What comes with the Forney Easy Weld 100 ST and how do you set it up? Let’s open it up and see what’s inside.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
When you open the box, you will first notice the chipping hammer/wire brush combo and a manual with Forney contact info in case you have questions. It also comes with a quick start guide with helpful tips and tricks. There’s 2 torch wrap ears and 2 screws to attach the ears.
The machine also has an electrode holder and ground clamp, along with a 120 volt plug. The input of this machine is 110-120 volts and the output is 90 amps max. At 80 amps, the machine has a 20% duty cycle, at 46 amps, it has a 60% duty cycle and at 36 amps, it has 100% duty cycle.
If you want to use this machine for its TIG capabilities, you will have to purchase ITEM# 85657 which comes with a TIG torch and full consumable kit, as well as tungsten.
SETTING UP THE MACHINE FOR STICK WELDING
Make sure the switch is set to stick. Attach the electrode holder to the positive terminal and attach the ground clamp to the negative terminal. Plug the machine in to a dedicated 120V outlet and turn on your machine.
The size of the rod should depend on your amperage; 1/16” 30-40 amps, 5/64” 40-60 amps, 3/32” 50-70 amps, 1/8” 80 amps. Consult the chart on the quick start guide to help you set your amperage.
The type of electrode you use depends on the type of metal you’re welding. 7014 is a good beginner rod because of its easy strike and restrike ability as well as being a contact rod.
Make sure you have a good ground. Do this by attaching your ground to your workpiece, or if you’re welding on a metal table, attach the ground to the edge of the table.
STRIKE THE ARC
There’s 2 ways to get your arc started. Strike the electrode like a match, or tap it.
The initial burst of light is called the arc. You may find the electrode wants to stick at first. Just use your wrist to twist and get unstuck. Don’t lift your arm off the workpiece more than 1/8” or the arc will go out.
Once your arc is started, keep your electrode in contact with the steel if you’re using a contact rod. If you’re using a non-contact rod, keep your stick out at about 5/16”.
Maintain the puddle and lay your bead. Keep in mind the rod is consuming itself; therefore, you must keep moving your electrode holder closer to your workpiece.
Don’t forget your chipping hammer to remove the slag from your weld. All electrodes have flux on them that create slag on your welds to protect it from elements in the atmosphere. Knock off the slag to reveal the weld underneath.
SETTING UP THE MACHINE FOR TIG WELDING
If you would like to use this unit for its TIG capabilities, remember you will need to purchase ITEM# 85657 (9FV TIG torch) in addition to a bottle of 100% argon.
For TIG welding, move the switch to TIG. The TIG torch will be plugged into the negative terminal and the ground clamp will be plugged into the positive terminal. Hook up the gas hose to a regulator attached to a bottle of argon gas, and you’re ready to go.
To begin TIG welding, make sure you have a sharp tungsten rod and your base metal is prepped and cleaned. Also make sure you have a good ground. Ground your metal the same way you would for stick welding.
Open your bottle of 100% argon gas all the way. Set your pressure to 25 PSI on your regulator. Turn the machine on and open the valve on your TIG torch. But remember, when you’re not welding close the valve so you don’t waste your gas.
STRIKE THE ARC
This is a lift arc TIG machine, therefore, you must scratch your tungsten on your base metal to ignite an arc then keep a tight arc. Remember; don’t rub the tungsten on the base metal while welding because you’ll contaminate your tungsten. Maintain your puddle and lay your bead.
A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND…
- You shouldn’t use rod bigger than 1/8” diameter. 1/8” is hard to strike and can be on the cold side.
- This machine can weld 24 gauge up to ¼” with multiple passes. 1/8” is the maximum thickness on a single pass.
- This is an inverter machine so it’s quiet.
- The small LED light on the front of the machine will light up when the machine is on.
- This machine is always electrically hot, so don’t set the electrode holder down with a rod in it or your TIG torch.
- Make sure you have a true ground. Don’t ground to a painted or rusted surface.
