Wondering where Forney welders are made or how the multi-process (MIG, TIG, Stick) machines work? Want to know about certain accessories or warranties? We’ve got the answers for you! We’ll be publishing more frequently asked questions and answers throughout the year. If you have a question that hasn’t been answered in these posts or in our full FAQs, post it in the comments or email it to us at customerservice@forneyind.com. Check out some of the most popular FAQs in this post!
Q: Where are Forney welding machines manufactured?
A: Our Forney machines are designed by American and European welding engineers using Forney specifications. Our Italian manufacturing partner has a great reputation for producing quality welding machines. We think you will find our welding machines as good or better than ones manufactured in the U.S.
Q: How does the TIG setup work on the MP welding machines?
A: You can use the Forney TIG torch or any 17V style torch with a size 25 dinse style connector. The MP machines do not have a gas solenoid for TIG welding so a TIG torch with gas valve is necessary. The “V” in 17V indicates the torch has a gas valve. The Forney TIG torch has a trigger that connects to a 7 pin Amphenol style connector that allows you activate the arc with the trigger. A traditional non-trigger torch can also be used with a lift-arc technique. The output is DC only and suitable for welding various steels, and some stainless steel. The Forney MP machines are not A/C, pulse, or high frequency capable so welding aluminum is not recommended.
Q: Do I need a foot pedal for TIG welding?
A: No, but you may find it helpful. The TIG pedal hooks up to the Forney MP machines by way of the 7 pin Amphenol style connector and allows the user to “remotely” control the welding arc and current. If you use a foot pedal, the machine would need to be switched from local to remote.
Q: What type of gas should I use for TIG welding?
A: It depends to some extent on base metal and thickness but most TIG welders will use 100% Argon.
Q: Why should I TIG weld when I can MIG or Stick weld?
A: TIG welding is usually reserved for very precise welding or where the highest quality of weld is necessary. Often it is much easier or quicker to MIG weld or stick weld. Personal preference is a factor. Most find that MIG welding is the preferred method of welding since it’s fast, easy, and good results are possible. Some welders also prefer stick welding as it’s more portable and better for field repairs on dirty or rusty material. Stick welding is also very versatile as you can easily weld steel, stainless steel, and cast materials with a quick change of the electrode.
Q: Can you lay out the limitations of the 140 MIG? (Breaker, duty cycle and wire diameter.)
A: The Forney 140 MIG as well as other high output 120V machines often produce end-user frustration due to the breaker popping and needing to be reset. This is a common problem and is very noticeable if the customer is using a 15 Amp breaker, using .035” wire, or is pushing the wire feed limits of the machine while on tap setting 4. When designing a 120V machine, there is a balance between maximizing the output of the machine or never blowing a breaker, but having a poor output machine. We chose to maximize the output of the machine as the machine settings can always be turned down. The performance of the Forney 140 MIG machine has the highest rated duty cycle and output at 90A at 35% in its class. If you are frustrated by a breaker popping, try reducing the tap setting, reduce the wire feed speed, reduce the wire diameter, or get a less capable machine. Also, verify the breaker output and have an electrician install the largest breaker that can safely be used per electrical codes. The chart below will provide some guidance:
Forney 140 MIG- Reference for breaker/duty cycle/wire diameter limitations
* All limitations and listed times are approximate and can be affected by solid or flux core wire, stickout, gas used, input voltage, and type of breaker
| Wire Diameter | .030″ | .030″ | .030″ | .035″ | .035″ | .035″ |
| WFS | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| Voltage Tap | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 20A Breaker | 5 min. + | 5 min. | 1 min. | 1 min. 45 sec. | 1 min. | 30 sec. |
| 30A Breaker | 5 min. + | 5 min. | 5 min. | 4 min. | Unstable Arc | Unstable Arc |
The Forney 140 MIG needs a dedicated circuit and can operate on a 20A to 30A breaker without damaging the machine. A breaker that is too small (15A) or not dedicated can create frustration for the user as the breaker will pop frequently. Machines in this call usually recommended a 30A breaker. Before changing out a breaker, make sure the wire gauge and breaker size conform to electrical codes. “Slow Blow” or “High Magnetic” breakers are recommended but not required.
For the Forney 140 MIG quick start guide, click here.
Q: What is the warranty on your burr bits?
A: The standard Forney warranty period for accessories used for recommended applications is 90 days. You can find more information and links to our warranty program here.
Q: What’s the best wire wheel to remove paint from a concrete block wall?
A: Our Industrial Pro® line of wire brushes and wheels are the highest quality and will last the longest. For this job we recommend any of our Industrial Pro® 4″ or 4.5″ wire wheels. For a more economical wheel, which should get the job done, we recommend our ITEM# 72788 wire wheel.
Q: Do you have spark starters?
A: We currently have 3 Spark Starters for a torch, a single flint striker ITEM# 86102, a 3 flint striker ITEM# 86103, and a Safe Lite Igniter ITEM# 86111.
Q: Why are your cylinders stamped with UN/ISO instead of DOT standards?
A: It’s essentially the same standard, except the UN/ISO standard is globally recognized (including by the USDOT) instead of just being recognized in the US/Canada. The bottom row of the stamping on our cylinders contains the UN/ISO standard stamp. There should be no issue at the fill station filling our cylinders based off the UN/SIO stamp.
Q: Is it possible to weld aluminum with the Forney 140 MIG, assuming you have the right gas and spool gun?
A: You can weld aluminum with the 140 MIG, but it’s not capable of using a spool gun. We suggest you change the liner in the lead to a Teflon or plastic one instead of the steel liner that comes in the lead. Aluminum wire is a lot softer and can get caught in the steel liner and cause lots of issues.
Q: What size of MIG wire should I use?
A: For DIY or for any machine under a 200 model, we recommend .030”. You will get better performance, more versatility, and a wider sweet spot.
Q: Can I TIG weld aluminum with my Forney Multi-Processor machine?
A: No, you would need an AC TIG machine with HF (High Frequency) start for TIG welding aluminum. However, you could MIG weld aluminum with a 190 MP machine if you purchase the optional spool gun. Remember, when you weld aluminum, you will need 100% Argon gas.
For the Forney 190 MP quick start guide, click here.
Q: Why won’t my auto-darkening welding helmet work?
A: Try these troubleshooting fixes:
-Remove the battery and the piece of paper between the battery and electrical contacts.
-The helmet is in “grind” mode, which means it will not activate for welding.
-The shade or sensitivity is not set correctly.
-The battery is dead and needs to be replaced.
-The sensors are dirty or covered.
Q: Can you recommend a MIG wire size for my Forney 140 MIG if my main size goal is to be welding something like 1/16″ material?
A: We would recommend an .030 wire with this machine and material thickness.
Q: Can you weld thicker material with Stick welding as opposed to MIG and TIG welding?
A: You can weld thicker materials with Stick if you are using a 3/32 rod and prepping the material correctly.
For more FAQ’s as well as additional product information, visit askforney.com and check out the FAQ page.
What do I do if the Mig stinger on my 140 MP won’t arc? It never has straight out of the box. Wire will run through the line. Even trying to arc it directly into the negative lead connection, it’s a dud. The stick weld runs perfect. I’m desperate and frustrated.
Hi Roger! We’re sorry to hear you’re having trouble. We would suggest you reach out to our Expert-Tech team, they will be better suited to help you with this issue. You can call them at 1-800-521-6038 ext. 2, or email our customer service team at customerservice@forneyind.com.