In Brief: Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST Review
The Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp welding machine brings TIG and stick welding to home hobbyists and DIYers everywhere. This machine makes it easy to dial in the right settings and create professional-grade welds even without any prior experience.
The Forney Industries company focuses on a variety of tools and equipment, including welding machines.
This company created the first arc welder available for public purchase in the 1940s and continues to supply home and commercial welders with impressive machinery today.
In keeping with the Forney Industries company’s commitment to excellence, the Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST welding machine provides powerful welding capabilities in a convenient, portable size.
Key Specifications of Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST
With plenty of easy-to-learn functions, the Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST welding machine provides a convenient stick and TIG welding option for beginners.
This machine also makes it easier for experienced users to complete welding tasks in no time.
Check out the Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp in action here –
Read the long list of Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp specs below:
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | TIG, Stick |
| Input Power | 120V |
| Amperage Range | 90A |
| Duty Cycle | 30% @ 80amp |
| Electrode Range | Up to 1/8in. |
| Plate Thickness Range | 16ga. – 5/16 in. |
| Dimensions | 12 in. x 5.5 in. x 10.5 in. |
| Weight | 9.65lbs. |
| Warranty | Check Manual |
| Features | Lift arc Convenient controls Beginner-friendly |
| Accessories | 8ft. electrode holder 8ft. ground clamp |
Unique Features
Combining easy-to-use features with powerful welding ability, the Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST provides impressive stick results with TIG capabilities as well.
Lift Arc
This machine includes a Lift Arc function to make TIG welding easier. This method provides safer welding for a variety of projects.
120V Input
This welding machine offers 120V input, so it operates smoothly on convenient power sources.
Convenient Controls
The controls on this machine include a simple toggle switch and a single dial, making it easy to dial in, change, and adjust the settings as needed throughout your project.
TIG Capable
Although the machine excludes a TIG torch right out of the box, it offers a TIG-ready functionality that allows users to hook up a torch and start TIG welding immediately.
Beginner-Friendly
This machine features beginner-friendly settings, controls, and functions designed with brand new welders in mind.
Performance & Ease of Transportation
With a surprisingly high performance and results that last, the portable Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST welding machine keeps users of any skill level satisfied.
Performance
The Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST welding machine provides quality performance for both stick and TIG welding. Right out of the box, it offers stick capability that keeps up with much more powerful competitors.
Although the machine puts out a rougher arc than some higher-level welding machines, it nevertheless holds up well to a variety of projects. It handles light to moderate welding jobs with little trouble.
The machine particularly functions well as a beginner stick welding device. Its forgiving design and easy controls ensure it lasts a long time, even throughout beginner mistakes.
Ease of Transportation
This welding machine comes in at just under 10 pounds, making it one of the lightest options on the market. The machine also features compact measurements that keep it highly portable and easy to carry from place to place.
The machine’s lightweight design combines with its durable molded plastic handle to make it easy to transport.
It also connects with most household currents, so it functions in a variety of places without the need for a complicated setup.
Weld Quality and Available Options
The quality of the welding outputs from this machine remains high for most customers. The Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST welding machine puts out impressive stick results, even for completely inexperienced users.
The TIG results remain surprisingly accurate as well. Although the machine welds slightly cold compared to other, similar products, it creates smooth welds that last.
More experienced users even create quality aluminum welds using this machine and aluminum rods.
The Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST welding machine comes in just one option. Customers frequently add the following:
- TIG welding torch and gas: These add-ons make it possible to TIG weld with this machine.
- Aluminum rods: With these consumables, users learn how to weld aluminum with this machine’s TIG functions.
- Flow meter: This attachment makes gas welding possible.
Ease of Maintenance, Repairs & Warranty
The Forney Industries company web site offers a few replacement parts for purchase. However, for internal components, the company recommends contacting a licensed repair technician rather than handling DIY repairs.
Customers performing routine maintenance on this machine should unplug the power supply and leave it off for at least 30 minutes before working on the device.
Every three months or more often if the machine runs frequently, use compressed air to clean the vents on the machine. At the same time, check cables and replace any that appear damaged or worn.
Replace consumables as soon as they wear out. Do not operate this machine with worn consumables.
The Forney Industries company offers a one-year limited warranty on the internal components of this machine. The warranty states that this includes any parts not easily reachable by removing the front cover of the welder.
All other products, accessories, and consumables from Forney Industries come with a 30-day warranty.
The warranty covers problems at delivery as well as any issues with the workmanship of the product itself. It excludes problems that arise from misuse of the machine.
For more warranty information, contact Forney Industries customer service at 1-800-521-6038 ext. 605.
Check out the User Manual.
FAQs
No. This machine offers only 120-volt input and cannot provide any higher voltage.
This machine works well on a 3500-watt generator with at least 20amps.
No. The machine runs continually as long as the duty cycle is not met. It does not require any downtime and strikes a new arc right after the previous one.
No. This machine offers stick and TIG functions but cannot run with a foot pedal attachment.
Price of Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST
The Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST welding machine offers an affordable cost to make it easy for beginners to break into the world of welding.
This machine comes in at a much lower price than many other portable dual-method welders on the market.
The welding machine includes only the basics in terms of functions and accessories, so the price remains low.
However, it creates impressive results and provides convenient welding for beginners. Therefore, the value remains high despite the lower cost.
Who Should Buy Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST?
This welding machine provides accessible stick welding right out of the box. With an additional TIG torch (sold separately), it also makes TIG welding easy to learn and perform, even without prior experience.
Beginners especially enjoy working with this welding machine due to its quality results and easy controls.
More experienced welders may find this machine packs enough of a punch to handle light to moderate jobs in no time.
Our Recommendation
The Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp welding machine offers stick and TIG capabilities as well as an extremely lightweight, portable design. It makes welding efficient and accurate for light to moderate jobs.
We recommend this welding machine for home hobbyists who want to learn how to stick or TIG weld. We also recommend it for DIY projects, metal art, and beginner welding lessons.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API