How can I TIG weld on anodized hydraulic valve bodies.

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I am trying to surface weld on thick valve bodies. The one shown is just scrap that I am trying to form a puddle on. I can weld thin aluminum sheets together, but I just can't seem to get even the smallest puddle to form. I have 100% argon. I have cranked my Amps up to 230 just to see what would happen. My Tungsten is balled. I have Tig welded thin aluminum before so assume that everything is correct up until the point. This is not to hold anything together I just want to add aluminum to the body to fill in scratches and dents.Please tell me what I am doing wrong or any tips to help me out.
Reply:Only thing I have to ask is why do you want to even attempt this?It can be done but some machining after is not out of the question....Are you ready for all this?...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:From how thick that is, it looks like more amps would help.However, to just fill in scratches and dents, an epoxy may do the job - then dress down with a file.good luck Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I would definitely have to believe there will be enough distortion from the amount of heat that your goal will require that the valve spool(s) will no longer move freely (if at all) in their bores when you're done.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:230 is not enough amps to get going. Preheat part to 350 degrees and the amperage needed will drop nearly 50%, if that don't get it using a helium mix will help also.PeterEquipment:2  old paws2  eyes (that don't look so good)1  bad back
Reply:I agree on preheat - lots of it, 350 as suggested above s good. I have the wax sticks to tell the temperature. Some castings don't weld properly. Unless you know the type of material, you are working in the dark. Many castings are mystery metal due to the alloy materials added to get proper casting flow.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:There is good info here regarding proper procedures for thick cast aluminum. However there is no way I would put that much heat into these just to fill scratches. If they were brackets or something that would be one thing but usually if I'm welding cast anything with tight mechanical spec you have to pretty much plan on it going to a machine shop as Zap said.