Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp,Green
Score By Feature
OveReview Final Score
Product Description
Questions & Answers
I haven't tried it with this welder, but I welded 3/16", 1/4", and 1/8" with no problems with a cheap harbor freight 80 amp arc welder (Chicago electric brand) 120v machine. I prefer thinner rods, 1/16 - 1/4". 3/32, and I prefer size 6011 or 6010 rods for thicker steels because they burn hotter and dig in deeper, which is beneficial on thicker metals. Just don't try to use them on thin materials or sheet metals; they'll burn a hole in them without hesitation. lol I'm confident that if a Chicago electric welder can do that, this one should be able to outperform it.
I tried it with both 1/8 inch rods and it struggled but worked. Welda was not the kind of place you'd expect. I used 5/32 rods, and the results were astounding. Worked perfectly, and the welds looked fantastic and penetrated well. Using smaller rods is all that is required. This is a fantastic little machine that I use in conjunction with a Honda 2000 watt generator. This machine runs perfectly on the Honda, and I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
No, simply plug it in and you're ready to go.
Hello! This machine only has an AC input and a DC output. This machine cannot TIG weld aluminum because it only has a DC output, but it can TIG weld mild and stainless steels. Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry!
Selected User Reviews For Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp,Green
I bought this for some home repairs, opened the box, set up the machine, and began welding 3/32" 7018 rod on flat bar. On the lower settings, I was having trouble getting an arc, but when I increased the current to 90A, I was able to lay out a nice hot bead. The lead and ground clamps are extremely secure and well constructed. Overall, a good product at this price point. br>br>- Welding Inspector at the NDT Level 3.
For the price, this is an excellent welder with a surprising smooth arc and cold welds. It's a little optimistic to use 1/8" rod. For 3/32 crank all the way up to 90a output, it's still not as hot as I'd like; it's worth noting, however, that the 90a setting on this machine is noticeably colder than on larger, more professional machines. It's to be expected that arc strikes are a little rough. br>br>Included is a picture of the first three test beads I ran using 3/32 e7018 rod on rusty 1/8 scrap plate at 90a outputbr>br>All in all, better than I expected for a 120v $150 machine, and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't need to weld much, is just learning to weld, or is looking for a cheap machine.
On my lawn tractor, there's a wheel that uses radar to detect fences, roots, and other obstacles. I've welded it back on several times (ugly welds due to my inability to wire weld for the rest of my life). I bought this welder based on the old adage that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, knowing that, age or not, I'd done enough stick welding in the past to remember the technique. This little welder started running a beautiful, strong bead straight out of the box after a little grinding and wire brushing. I was so shocked that I attempted to break the weld loose by hammering the wheel bracket. It refused to move. Setup was simple, welding was simple, and it's so small that it fit perfectly in the empty gas bottle shelf on my wire welder cart. I couldn't recommend this little gem highly enough for light stick welding. The only thing I can't say about the longevity is that I no longer weld on a daily basis, so given the amount of use it'll get, I'm confident my son and possibly grandson will inherit it one day. This book comes highly recommended.
I bought it to go in the service van of my company. This is an incredible machine; when I first opened it and saw how small and light it is, I was very skeptical. Wow. That's all I have to say. I welded with it today and put it to the test, easily welding over 1/4'' steel. 3/32 rods, on the other hand, were a disaster. I changed to 1/8'' and set the amp to 65 amp and had no more problems. I was able to get full penetration with ease. The device was barely warm to the touch after an hour or so of continuous use. There isn't a better portable welder for the money. a satisfied client.
It has done exceptionally well so far. I've been welding rail spikes and other scraps of metal I have lying around together with no problems on the machines' end. I've used: So far, I've used 3/32 6011, 3/32 6013, 1/8 6011, 1/8 6013, and 1/8 7018 rods. I haven't used the Tig option yet because it doesn't come with a torch and I don't have any gas, but I'm glad it's there in case I need it. This machine is excellent for learning as well as small household tasks.
I've recently become interested in welding scrap metal art, and while I had a 30 year old 110 WeldMate welder that would do the job, it was heavy and difficult to work with. a sticky situation br>br>This unit is much smaller and lighter than my previous one, and it starts an arc much more easily. Although rail road spikes and bolts are recommended for light jobs, I have used them in a few of my projects. It can weld them, but it's difficult due to the steel's hardness and thickness. I usually use 3/32" 6011 rod, but I have a box of very old 1/8" 6011 that seems to work just as well. In my hobby, I work with various metals. It appears to work well with shovels, hoes, spades, RR spikes, RR bolts, RR washers, various nuts and bolts, saw blades, bicycle parts, and so on. The thinner metals must be handled with caution, as they will be burned through. I wouldn't weld anything important with this welder. as if it were a hitch on a trailer It has a low impact on the electrical system. It plugs into any 20-amp circuit with 12-gauge house wire, and I use it in my shop, which is nearly 100 feet from the breaker box. There will be no issues. I also use it on a 30-foot number 12 extension cord, and it has never tripped the breaker. There will be no issues.
Just take it. You either have a welder or are unaware that you require one. I've used it for a variety of tasks that would have taken much longer if I didn't have access to a welder. There are some connections where I still prefer bolts (I'm an architect, so I'm familiar with structural issues). I've only welded a few times, but this welder has proven to be very reliable. Everything is of a surprising high standard of craftsmanship. the on- With gloves on, switching off is extremely difficult; otherwise, I have found no issues. It runs cold, according to some reviews, and they set the current to 90A for the 3/32 rod. I've never had to turn up that high with a single pass using 3/32" 6011 or 7018 on 3/16" steel. I'm hoping I've landed a good one. For such a low-cost device, the stinger performs admirably. I live in another country where good welders are hard to come by. My luggage had to be carried in by hand. this light-weight This was made possible by the weight inverter. It's great to have this work printed on 120 because you can take it with you wherever you go. I was blown away by the capabilities of this. I last welded as a teenager in 1970, when I used a full-size Lincoln and dragged massive heavy cables from the 220 plug to the workpiece (i. e. , which was my truck at the time). This compact unit is ideal for light work that needs to be completed quickly.
Little welder with a lot of potential. For small jobs, this is ideal. I used it to make a grill for my yard and to install mudflaps on my truck using angle iron. It's perfect if you're not doing any big jobs; I was surprised at how well it worked. I don't believe you can get a better deal for the money. It's also a great way to learn how to weld. If you're serious about doing big jobs, you'll need a more expensive machine; I've always used big Lincoln welders, so I was surprised at how much I could do with this small one.