still reliable and from a reputable brand. It’s the perfect choice for any skill level.
In addition, the welder is well-priced and yet reliable. You should choose the welder if you are sure you’ll do the FCAW welding process. The welder can perfectly weld a metal sheet with a thickness of 24-gauge to ¼ inch.
8. Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder
The Forney Easy welder is a state-of-the-art machine that’s great. Many welders choose the machine because of unique good reasons like being super lightweight, portable, and cheap.
- TIG Capable
- Inverter power system
- 90 amp output
- 120V input
- Inverter power system
- Stick welder
Specification
| Material | Metal |
| Item weight | 13.74 pounds |
| Amperage capacity | 90 Amps |
| Warranty description | 12 months |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Power source | Corded-electric |
Outstanding Features
Easy Start Technology
The welder has an integrated stick start that powers it in seconds. The feature makes the excellent tool so consistent. That’s when offering power, plus the machine penetrates metals well.
Lightweight and Portable
The welder only weighs 7.5 pounds and has a long cord of about 6-feet. Thus, you can move with the welder to any place with ease.
Amazingly, the welder is safe and durable, and therefore you can use it in various settings such as outdoors and indoors.
It also comes with an integrated handle, and you can wrap the cable around and carry it to any place. Keeping everything so organized.
Stick and TIG Welding
It’s the one feature that makes the welder superb and so exceptional. You can utilize the Forney welder for both TIG and Stick welding. Plus, it’s so simple to switch from one mode to the other using a knob.
Buyer’s Guide
The Forney Company makes many powerful and high-quality welders. Most of their welders ate portable and so easy to use.
You can effectively and efficiently use different Forney models in the automotive industry, maintenance jobs, DIY projects, and many more.
Hobbyists will surely love the Forney welder for their garage or workshop jobs because of their power. However, choosing a suitable welding device for your project can be quite tricky.
The buyer’s guide will give you detailed information on the most specific features you need to consider when picking that Forney welder. Here are the key points.
1. Input and output rating
Input and output rating is crucial for welding and accurate performances. There are several ratings for Forney welders, and you can get one working at 120V and another at 230V.
The input rating is usually not important since you interchange them using an adapter. The output is the deal, and its rating determines the metal thickness the welder can perfectly weld.
Most Forney devices usually work well with medium-range works. However, some units can perform heavy-duty assignments. You’ll need a welder with an output level below 140 amps for DIY projects and small shops.
Choose a welding machine that has high output rating if you intend to do high-end work or thick weld metals.
2. Price and Other Accessories
The price is an important factor that both beginners and hobbyists need to consider. The amazing part is that most Forney welders are affordable.
As a welder, you also need to consider extra equipment that comes with the package, such as a wheel for easy portability. You will also need shielding gas for any MIG welding tasks.
You should always pick a MIG welder with a hose and gas regulator. If not, you’ll need to buy these accessories separately.
3. Type of Welder
There are many Forney welders, and the most popular is the MIG welder. However, there are different Forney welders with Stick and TIG welding capacities.
The type of welding machine you choose should depend on the type of welding you want to do.
If you want to get more than one welding process, you can choose a single welder that is multi-process. Note there are specific welders for certain levels, such as beginners and professionals.
5. Portability
Forney is one of the manufacturers popularly known for its portable machines. Most of their models are small, low weight, and highly compatible.
Some Forney welders weigh approximately 13 pounds, and these are some of the lowest available welders. Portable machines are easy to carry from place to place, and therefore you can work with them from almost anywhere.
Also you can check out our in depth review on best harbor freight welders here.
What Product Should You Buy For Professional Use?
If you are looking for a welding machine for professional application, then do not worry. There are lots of options. The design of Forney Easy Weld 140 is ideal for professional jobs.
The welder is semi-professional and runs at 140 amps. It can surely do many professional jobs. Plus, if you are among the DIYers, you can use it well.
All you need to have are the right knowledge and skills to use the welding machine.
What Product Should You Buy For Home Use?
On the other hand, you might need a welding machine for your home use. The Forney 235 AC/DC Stick Welder is the best option on the list.
The unit comes with special features such as being easy to use, making it stress-free when using it in your garage, small shop, etc. You can also use it on your ranch, farm, body parts, and other metal art and light industrial.
What Is MIG Welding?
MIG welding involves using a spool of the constantly fed wire. You insert the wire into the seam, and the inert gas forms a blanket, which protects welding metal from contamination.
It creates a heat that joins the metals, making them a single piece.
What Are The Benefits of MIG Welding?
High Quality
MIG welding process offers great control when it comes to welding quality. However, you’ll notice that the welds differ, and this depends on the type of welder.
In reality, MIG welding can still offer great welds even with a beginner.
Quality and Versatility
You can use MIG welding on several metals such as aluminum, nickel, superior steel, etc. The welds usually come out of high quality.
Conclusion
There are several Forney welders, and most of their portable welders are ideal for both professionals and beginners.
Each product comes with unique and amazing features that will help you have a clean and high-quality weld. Forney welders are high-quality, indispensable, and good for people who want something affordable.
