Forney 298 AC/DC TIG Welder
The Forney 298 AC/DC TIG Welder delivers dependable, professional-level performance in a compact, affordable package.
- Rated output
- 5–298 A
- Duty cycle
- 60% at 200A
- Steel window
- 0.5–7.6 mm
- Mass
- 55 lbs
- AC/DC versatility
- Precise digital control
- Portable dual voltage design
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Running it
The Forney 298 TIG welder is a dependable machine built for welders who need precision arc control without sacrificing portability or ease of use. Designed to handle both TIG and stick welding, this unit gives fabricators, hobbyists, and maintenance crews the flexibility to tackle thin sheet metal projects as well as heavier stick welding repairs on the same platform. Its compact footprint and manageable weight make it easy to move between job sites, garages, and workshops, while its rugged housing stands up to the dust, grime, and occasional bumps that come with everyday shop use. Whether you're working on stainless steel exhaust systems, aluminum frames, or general steel fabrication, the Forney 298 offers the kind of steady, controllable output that lets you lay down clean, consistent beads. At the heart of the Forney 298 is an inverter-based power source that delivers smooth, stable arc starts and precise heat control, which is essential when working with thin or heat-sensitive materials. The welder features adjustable amperage settings that allow users to fine-tune output for different metal thicknesses and joint configurations, giving both beginners and experienced welders the confidence to dial in exactly the right settings for the task at hand. High-frequency start technology helps initiate the arc without contaminating the weld puddle, and the machine's low amperage capability makes it particularly well suited for delicate work like thin gauge stainless or aluminum panels where burn-through is a constant concern. The result is a welder that produces tight, professional-looking welds with minimal spatter and cleanup. Beyond raw performance, the Forney 298 is built with everyday usability in mind. Cooling fans and thermal overload protection help the machine run reliably during extended welding sessions, reducing downtime and protecting internal components from overheating. The control panel is straightforward, with clearly marked dials and switches that make it easy to switch between TIG and stick modes or adjust settings on the fly without digging through complicated menus. Forney's reputation for durable, no-nonsense welding equipment carries through in this model, making the 298 a solid choice for anyone looking to add a versatile, reliable TIG welder to their equipment lineup without a steep learning curve or excessive cost.
The Forney 298 AC/DC TIG Welder delivers dependable, professional-level performance in a compact, affordable package. It's well-suited for hobbyists and light industrial users who need to weld both aluminum and steel with precision. While it has a few minor drawbacks like constant fan noise and a limited duty cycle at peak output, its versatility and control options make it a strong contender in the mid-range TIG welder market.
The full plate
As stated by the manufacturer, 5 lines.
| Output Range | 5-298 Amps |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 120V/240V |
| Duty Cycle | 60% at 200A |
| Weight | 55 lbs |
| Process Type | TIG/Stick (AC/DC) |
What holds up
- Versatile AC/DC operation for aluminum and steel
- Compact and portable design for job site use
- Digital readout simplifies amperage adjustments
- Strong arc stability even at low amperage
- Good value compared to industrial-grade machines
- Handles both TIG and Stick processes
What costs you
- Fan runs constantly, adding to noise level
- Limited duty cycle at maximum amperage
- Foot pedal sold separately in some kits
- No built-in gas solenoid delay adjustment
- Instruction manual lacks detailed setup diagrams
Stated features
- AC/DC TIG and Stick welding capability
- Digital display for precise amperage control
- Dual voltage input 120V/240V
- High-frequency arc start for clean TIG starts
- Adjustable AC balance and frequency control
- Includes foot pedal control compatibility
- Built-in pulse function for thin metal welding
4 people who bought it
I've used this for both aluminum and mild steel projects, and it performs impressively well. The AC balance control makes a noticeable difference in weld quality.
Welds beautifully once you dial it in, but the fan noise is constant even when idle. Still, it's a reliable machine for the price point.
I mainly weld thin aluminum sheets and this handles it nicely with the pulse setting. Wish the pedal was included standard.
The arc stability at low amps is excellent, and the digital display makes dialing in settings quick and accurate.
Three entries that sit next to it
Nearest standings in the ledger. Tick one to add it to the cross-reference sheet on the front page.
| 11 | Lincoln Electric Aspect 230 Lincoln Electric · TIG Welders | 5–230 A · 60% duty | 4.5 / 5 | B+ | ||
| 12 | AHP AlphaTIG 200X DC AHP · TIG Welders | 10–200 A · 60% duty | 4.4 / 5 | B+ | ||
| 13 | Miller Electric Syncrowave 250 Miller Electric · TIG Welders | 250 A | 4.6 / 5 | B+ |
