Contents
Overview
The Forney 309 140 is a good choice for if you’re looking for a MIG welder that produces high-quality welds for home welding projects up to 1/4 inch steel. This welder has recently been redesigned and Forney have upgraded some features in response to feedback from the previous model. Some of the improvements include integrated feet which raise the welder off the floor to make it more stable, a torch which has built in strain relief, and a torch wrap so that everything can be kept more organized.
Specifications:
Specifications:1. Brand name: Forney
2. Model: #309, 140 MIG Welder
3. Height: 16.5 in.
4. Length: 19 in.
5. Width: 9.5 in.
6. Duty Cycle: 20% @ 1115A, 35% @ 90A
7. Input Voltage: 120V
8. Process Type: MIG/Flux Cored
9. Product weight: 57 lb.
10. Weld Thickness: 24 ga. – 1/4″ in.
11. Welding Amperage Range: 30-140A
Usability
The Forney 309 is simple to use and reliable, without having many extra features. It can weld mild steel, stainless steel, mild and stainless steel, aluminium and cast iron from 1/16 inch up to 1/4 inch which means it’s well suited for a range of ranch, automobile and general home welding projects.
Forney have made this welder a reliable piece of equipment by having a premium wire feeding system made of cast aluminium. All the parts are replaceable and it’s capable of feeding wire in sizes 0.23, 0.30 and 0.35 inchs very efficiently with the new dual-geared drive roll and improved despooler. There’s also a euro-style disconnect gun which enables you to quickly remove the torch in just a few seconds and replace the liner without any hassle.
Power
The Forney 309 has a 115V input power which means it’s designed for household use and is capable of MIG and Flux-cored welding. The output is from 30A to 140A with a duty cycle of 35% @ 90A, which is a decent amount and better than some other 140 welders.
On the front panel there are four separate voltage settings for the transformer which increase in 1/16 inch increments from 1/16 inch steel at the lowest, up to 1/4 inch on the highest setting. There’s also a door chart on the inside to further assist you. The 309 provides good results, however, it’s not the most powerful welder so I wouldn’t rely on this if you’re planning on doing some more heavy-duty projects. It can, however, still weld 1/4 inch to a decent standard.
140A Welder Comparison Chart
| Welder Type | Features | More |
|---|---|---|
 Longevity MIGWELD 140 | Type: MIG/Flux Input: 115V Output: 25-140A Duty cycle: 20% @ 90A Weight: 54lb | See Price* See Full Review |
 Everlast Poweri 140e | Type: MIG/Flux Input: 120V Output: 25-140A Duty cycle: 60% @ 90A Weight: 28lb Rating: | See Price* See Full Review |
 Forney 309 140 | Type: MIG/Flux Input: 120V Output: 30-140A Duty cycle: 35% @ 90A Weight: 57lb Rating: | See Price* See Full Review |
 Lotos MIG140 | Type: MIG/Flux Input: 110V Output: 30-140A Duty cycle: 20% @ 90A Weight: 54lb Rating: | See Price* See Full Review |
 Lincoln Easymig 140 | Type: MIG/Flux Input: 120V Output: 30-140A Duty cycle: 20% @ 90A Weight: 50lb Rating: | See Price* See Full Review |
 Hobart Handler 140 | Type: MIG/Flux Input: 115V Output: 25-140A Duty cycle: 20% @ 90A Weight: 57lb Rating: | See Price* See Full Review |
 Miller Millermatic 141 | Type: MIG/Flux Input: 120V Output: 30-140A Duty cycle: 20% @ 90A Weight: 51lb Rating: | See Price* See Full Review |
Transport
At 57lbs, it’s not too heavy and can be carried about by using the handle on top. However, it’s still going to be quite heavy for some because of its transformer design so it might be better to place it on a wheeled cart to help move it.
The Forney 309 also comes with a 15-foot long power cord and the 10-foot MIG gun. This is useful because it increases your potential work area and means you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding somewhere to put it.
Price
This welder comes at a reasonable price at under $500 and is a reliable unit. The only thing that would make me think twice about buying it is that there are other welders available at a similar price which might be more suited. The Hobart 140 is generally considered a better all round welder and is one of my favorites, and if worth looking at if you can get it for around the same price as the Forney 140.
The Forney also comes with the 5/3/1 Forney warranty which means that with 5 years there’s warranty for parts, labor or full replacement of transformer. For 3 years there’s parts and labor or a replacement of the components inside the battery charger or welder except the transformer. For 1 year it’s for parts and labor for all components and parts outside the battery charger or welder, including cables and clamps. The full details can be found their website.
Features
- Euro type connector which will help you to save time.
- Wire feed system is made of cast aluminum.
- 10 foot MIG gun
- 4 voltage settings
- 15-foot power cable is longer than many other welders.
- Door chart to help choose settings
- Torch wrap included
- Regulator
Advantages
- Aluminium wire feed system helps to achieve a smooth and stable arc
- Duty cycle allows user to have longer periods of welding
- Larger size to allow easy access to both 4″ and 8″ spools.
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for heavy duty projects
- There are other welders at a similar price which are more powerful
Video
Who Should Buy This?
Forney aren’t as big a name as Lincoln or Miller but this welder gives as good quality welds and is a solid piece of kit. It doesn’t have all the extra features as some of the other 140s, but if you’re not bothered about that and just want a straightforward welder that will do a good job on those lighter projects, then this is a good choice.
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