I find it hard to believe that a transformer welder can get 90A on a 120V 20A circuit. And no way that's a DC output.

 

Old, you're absolutely correct and I don't know why I didn't catch my error on proof reading it! My bad and I knew it was AC. It's too late for me to edit and fix it. Thanks for pointing that out!

 

Nope, it's AC only. I haven't used that exact model but 120V stick welders generally have a low open-circuit voltage which makes arc starting difficult. Low OCV + low current + AC does not make a fun welding experience.

This is one area where inverters have a clear advantage- they can wring more useable current out of the 120V line, and a low-current arc is a lot easier to start with DC than with AC.

John

 

Exactly, and why the Original Japan Sanrex Pee-wee 85s work so well.. 8 pounds? and cool features too. Hot arc for a 120 volt welding machine..Amazing little unit IMO..

 

I think it's interesting.

I recently bit the bullet and started experimenting with inverters - same reason, portable.

But I still like transformers better so I'll be interested in what you find out

Edit: I may have second thoughts now because of this:
Max OCV: 37 V. Duty Cycle 20-Percent at 60-Amp. Output Range: 30-Amp-90-amp

 

Well, I finally managed to get ahold of customer service and asked them some questions about the specs on this little toaster welder. Here is their response to my questions and the number I really paid attention to most was the "27V rated output," which is the "working (make spark) output."

Nominal input current 13A.
Nominal Input Voltage (V AC) 120.
Rated output current, 55A.
Rated output V, 27V AC.
Max OCV 37V AC.
Max output current: 90A.

Looking at the numbers, I don't think this machine is too bad of a performer if "sticking" with 1/16" and 5/64" electrodes. It should be no better, no worse than the HF 80A inverter machine. Granted, this is "bottom of the barrel" for transformer stick welders in the performance department, but I think I'll get it and try it. It's a toy for sure, but for that quick "gate latch" fix or lawn mower handle repair at the in-laws' house, it should work just fine.

 

I'd rather have something like this Northern ST80i Inverter: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200512862_200512862

 

Heck, get one, wring it out with a variety of electrodes and post results. There's plenty of info on other machines but not much on the little critters.

You could test as-is, then perhaps mod it with a better stinger and ground clamp.

 

Years ago, I got one of those Speedway 90A welders from the tool gypsy trucks, looked just like that one. It was 240 Volt (but came with a 120V plug ???). My little boy (at the time) had a hell of a time striking an arc. I used to hide around the corner and laugh at him cussing and fretting. Sold it for about the same $40. it cost new. By that time, the boy could weld quite well (college courses and other machines) . But he still had a hell of a time making that piglet strike and maintain an arc.

Oh, Sears has that same welder, but in red color.

 

I think you would be happier with a Thermal Arc 95. I have one of the HF 80's and wish I had gotten the TA 95.

 

If your using it for emergency only prolly ok. Forney is a decent brand. Inverters are what you pay for them. I've got a few. Good ones. These will be the same ones I take to Hell with me to air arc the hinges off the gates. After that i'll use it to smash some ****heads skull. They weigh 80ish lbs each. Anyway

 

Here. Go get a 200 for under $130.Don't worry. Shipping from China is chump change. Those machines are all the same. Helvi, Cebora, Thompson, Harboring Fright.
http://www.jubaweld.com/Product-recommendations.asp?type=23

 

Update: Today, I ordered this machine. For $159.00 out the door, I couldn't resist. I've wasted more money on other things in my life, so this wouldn't be the first time, nor the last. If it doesn't work, I'll modify it to kill gophers in the yard or something. :gunsfirin:gunsfirin:gunsfirin. If it works to an acceptable level, I'll report. I'll try it on both a 20A and 15A circuit, as well as two parallel connected Honda EU2000 gennys for $h!ts and giggles.

I'll post a review with pics as soon as I get it. I plan on using 1/16" and 5/64" electrodes. Probably 6013's and 6011's with 1/8-3/16" sheet steel. We shall see how it performs (...or not). :drinkup:

 

SA, how are going to synchronize the EU2000's ?
Just a heads up and I could be wrong but, unless you sync your gennys, there gonna be outa phase. It could fry your Forney.

You could probly use two Forneys in parallel thou

 

Little machines rock until some meathead starts bleating about " I dunn welded a 3/8 liftin hook on a XXXX wiff mine.

If you're building bird houses and plant stands---and nothing else, you'd be an idiot to buy something more than one of those little sub $300 rigs. He who has the best warranty wins !

 

I have a thread that I welded a thick steel lifting lug with a small machine. Nobody complained about it

 

I have two Honda_generators but I dont think mine can be ganged. The little one built my house the other doesnt have a wheel kit so I use a Generac_to run a Hypertherm and compressor at the same time. I actually have a fourth genny but its a Makita with a spun bearing. I dont need to gang anything because the Generac_puts out 29 amps 230volts and 15 amps 115volts simultaneously. The only time the 115v trips the breaker is when I plasma cut and dont hear the compressor turn on. The 230v hasnt trip'd and if I do hear the compressor , I can stop before the 115v trips out.

I guess the advantage of those EU's is there so light my sister could load on the truck. Doesnt sound like they provide much power/usefulness without using two of them tho.

 

I guess the advantage of those EU's is there so light my sister could load on the truck... Doesnt sound like they provide much power/usefulness without using two of them tho.

They are very light (for a generator) and a single EU2000 can power everything in my 31' trailer, except the microwave oven. I can have all the lights on, TV, fan etc... All on one Honda with ease. If I turned off all that stuff and left one light on and ran the electric coffee pot, one generator works fine.

The only time I take two Honda's is when I camp in the hot summer months and run my big 15K BTU air conditioner. That's where I plug the two gennys up with the "parallel kit." Now I have all the power I need to run everything at once.

 

I have a set of strained nutz. Vericouse vains in my scrote. Medical term was "worms in the basket". I've loaded my Generak twice all by myself but those cute little EUs don't cut it since the worms are there for life.

I'm sure a lot of you boys know what I'm talkin about.

 

Insane, the real beauty of these Hondas is that they are the quietest running petroleum fueled generators on the planet. You can carry a normal conversation while standing next to the machines. They are perfect for "quiet times" at camp grounds or at 2 am with the main power out and you don't want a neighbor hearing the machine running all night.

One EU2000 keeps the fridge running, plus a TV and room light during a power outage. Powering a 240v welder, plasma or air compressor however, is definitely a "no-go" for these little Hondas, even when paralleled up together.

 

Old post but an update. Okay, I do NOT recommend this Forney transformer welder. I've been playing with it for months on the weekends. No need for pictures, they just suck. It's low OCV makes this welder really frustrating to get an arc even started. I also have the Harbor Freight 91110 80 amp inverter and it's night and day compared to the Forney. I did have a few satisfactory welds with the 6013 5/64ths, but overall this welder just sucks balls. Perhaps on a 30 amp RV outlet, it might perform better, I just don't know.

The harbor freight on the other hand will light off Lincoln 3/32" 6011's, while the Forney only likes 6013's in the smaller 5/64" sizes. Even with those sized electrodes, the welder struggles to light them off. With the Forney, preheat is mandatory with a torch, just to get the electrodes to light off. Also, a 15A outlet will NOT allow the Forney to light up. Whereas the Harbor Freight will light up on 15 amps. Forney does mandate that a 20 amp outlet is mandatory however.

It was a good exhaustive test over the past several months, but a thumbs down on the Forney 110v toaster. Thumbs up on the Harbor Freight 110v 80 amp inverter welder however!!!! That is an under rated gem!!!!

 

Ya know, I've seen some really old welders that were rated using a 40 amp 120v circuit.

But they were designed to make decent amperage - I'd think running your little Forney on 30 amps input would let it run hotter, but likely melt it down.

Wouldn't be out anything really considering it's pretty useless as is - interesting test

 

Must be nice to have such disposable money. I don't get it. You've got some nice equipment and 2 Honda inverter generators and you expect a $159.00 welder to actually be able to weld.

 

Well it's just like my gun collection. I have some expensive shoot'n irons, but sometimes I just have more fun with the cheapy $105 Mosin Nagants and $89 Russian SKS's I bought years ago.

Sometimes "less" is.....just more fun.

ps.... By the way, I have three generators.

 

I couldn't afford 3 generators so I had to get one good one. An ice storm last nite put us out of power for 17 hrs. This one fired up 2 houses and a pig barn (now empty)...all with electric heat.

 

View attachment 948101 View attachment 948111 I couldn't afford 3 generators so I had to get one good one. An ice storm last nite put us out of power for 17 hrs. This one fired up 2 houses and a pig barn (now empty)...all with electric heat.

40 kW's, NICE!!! !! That's not a generator. That's a portable reactor you have there!!!:drinkup::drinkup:

 

LOL... I have taken it to the field to weld things with the buzz box away from the shed. I"ve even cheated and used it to cut metal before I got my O/A outfit. 90HP will run it nicely, but to run the whole yard I like to have at least 130HP on it for long hauls. When I had pigs in the barn it was cheap insurance. Back in the early 80's we went a week without power once and had to rent a smaller generator that wouldn't run everything. This lets us pretty much carry on as normal except we unplug some of the really sensitive items like TV's and computers. Since I'll always need tractors around, it pretty much alleviates the need for a portable welding unit.