migging anodized aluminum pipe

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hey guys I am new to the site and had problems logging in ( my fault) looking forward to learning from you guys and talking to you from the little bit of reading this forum looks like I am in a good place . look fellas I am a amature welder and have a project that I'm  gonna do hell or high water. I have a Miller matic 250x  with the spool gun and I wana build a custom fishing  Rod/kayak  carrying rack for the top of my F-250 bed  ( this is kinda like a tuna tower project) , I have a yakima rack for the cab. ok I sure would like to use anodized pipe so I dont have to mess with that process later soooooo can it be done  with my migg or should I use regular unanodized pipe.  I am planning on buying my own bender and pipe notcher also. I hope my Miller can handle it cause I found out some bad news here about the X model. I really wanna master this mig/stick thing before I buy a Tig.  what do you guys think burn my ears up , I'm the student you da man.  thanks Jerry
Reply:i would use 6061 pipe, and 5356 filler. have it anodized after it is finishedDynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:I do not think you will be able to weld through the anodizing with a mig welder. The only way I know of welding anodizing is the bump process with a tig welder. But you should be able to grind the anodizing off the end of the pipe and weld it with your spoolgun. What is the bad news about the 250X?-DanOwnerDW Metalworks LLCMiller Trailblazer 302Miller 8RC FeederMiller Passport PlusMiller Dynasty 200 DX W/Coolmate 1Hobart Handler 135Hypertherm PowerMAX 30Smith O/A Torch SetPlus much much more
Reply:Originally Posted by engnerdanWhat is the bad news about the 250X?-Dan
Reply:mig newbie,Using MIG for any small diameter pipe is a pretty athletic weld because you need to rotate the torch around the center of the pipe.  A TIG torch is lighter smaller, less wt and easier to keep in position relative to the weld.Most aluminum welders settle on TIG over MIG for the much higher level of control due to the torch's agility and the somewhat slower pace of the weld.I'd recommend you use the search function to read extensively about first hand experiences posted here in regards (rack and frame) pipe welding and especially coated aluminum.Cheers,Kevin Morin
Reply:Get yourself some scrap tube and have a go at it.Think you'll, pretty quickly, either buy a tig and learn to use it, or have a tig welder weld it up for you.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Opps.  Double post.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:I agree with Sundown. The BEST way to try it is on a few pieces you don't mind flogging as you learn. You might be able to get some acceptable results, depending on the time you put in, and the machine.I don't think it will work out well, but I say Go for it, see what happens.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:thanks fella's sounds like some good advice, anyone else like to hear what you have to say. when it cools abit I'm gonna practice as one suggested .  i kinda thought going around the round pipe would be a challenge since I have to go alittle faster versus tig as one of you metioned.. I will give it a shot check rack & frame.      who knows Santa may get    me a tig but I like a challenge and want to see if I can get it with the mig.  and please correct me if I'm wrong but the tig process looks to be not to hard. thanks so much for your time and advice.  Jerry
Reply:Originally Posted by mig newbeethanks fella's sounds like some good advice, anyone else like to hear what you have to say. when it cools abit I'm gonna practice as one suggested .  i kinda thought going around the round pipe would be a challenge since I have to go alittle faster versus tig as one of you metioned.. I will give it a shot check rack & frame.      who knows Santa may get    me a tig but I like a challenge and want to see if I can get it with the mig.  and please correct me if I'm wrong but the tig process looks to be not to hard. thanks so much for your time and advice.  Jerry