Get started with the Forney Easy Weld 180 ST! Below is a breakdown of the Quick Start Guide that is included with your new machine.
TIG Welding With The Forney Easy Weld 180 ST
First Steps
- Read User Manual
- Select process
- Connect TIG torch and ground clamp
- Connect TIG torch lead to gas (100% Argon)
- Adjust amperage per material thickness
- Connect to input power
- Initiate the arc with a scratch or lift technique when in contact with the metal. *Electrode is always electrically hot while in TIG mode.
TIG Troubleshooting Tips
Both LED lights off
Verify machine is plugged in and on. See manual.
Both LED lights on
Duty cycle exceeded or insufficient air flow. Allow machine to cool. Ensure vents are clear of obstacles. See manual.
Aluminum welding
Not recommended for this machine. Output is DC only which is not recommended for TIG welding aluminum.
Workpiece grounding
Connect ground clamp to clean and bare metal. No rust, paint or other coatings. Attach the ground clamp directly to the workpiece if you are experiencing issues.
Frequently tripping circuit breaker or exceeding duty cycle
Welder should be the only thing plugged into the circuit.
Low weld output or poor fusion
- Usually due to low input power.
- Welder should be the only thing plugged into circuit.
- Avoid using extension cords. If one must be used, it must be a #10 AWG or larger; 25′ (8m) or shorter.
- Generators must be 4,000 W continuous output and not have a low-idle function (or have it disabled).
Stick Welding with the Forney Easy Weld 180 ST
First Steps
- Read User Manual
- Select process
- Connect electrode holder and ground clamp according to desired polarity. *Usually DCEP-Electrode Positive
- Connect TIG torch lead to gas (100% Argon)
- Adjust amperage per material thickness
- Recommended electrodes *Performance may vary by brand
| Electrode | Diameter (inches) | Diameter (MM) | Amperage (AMPS) |
| 1/8 | 3/32 | 2,4 | 30-75 |
| 1/8 | 1/8 | 3,2 | 35-120 |
| 1/8 | 5/32 | 4,0 | 80-160 |
| E6013 | 1/16 | 1,6 | 20-50 |
| E6013 | 3/32 | 2,4 | 40-90 |
| E6013 | 1/8 | 3,2 | 50-130 |
| E6013 | 5/32 | 4,0 | 90-180 |
| E7014 | 3/32 | 2,4 | 40-90 |
| E7014 | 1/8 | 3,2 | 60-130 |
| E7014 | 5/32 | 4,0 | 90-180 |
| E7018 | 3/32 | 2,4 | 50-100 |
| E7018 | 1/8 | 3,2 | 80-160 |
| E7018 | 5/32 | 4,0 | 90-180 |
Stick Troubleshooting Tips
Both LED lights off
Verify machine is plugged in and on. See manual.
Both LED lights on
Duty cycle exceeded or insufficient air flow. Allow machine to cool. Ensure vents are clear of obstacles. See manual.
Aluminum welding
Not recommended for this machine.
Requires more amperage on Stick than this machine is designed to output.
Workpiece grounding
Connect ground clamp to clean and bare metal. No rust, paint or other coatings. Attach the ground clamp directly to the workpiece if you are experiencing issues.
Frequently tripping circuit breaker or exceeding duty cycle
 | Use 5/32″ diameter electrode or smaller. Some 5/32″ may draw too much amperage. |
 | Trying to weld single pass on material larger than 1/4″ thick is not possible with this machine. Multi-pass recommended for thicker materials. |
 | Welder should be the only thing plugged into the circuit. |
Low weld output or poor fusion
- Usually due to low input power.
- Welder should be only thing plugged into circuit
- Avoid using extension cords. If one must be used, it must be #10 AWG or larger; 25′ (8m) or shorter.
- Generators must be 4,000 W continuous output and not have a low-idle function (or have it disabled).
QUESTIONS OR TROUBLE? Contact Forney Industries at 1-800-521-6038
customerservice@forneyind.com • askforney.com • forneyind.com
Using Forney 291 with TIG kit and argon coverage can I reverse the leads to get ac at the torch to run aluminum?
Hi Anton, this machine is only capable of direct current (DC) welding output. Switching the leads on this machine will change the direction current is flowing; I.E. out of the electrode to the material, or up from the material to the electrode. In the case of TIG, the machine should always be in electrode (tig torch) negative, but switching polarity in stick can offer some extra adjustment. Stick is most often done in electrode positive, but can be switched (depending on what rod is being used) to electrode negative if you are trying to achieve more shallow penetration.
If it is required that you weld aluminum with this machine, aluminum stick rods can be used, but they are very touchy and need a significant amount of extra care, technique, and practice compared to regular stick welding. If you need additional help or clarification, email technical@forneyind.com!
The instructions on this page for stock welding show plugging in the tig torch and argon gas (step 4).
That should be removed from stock instructions, no?
Hi there David! You can give our Expert-Techs a call with this question, they will be able to clarify the instructions. Thanks for reaching out!