What it welds
The Forney 318 MIG Welder is a MIG / gas with a maker-stated output of up to 190 amps.
By Miller's rule of thumb of 1 amp per 0.001 inch of steel, 190 amps reaches about 3/16 in in a single pass. Amps by thickness.
The listing doesn't give a duty cycle with its amperage, which makes long beads hard to plan; the rating plate or manual should state it. Why it matters.
Processes, per the maker: MIG and Flux-Core. Most multi-process machines' TIG is DC lift-arc, so no aluminium unless AC is stated. Choosing a process.
It runs solid wire under shielding gas for the cleanest wire-feed welds; most machines like it also run flux-core wire outdoors.
Use a lens of at least OSHA's minimum shade for the current: shade 10 or darker for typical MIG work here. Shade chart.
Also on the listing: dimensions of 20.25 x 10.25 x 16 inches and a weight of 74 lb.
Warranty, per the listing: 5/3/1 warranty against manufacturer defects.
Is it the right machine for the job?
Buy it for
- Clean steel welds indoors
- Steel to about 3/16 in per pass
Skip it for
- Steel much past 3/16 in in one pass
What it does well, where it falls short
Does well
- Up to 190 A output
Falls short
- Duty cycle not stated with amps
Power and setup notes
- Ratings are the maker's own, stated under the maker's conditions. Follow the manual, wear eye protection of at least OSHA's minimum shade, keep combustibles away, ventilate, and have a licensed electrician install new circuits.
Rated output and specs
Every figure below comes from the source shown in brackets. Where the maker doesn't state something, we say so instead of estimating.
| Model number | 318 | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Product weight | 74 lb | Retailer |
| Dimensions (seller) | 20.25 x 10.25 x 16 inches | Retailer |
| Size | 190-Amp | Retailer |
| Material | Metal | Retailer |
| Power | Corded-Electric | Retailer |
| Output range | 190 A | Retailer |
| Warranty | 5/3/1 warranty against manufacturer defects | Retailer |
| Max steel (maker) | welds up to 3/8-inch | Retailer |
| Processes | MIG and Flux-Core | Retailer |
Machines to put next to it
Other mig and flux-core welders in the same amp range
- Miller 907838 MIG Welder
- Hobart Handler 210MVP MIG Welder
- Forney 311 MIG Welder
- ESAB Rogue EM 210 MIG Welder
Every mig and flux-core welders on one spec sheet · All Forney machines listed
Final verdict
A match for clean steel welds indoors.
Where to buy
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