FORNEY Easy Weld 140 Amp 120-Volt Flux-Cored Wire Feed Welder (No Gas Needed)

This is the best value flux-core welder going right now. I was sceptical after not just one, but two of my friends bought the cheap one from Harbor Freight, both used it one time, and both returned it the same day. Both then bought the Hobart Handler instead. I've been needing a replacement for my old mig machine for quite some time, but just never could afford to spend so much for a decent one. I finally had a little money saved up, and with a lengthy list of projects adding up that require welding I finally started shopping for a mig machine. I can't afford to keep a gas bottle and really have no place to store one if I could so I needed something that could run flux core and runs dc neg. current. I saw many reviews for this welder and though I had been planning on buying the Hobart because I was already familiar with it's performance, I decided to save quite a bit and give this one a try. I don't regret it at all. In fact, it works better than I ever expected. The adjustments are a very nice touch compared to others with only 2 or 4 options for setting the current. This one can be dialed in to the perfect setting allowing great penetration without blowing through. I mostly weld pipe, so for me that was a very important thing to consider. The welder itself is very light at only 19lbs before adding a roll of flux core wire. Seems to be of sturdy construction. The outer case is pretty much the same as my old $600 mig bought off the Snap On truck almost 20 years ago. The torch isn't the best, but certainly more than adequate. I only say that because the lead isn't as thick and protective of the liner and wire inside as other mig welders, but it does have a thick-ish rubber sleeve an is 8 feet long. Tips are easily changed out, the same as any other mig torch. Like I mentioned before, I mostly weld pipe. A lot of exhaust pipes and bike frames, and so far I absolutely love this machine. I took a chance based on all the good reviews and it certainly paid off. I saved almost $200 and feel like I actually got a better welder where it counts. The infinite style adjustments were a big one. The Hobart I was looking at only had 4 settings based on metal thickness. I prefer more of a range to work with. Thickness is only relevant if we all weld exactly the same way at exactly the same speed. While borrowing both of my friends Hobart's for exhaust work I had a hard time because setting it on 2 wasn't giving me the penetration I needed, but 3 would blow through even if I moved fast and cranked up the wire speed to compensate. My welds were not coming out consistent and even breaking soon after I finished. The 140fci does an awesome job. I literally spent 5 minutes puting a roll of wire on and setting it up. The ground clamp is fairly stout and also 8 feet to match the torch length. The quality of the welds I'm getting is way better than I expected. Though I saw many good reviews, not just on here either. There were many on YouTube and other sites as well. I couldn't be happier with this purchase. For someone like me, that just needed to be able to fix things at home without the need to borrow a welder, and maybe even take my bike building hobby to the next level the price and quality are perfect. I feel like I've already saved a lot of money just being able to fabricate the intake manifold and exhaust pipe expansion chamber I've done so far. They weren't just functional but look nice as well, and most importantly, are air tight, no leaks at all. It's easy to use, just choose your current and set wire speed around the same to start, then dial it in to your preferred performance level. I was able to buy this, a decent hood, 2lb roll of wire, and spare tips all for right around 300 dollars. I feel the welder alone is worth that all day. I would highly recommend this to anyone who either welds but doesn't plan to ever use gas, or wants to learn on a quality machine that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Sure, I'd love a nice Miller with all the bells and whistles, who wouldn't? But, I don't use it to make a living, and I can't afford one, so this here was perfect. I can't say enough good things about this welder, and the price just makes it a much sweeter deal. I plan to get a lot of use out of it in the coming weeks finishing up a couple bike builds I currently have going. I'm confident that I will be able to do all my welding and have no problems at all. If that changes, I'll come back and change my review, but I don't think it'll even be an issue. The only thing better than this deal might be the 140mp because then I'd have my arc and mig in one handy machine. While writing this review all I'm thinking about is welding up my latest side project, so I'm going to go and do that now. Very happy with this machine, highly recommend to anyone who has a need for one, and would definitely buy again. Even the bright green is cool. Can't wait to get it fired up again.

Never MiG welded but read a lot of reviews, decided to buy what was highly recommended. The Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder has met and exceeded some expectations.It doesn't come with everything you need to get started so don't forget to get wire (Forney 42300 Flux Core Mig Wire, Mild Steel E71TGS.030-Diameter works great) along with extra consumables and splatter gel. If you don't already have a welding helmet, gloves, hammer, pliers, magnets/clamps - better pick those up if you want to get started with your Forney.Here's what I liked so far:* Easy to setup and start welding (if you have the wire, tools & gear)* Works really well on rebar and other mild steel* Takes a little practice to lay some good looking beads but even ugly beads are strong if done right* Very light and portable* Works on normal 110V outlets- 20A preferredOverall, really happy with this setup and probably all I need for the odds & ends I end up welding.

I've been welding for about 50 years, and until about ten years ago, oxy acetylene, welding art work as well as 3.8" steel projects and I was very good at it. My welds held up for decades. I took up MIG welding about 15 years ago and after 15 years I'm a rank amateur, having used Miller 141, a larger one and the Passport. My welds have held up but look absolutely ugly as hell. So that is my experience I bring to this welder. The Miller Passport is no longer supported and I wanted a portable welder that didn't require lugging around a gas cylinder which brought me to this welder and thought it was a cheap price and I wasn't risking much and could always return it and the fact it was flux only did not bother me given I wanted portability. I set it up in less than five minutes, turned it on and somehow managed to get a nice bead. I started welding hinges on gate posts rather than bolts, 3/16 steel support beams for a large cart, etc and I am so pleased with the ease of use and quality of the product. It is a great value for the money, and it is easy to lug around. My beads somehow are better than with the bigger welders but that is me and not a criticism of the other welders, just that you can get nice welds with this machine. I did some test welds and beat the hell out of the joints to see if it was strong, then cut through it to see the depth of penetration. This welder passed admirably on all counts. Again I want to emphasize I am an experienced amateur and don't come close to the skills of a professional welder.

like these smaller welders,fast setup easy to use, actually works pretty good,done enough work it paid for itself

Good little welder. I recommend it.