The FORNEY Easy Weld 140 FC-i can put out a maximum of 140 amps. It's mainly aimed at hobbyists and folks doing lighter welds. Based on the manufacturer's description, you can weld up to 1/4 inch of mild steel, which is pretty decent for a machine like this when using its top output.
From our research, it seems like it can handle that 1/4 inch thickness, but you’ll need to tweak the settings just right for the best results. Also, with a duty cycle of 30% at 90 amps, if you're going full steam, you'll want to weld for about 3 minutes, then let it rest for around 7 minutes to cool down.
Experiences vary, but a lot of people find it suitable for DIY jobs and small fixes once they get the hang of the settings. You'll want to pay attention to wire feed speed and voltage to get consistent welds, especially with thicker pieces.
While it's handy and budget-friendly due to its flux-core welding approach, it might take some practice to consistently weld thicker steel well. If you’re doing bigger, industrial stuff regularly, this might not be the best fit—others suggested checking out more heavy-duty welders for those kinds of projects.
In a nutshell, the FORNEY Easy Weld 140 FC-i works well for smaller tasks or if you're just getting into welding as a hobby.
Just remember, doing 1/4 inch steel might need a bit of pre-heating or careful setting adjustments, and for more intense tasks, a stronger welder might be a better call.
