Forney Easy Weld 140 MP, Multi-Process Welder Review [2023 Review]

Components and Accessories

Upon closer examination of the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP, we focus on its various components and accessories. Below is a table highlighting these key elements, their quality, and functionality:

Component/Accessory	Description and Quality Assessment
Stinger	The stinger provided with the welder is robust and well-constructed. It feels solid in hand, suggesting durability and reliability for consistent use.
Ground Clamp	The ground clamp is of commendable quality, with a strong spring and good conductivity. It ensures a stable and secure connection, vital for effective welding.
Machine Capabilities	The welder boasts the capability to weld materials up to 1/4 inch thick, catering to a wide range of welding tasks. It also supports both gas and gasless wire, offering flexibility in welding approaches.
TIG Torch (Not Included)	Notably, the TIG torch is not included with this model. This means an additional investment is required for those looking to use the TIG welding function. The cost for setting up TIG welding, including the torch and necessary accessories, should be considered when evaluating the overall investment in this welding system.

This table provides a snapshot of the primary components and their quality, underscoring the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP’s potential as a versatile and reliable welding tool. The inclusion of quality components like a durable stinger and a strong ground clamp enhances the overall value of the welder. However, the absence of the TIG torch and the associated costs for setting up TIG welding are important considerations for prospective buyers, especially those who plan to utilize the full range of welding processes that this machine is capable of.

Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP

1. Initial Assembly:
   • Unpack the welder and all its components.
   • Ensure all parts, including the stinger, ground clamp, and MIG gun, are accounted for.
2. Preparing the Feed System:
   • Open the side panel to access the feed system.
   • The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP is capable of accommodating up to a 10-pound roll of wire, which is ideal for extended welding sessions.
   • Place your chosen wire roll (flux core or gas wire) onto the spindle and secure it in place.
3. Threading the Wire:
   • Carefully unspool a length of wire and guide it through the feed mechanism.
   • Ensure that the wire is properly aligned in the feed rollers for smooth operation.
4. Setting Up the MIG Gun:
   • Connect the MIG gun to the welder if it’s not already attached.
   • Feed the wire through the MIG gun, ensuring it extends a few inches out of the tip.
5. Connecting the Ground Clamp and Stinger:
   • Attach the ground clamp to the welder and secure it to your workpiece or welding table.
   • If you plan to use stick welding, connect the stinger at this point.
6. Powering the Welder:
   • Connect the welder to a suitable power source. Remember, it has a 20 amp plug, so ensure your outlet can handle this requirement.
   • Switch on the welder.
7. Adjusting Settings:
   • The welder features intuitive controls for adjusting wire feed speed and voltage.
   • For beginners, start with recommended settings based on your wire type and material thickness. The welder usually comes with a guide for these settings.
   • Experienced welders can fine-tune these settings based on their preferences and requirements.
8. Safety Check:
   • Before starting to weld, double-check all connections.
   • Ensure you have appropriate safety gear, including a welding helmet, gloves, and protective clothing.
9. Test Run:
   • Perform a test weld on a scrap piece of metal to ensure everything is set up correctly.
   • Adjust the settings if necessary based on the test weld result.

Understanding the Machine’s Controls

• Wire Feed Speed Control: Adjusts the speed at which the wire is fed from the machine, crucial for maintaining a consistent weld.
• Voltage Control: Allows you to set the voltage, which affects the heat of the weld. This should be adjusted based on the thickness of the material you are welding.
• Process Selector Switch: Enables you to switch between MIG, TIG (if you have the TIG setup), and Stick welding processes.

By following these steps, you should have your Forney Easy Weld 140 MP set up and ready for welding tasks. Remember, the key to successful welding is not just in the setup but also in understanding the material you are working with and adjusting your settings accordingly.

Welding Performance Test

To assess the capabilities of the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP, we conducted a test run using flux core wire. This section details our personal evaluation of the weld quality and the machine’s performance, along with a comparison to our previous welding experiences.

Test Run with Flux Core Wire

1. Preparation:
   • We set up a workpiece suitable for flux core welding.
   • The machine was already configured for flux core wire from the setup process.
2. Welding Process:
   • We began with a simple bead-on-plate weld to gauge the basic handling of the machine.
   • The wire feed speed and voltage were adjusted to match the thickness of the metal and the type of wire used.
3. Observations:
   • The wire fed smoothly through the gun, indicating a well-tuned feed system.
   • There was minimal spatter, a common concern with flux core welding, suggesting efficient functioning of the machine.

Personal Evaluation of Weld Quality and Machine Performance

• Weld Quality:
  • The resulting weld bead was uniform and consistent.
  • Penetration was adequate for the material thickness, indicating the machine’s capability to handle a range of welding tasks.
  • The bead appearance was clean with good tie-in at the toes of the weld.
• Machine Performance:
  • The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP operated smoothly throughout the test.
  • The adjustments for wire feed speed and voltage were responsive and precise, allowing for fine-tuning during the weld.
  • The machine remained stable and did not overheat, suggesting good build quality and efficient cooling.

Comparison to Previous Welding Experiences

• Compared to our previous experiences with a Linking flux-cored welder, the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP showed noticeable improvements in both usability and weld quality.
• The finer control over settings and the smoother wire feed contributed to a more enjoyable welding experience.
• The weld quality was superior in terms of consistency and appearance, demonstrating the Forney’s advanced capabilities.
• The overall experience with the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP was more user-friendly, especially for someone transitioning from a more basic welding machine.

Price and Value Evaluation

The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP is priced competitively, especially when considering its multi-process capabilities. It offers MIG, TIG, and Stick welding options, a feature often found in more expensive models. In comparison to other welders in its class, the Forney 140 MP is positioned as a mid-range option. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but its price is justified by the features and quality it offers.

Value for Money

• Versatility: The ability to handle different types of welding processes without needing to purchase separate machines provides significant value. This versatility is particularly beneficial for users who engage in various types of welding projects.
• Upgrade Options: The fact that the machine is upgradeable (such as adding a TIG torch) means it can grow with your skills and requirements, potentially saving money in the long term as you won’t need to buy a new welder for different needs.
• Build Quality: The sturdy construction and reliable performance of the welder suggest that it’s a long-term investment. The durability factor plays a significant role in its overall value proposition.
• Ease of Use: For beginners, the ease of use reduces the learning curve, making it a valuable tool for learning and growing in welding skills. For experienced users, the efficient controls and good weld quality make it a reliable workhorse.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

After thoroughly testing and evaluating the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP, it’s time to draw some preliminary conclusions based on its initial usage.

The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP has proven to be a reliable and versatile welding machine. Its ability to handle multiple processes (MIG, TIG, and Stick) makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of welding tasks. The weld quality, particularly with flux core wire, was impressive. The machine provided consistent, clean welds with good penetration, suitable for both amateur and professional projects.

The welder’s user-friendly interface and intuitive controls made the welding process smoother, especially for those who might be new to welding or transitioning from more basic machines. The setup process, while initially complex for beginners, is a valuable learning experience, contributing to a deeper understanding of the welding process.

The robust build of the welder suggests that it is designed for longevity and can withstand regular use in various environments, which is a crucial consideration for any long-term investment in welding equipment.

Considering its features, build quality, and performance, the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP offers good value for its price point. It stands as a wise investment for those seeking a multi-functional welder without breaking the bank.

Overall Impression

• The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP is a solid choice for both hobbyists and professionals. It strikes a fine balance between functionality, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.
• Its versatility and upgradeability make it a suitable option for a wide array of users, from those just starting in welding to experienced welders looking for a reliable, multi-process machine.

In conclusion, the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP is a commendable welding machine that meets and, in some aspects, exceeds the expectations set for welders in its class. It’s a tool that can grow with your skills and adapt to various welding requirements, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to invest in a quality, multi-process welder.