In Brief: Review of Forney 299 125FC Welder
The Forney 299 125FC is a beginner level welder and can be used for small domestic jobs. The very portable machine, weighing around 33 pounds, can run right out of the box and is easy to use, as the name suggests. The machine is a gasless flux-core welder which can weld all types of steel and can be used through a residential 120V input.
Designed for use in the maintenance and sheet metal fabrication, the Forney 299 features a single-phase transformer and a built-in control/feeder.
The wire speed control has 10 speeds for various conditions. The machine can weld sheet metal up to 3/16 inches thick in a single pass.
The product package includes contact tips, wire brush, and small spool welding wire.
The welder comes with all the necessary accessories which are required for using it right out of the box.
The machine is often utilized in smaller jobs that require precise welding.
The machine also does not use a shielding gas for welding.
Although rated for mainly steel types, the machine can be used to thinner thicknesses weld copper and aluminum.
Manufactured by Colorado-based Forney Industries, the product is one of the many welding tools and equipment that the company produces.
Forney Industries was founded in 1932 and is one of the country’s largest supplier of metalworking products.
Contents
Key Specifications of the Forney 299 125FC Welder
The product weighs in at just below 35 pounds and requires a 120 Volt input for its operation. The use of a 0.030-inch wire is recommended for flux core welding processes.
The duty cycle is 20% at 125 Amperes. The welder is compatible with both 2 and 10-pound spools.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 33 lbs. |
| Input Voltage | 120V |
| Amperage | 125A |
| Input Phase | AC/DC |
| Compatible Processes | Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) |
| Wire Diameter | Up to 0.035 inches |
| Welding Capacity | 24 Gauges to 1/4 inches |
| Materials that can be welded | Mild steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
| Duty Cycle | 20% |
| Shielding Gas Required | No |
| Power Cord (ft.) | 6 feet |
| Welding Range | 65 - 80A |
| Rated Output | 125A / 120V |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.6 x 12.6 x 18.5 in³ |
How to use the Forney 299 125FC Welder
The welder can be used for light to medium-duty jobs, on a number of material types.
A 0.035 or 0.035-millimeter wire can be used for welding but a different contact tip must be used for doing so. The welder comes with MIG equipment which can be used right out of the box for welding.
The welder has an auto-restarting system, which prevents damage to the welder when the machine overheats.
The auto-restarting feature often saves the welder from getting damaged during voltage fluctuations. The machine has a switch through which the user can select the nature of the work, which includes an option Sheet Metal and Thin Plate.
The Forney 299 125 FC comes with a 10-speed wire feed control, which allows the user to maintain the wire speed according to the job requirement.
The machine also features an auto-feed system, which enables the user to just hold the trigger and the welder automates the wire speed during the process.
The following video shows the working of the product:
Warranty/Repairs
The company provides a limited warranty of 6 months effective from the date of the purchase.
Within this warranty period, the company will repair or replace any parts or components that fail due to inherent defects in those products.
The warranty is not applicable to consumable parts such as contact tips, cutting nozzles or electrodes.
To claim a warranty or enquire about repairs, the buyer can call 1-800-521-6038. The user can also visit www.forneyind.com for additional information about the product.
Customer Reviews
After an analysis of reviews given by buyers on retail sites like Amazon, Home Depot and Forney, a consensual opinion on the product was identified.
A number of customers suggested how this product is most suitable for learners but veteran welders can also make good use of the product.
With features like the Auto-feed system, Auto-restart system, and multiple wire speed control, the buyers were more pleased with the product than some of its competitors.
The product is lightweight and buyers have mentioned how easy it is to carry the welder around. Customers also pointed out how the machine requires little to no maintenance due to its simple and accessible design.
Along with having a high duty cycle, the welder is also given credit for being quite versatile being able to weld many types of material.
Pros / Cons of the Forney 299 125FC Welder
After reading up on consumer reports and expert comments, we drew the following pros and cons:
Pros
- Easy setup and use
- Can run on the standard household current input
- Portable
- No gas required
- Low maintenance
- Affordable
- Dual voltage system
- Reliable
- High output
- High duty cycle
- Ample storage
Cons
- Only supports TIG welding
- Can’t handle high duty jobs
Recommended Accessories with Forney 299 125FC Welder
The following accessories are included with the machine in order to make the machine usable from the get-go –
- MIG Gun
- Ground Clamp
- Contact Tip
- Chipping Hammer
- MIG Wire
Additional accessories include –
Flux Core MIG Wire
Contact tips for MIG welding
FAQs
Yes, the machine can be used through a 120V plug.
Yes, this welder has an auto-feeding system.
This welder runs on AC input.
The product has a limited 6-month warranty.
Yes, it is capable of welding both the materials.
No, this machine will not require a shielding gas.
Our Recommendation
The welder is affordable and reliable, especially for beginners who are just starting to learn about welding.
The machine can be used for stainless steel, mild steel and thinner jobs of copper or aluminum.
The machine is also very precise and provides good quality of welds when used on the recommended thicknesses and materials.
Though exclusively an AC welder, the welder is easy to use and comes with functional accessories such as the MIG gun.
The multiple options for feed rates allow you to create a customized arc for different types of materials making it all the more convenient to use.
We would recommend this welder for any customer who needs a fix for domestic jobs and can run on the residential current input.