Forney Easy Weld 298 vs Chicago Electric 170 Amp MIG/Flux Wire Welder
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I will be honest and say that I never really put these machines together until one of our readers asked us to write this comparison of the Forney Easy Weld 298 vs Chicago Electric 170 Amp MIG/Flux Wire Welder.
Welding is all about precision, quality, and having the right tools on hand.
In an industry that is brimming with innovation and efficiency, it’s time to look at two of the best welders on the market right now – Forney 298 Vs Chicago 170.
This detailed comparison will take a look at these welders, what they have to offer, and which one is the right fit for your welding needs.
They are both similarly priced and both are decent machines.
I will be mostly focusing is specs here and then go onto talk about some of the pros and cons of each welder.
Comparison Overview
Forney Easy Weld 298
Weight: 13.74 lbs
Dimensions: 16.2 x 8 x 12.5 inches
Voltage (input): 120V
Amperage (output): 90A
Duty cycle: 30% @ 80A
Cord Length: 6 feet
Other:
- TIG capable
- Inverter Power System
- Can Handle Up To 1/8″ Electrode
Chicago Electric 170
Weight: 56.9 lbs (shipping)
Dimensions: 16.2 x 8 x 12.5 inches
Voltage (output): 110V
Amperage: 170A
Duty cycle: 20% @ 110A, 60% @ 60A, 100% @ 30A
Cord Length: 6 feet
Forney Easy Weld 298 vs Chicago Electric 170 Amp MIG/Flux Wire Welder Comparison
Forney Easy Weld 298
Key Features
TIG Capable
120 Volt Input
90 Amp Output
Inverter Power System
Can Handle Up To 1/8″ Electrode
Dimensions: 12″ x 5.5″ x 10.5″
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Doesn't take long to learn how to use this welder, which is a bonus for those getting started for the first time
- It's easy in the hands, efficient, and consistent when it comes to generating power
- Inverter Power System
Cons
- Reduced Power Output
- While it does offer a good amount of power with a 90 amp output, it is still not right up there with other solutions such as the Chicago 170
- It does well with smaller projects but may start to slow down in a more commercial or industrial setup
The Forney 298 is a very capable little welder and one that we can recommend for beginners looking to start out.
It is a trusted brand name and
The inverter power system is a joy to use due to its efficient output metrics.
Once the welder is up and running, it can help streamline the power as much as the user wants it to.
This is ideal for intricate projects.
Chicago Electric 170
Key Features
170 amp MIG Flux Wire Welder
Manual Wire Feed Speed Control
Four Output Settings
Thermal Overload Protection
6 Foot Welding Cable with Gun
6 Foor Ground Cable With Clamp
Pros
- Excellent Power Output
- Thermal Overload Protection
Cons
- Takes Up Space
When it comes to generating power, this is a world-class welder as it can ramp things up to 170 amps without slowing down.
This is essential when it is time to go through tougher projects that need every last amp to generate positive results.
Welders can often “overload” which is why this company has taken the time to build an automated safety feature.
This ensures the welder can switch off if there is a rapid increase in temperature that’s deemed to be unsafe for the machine.
The biggest downside to the Chicago compared to the Forney, is the size. It is larger and heavier.
Final Thoughts
In this comparison of Forney 298 Vs Chicago 170, it’s all about finding the right fit and making sure it works well for your welding requirements.
Both welders offer excellent value and it comes down to preference.
In general, the Chicago Electric 170 offers extra power while the Forney 298 has a unique set of features and a smaller footprint.
You can’t go wrong with either but it will come down to your budget, power needs, and the amount of space in your workspace.
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