9 Best Forney Welder Reviews in 2024: A Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by John Patterson

Since 1936, Forney is one brand that has solely focused on welding machines and accessories.

And after 90 years of constant innovation and improvement, we can see the result in a vast range of winning welder models in the market.

If you’ve been an admirer of this brand as we are, this review is solely for you.

Please go through our handpicked 9 Forney Welders reviews, which are done by keeping beginner and professional welders in mind.

Let’s get going-

Forney Welder Reviews of 2024 (Our Top 9)

Here’s the updated list of Best Forney Welding Machines we found for you on the market today.

#1. Forney Easy Weld 140 fc-i Review: Forney easy weld 261 review

As long as professional welding is taken into consideration, MIG welding is the best type of welding form ever.

As long as we’re seeking a quality MIG welding machine under the brand name of Forney industries, the Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder comes in the first place.

You can consider this one as one of the best 120-volt welders.

It’s a semi-professional grade portable MIG welder with a decent output of 140 amp.

Along with several accessories material, this will undoubtedly be on your shortlist of best Forney welder of MIG type.

Let’s have a look at its features and benefits-

Features and Benefits

Smooth Control over the Wire Feed
One of the unique facts about this model is, Forney had to take special care of the wire feeding system of this welder machine. It uses a flux core wire of a size range of 0.30 inches to 0.35 inches.

Not only that, but the infinite voltage control and the smooth wire feeding had also taken its appeal to the next level — such a delight for any professional welder.

Up to 140 Amp of Output
When you’re talking about a semi-professional grade welder within a low budget, you can hardly expect a high amp output from it. But as a matter of fact, Forney seems to do some real wonder there!

This MIG welder can provide the highest output of 140 amp, which is constant for a long duty cycle as well.

Weighs only 19 Pounds
This portable MIG-type welder is quite easy to carry around. In case you’ve worked around a remote area with no static settlement, this 19-pound model will give you a hand.

While carrying around, the welder should be provided with safety from outdoor hazards. Therefore, it’s rugged by an all-metal sheet. So, if something substantial falls upon this welder, it won’t harm the inside parts and delicate electronics.

Comes with a Handful of Welding Accessories
Nothing is capable enough unless or until you equip it up with essential accessories, and no exception with the welding machine as well. From that point of view, this Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder will get a letter grade, however.

There isn’t an 8 inches MIG gun, 8 inches ground clamp, handle, torch wrap in the handle, 20A adapter to power it up, and so on. All of these are essential add-ons and accessories to go for a smooth, hassle-free welding operation.

#2. Forney 190 mp Welder Review: Forney 318:

No matter whichever brand we talk about, there are many brands that offer a combo welder of both Mig and Tig type welding.

But that’s not the thing you always want. Sometimes, you want a combo of Mig welding and Flux core welding.

If you’re looking for something likely, the Forney 318 190-Amp MIG Welder reviews are for you. This stands to be our second best, and here goes the detail-

Features and Benefits

Can Weld-Up to ⅜ Inches
The first question popping up in your mind is how much it can weld in terms of thickness? Well, the standard demand says it’s ⅜ inches of depth with every kind of usual welding metal. There is stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and so on- which are capable of being welded with this welder.

190 Amp High-Level Outputs
When it comes to the performance and amount of welding load that a welder can carry, it’s always indicated by the output. The amp output for this Forney 318 is 190 ampere, which is more than enough. Especially, heavyweight welding chores that need constant support can be well done with this welder machine.

Several User-friendly Features
To make this welder easy and convenient to use, there are a lot of features that are taken care of. Thanks to Forney industries, the manufacturer.

There is a spool gun feature, a long torch that is quick and easy to connect, an extra-long cord, an aluminum feed, a holder with geared facility for the aluminum feed, and so on.

Both MIG and Flux Type Welder
MIG welding, which refers to using metal active gas welding, where the electrode or workpiece metal is from inert gas processing. On the other hand, Flux welding or Flux Core welding is quite a semi-automatic process of welding, where it requires a constant voltage supply.

Luckily, this welder is s compatible with both of these welding types!

#3. Forney Easy Weld 140 mp Review: Model 271

The last pick from the welding inventory of Forney industries is their newly released TIG welder with the name of Forney Easy Weld 271, 140 AMP Mig Welder.

It’s quite expensive if you take the price of the previous two models into consideration.

But once we are done with explaining its features and benefits, you will understand why the price of this model is impossible to keep low.

Let’s go through the features one by one-

Features and Benefits

It’s a 3 in 1 Welder
In the first place, we tagged it up as a TIG-type welder. Although that’s the primary identity of this welder, that’s not all we’ve to say. It’s also able to execute MIG type welding and Stick type welding as well.

However, the important thing is, you might need to buy additional accessories to make can do TIG-type welding anyway.

Easy to Start Switch
If a welding machine takes a fortune to start, that’s not something that a professional welder would like to deal with. To make sure that doesn’t happen with this model, there is a quick starting mechanism.

In case you want to change the welding process quickly, there is a switch for that as well. So switching between the TIG welding, the MIG welding, and the Stick welding won’t be a hassle at all.

Built and Coated for Safety
While working under the open sky or even in the garage, something substantial can fall onto your favorite welding machine. If the machine is not provided with ample safety, it will catch up with some severe damages that you can’t undo.

To make sure that doesn’t happen with your welder, there is a coated metal shield along with this machine. Also, there is a full metal wire drive assembly to make its usability even better.

A handful of Accessories with 10 Inches MIG Gun
To make it able to execute MIG welding without any hardship, there is a 10 inches MIG gun provided with this model. Also, there are some more accessories, where the 8 inches electrode holder, 8 inches ground clamp, handles with torch grip, and so on. To power it up easily from any AC outlet, there is a 20A to 15A adapter provided with it.

140 Amp Output
For a welding machine of such price, the 140 amp output might seem a bit low. But trust up when we say that, it’s well enough for professional and industrial-grade welding. While handling any usual size of electrodes, this will do just fine with the flow.

#4. Forney Easy Weld 298 Review

If you are learning about welding and want to practice at home, perhaps this Forney welder Review are something you are looking for.

In fact, it will get the job done for most of your projects if you are a DIYer or hobbyist welder.

Features & Benefits

Fast and Welds Like a Charm
The stick starts up relatively faster, and it welds like a charm.

It’s consistent in terms of providing power and penetrating the metal.

Multiple Welding Support
You can use this same machine for stick welding as well as TIG welding.

Switching between two modes is a breeze using the knob.

120V Input and 90 amp Output
While 90 amp output is not the highest amount of amperage, at the same time, it’s ample to get things done for DIYers.

Cost-effective for the Beginners
This Forney welder is an all-in-all machine for a beginner. It’s easy to set up, operate, offers what it needs to provide, and doesn’t break the break.

#5. Forney Easy Weld 29801 Review

Here the welder is the same unit that I reviewed above (Forney Easy Weld 100 ST).

So, the features, benefits, and pitfalls are the same.

I’ve listed this version of the welder to let you know that you are getting a handful of start-up kits with that 100 ST welder spending a little more money.

You will be getting – a welding helmet (auto-darkening), driver gloves, wire brush, welding gloves, steel electrodes (3/32”), and a type 27 metal grinding wheel (4-½”).

#6. Forney 291 Review

No products found.

If you are a novice welder and want to take your welding skills to the next level, this Forney 180 ST is one of the best bets for you.

Features and Benefits

Powerful Machine
Forney 181 ST is quite a powerful machine to weld up to ½” mild steel.

It features from 10 to 90 amp for 120 volts, and 10-180 amp for 230 volts. It clearly shows how capable it is to deal with things efficiently at 230 volts.

Satisfactory Level of Duty Cycle
This particular welder 30% duty cycle @80 amp at 120 volts, and a 25% duty cycle @180 amp at 230 volts.

The duty cycle is not too good, not too bad, either.

Supports Several Levels of Welders
Different levels of welders like beginners, DIYers, hobbyists, seasoned professionals would find this a handy-dandy machine for welding.

#7. Forney 322 Welder Reviews

If you are finding it difficult in flux welding and want to switch to MIG welding, consider this welder as one of the most user-friendly machines.

Features and Benefits

A 3-in-1 Combo Unit
Forney 322 lets you do three types of welding using the same welder machine. You can switch between MIG, Stick, and TIG welding machines.

Switching among the welding modes is quite an effortless task too.

I believe this single feature is well enough to steal the show.

Various Application
As this machine supports multiple welding modes, it serves just fine for several applications like – maintenance, auto bodywork, contractor, general publication, farm, and ranch, etc.

A Handful of Accessories are Included
This machine comes with multiple useful accessories like a gas hose, ground cable, and clamp (10’), stick electrode holder (10’), input power cable (8’), regulator, MIG gun with 10’ lead, 20A to 15A adapter cord, etc.

#8. Forney 235 Review

Forney 235 welder is a top-notch AC/DC stick welder that provides a lot of power.

If you are looking for a transformer-type welder without costing a fortune, then you might be interested in buying this model.

Features and Benefits

Good Duty Cycle
Regarding providing a good duty cycle, this machine sets itself somewhat apart from the crowd.

It offers a 50% duty cycle @150 amp AC, 35% duty cycle @135 amp DC, 20% @235 amp, 20% @180 amp.

Various Uses / Applications
You can use it right out of the box, and apply it for serving various purposes like agriculture, automotive, metal fabrication, maintenance and repairing, DIY, contractor, etc.

Includes Useful Accessories
Although it doesn’t come with wheels, and handle kit, it offers some other handy accessories like –

• A Ground clamp with cable (7’).
• An Electrode holder (10’).
• A Power supply cord (8’) with a 50 amp plug.

Nonetheless, you can buy the wheel and handle kit from here.

#9. Forney Easy Weld 299 Review

Forney Easy Weld 299 is another beginner-friendly flux core welder that you can afford without hurting your pocket.

Features and Benefits

Satisfactory Duty Cycle
This Forney welder features a 20% duty cycle @125 amp, which might not be the best value for a long project, but it’s quite enough for a small project.

Accessible to Control Dual Voltage System
This machine features a dual voltage system, and controlling the voltage between 120V to 230V is a cakewalk by switching between plugging in systems from low voltage to high voltage.

Auto Restart Overheat Protection
An auto restart system is implemented inside the machine that prevents overheating when the welder gets hot.

How We Wrote This Review?

While going through the process of selecting the best Forney welder, we’ve to keep several facts in mind. Here is a list-

The Diversity in Function

Welders nowadays are capable of providing 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 welding mood variation. So, we’ve considered that for every model out there.

Real Expert’s Analysis Report

We’ve taken the reports of both our in-house product analyst and the guest analyst before preparing the final review.

User’s Experience

We’ve gone through hundreds of user reviews online to understand how users feel about each of these models.

Forney Welder Unboxing Video:

Are Forney welders any Good?

Answer: Yes, of course, Forney welding machines have all the ability to steal the show.

It’s not only because Forney has been dominating the industry for a long.

Each of its welders justifies the claim.

First of all, Forney welders are some of the most suitable units for DIYers, beginners, and hobbyists.

It’s because the operation procedure, including powering up the units, is pretty straightforward, the units are well built and durable.

The welders are compact, reasonably lightweight, and feature handy-dandy handles to hold and carry them comfortably.

It doesn’t overeat space either to store it.

Forney welding machines offer several user-friendly features like a long torch, spool gun, long-cord, etc.

Most of the models let you do multiple types of welding (TIG, Flux, Stick, etc.) using one unit. Switching among these welding modes is not an uphill task, either. Kudos to the dedicated switch to perform this task.

All the models include necessary accessories and backed up by Forney’s warranty.

Altogether, Forney’s high-quality welding machines have all the reasons to be considered super handy tools for welders.

Where are Forney welders made?

Answer: Forney welders are not made in the USA.

However, don’t be fooled by thinking that they are some of those cheap welders made in China.

Forney heavy-duty welding machines are designed by some of the expert American and European engineers following Forney’s specifications.

This brand is partnered with an Italian manufacturing company that manufactures the welders following all those designs, and specifications.

In a nutshell, though Forney welders are not made in the USA, they don’t fall behind the USA-made welders by any means regarding quality, performance, and durability.

Who makes Forney Welders?

Answer: ‘Forney’ itself is a brand name that was founded in 1932 by James Forney.

It has been growing exponentially since 1945 and manufacturing different welding equipment, generators, chargers, etc.

So, the answer is pretty simple – ‘Forney’ makes the Forney welders.

Final Verdict

There are dozens of brands in the market, but as they’ve solely focused on welding products and accessories, they’ll deserve some real appreciation.

Hopefully, this Forney welder review has been helpful for you!