Anodized Aluminum, again.

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Just ran across this article on TIG welding anodized aluminum Tuna Towers.http://archive.metalformingmagazine..../11/Miller.pdfFor anyone interested, seach here on anodized aluminum, there are a few old threads discussing it.
Reply:Yep, this will be an interesting read, thanks for sharing.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Sorry Pulser. Can't be done.  I know so, I read it on the internet. Some guys who were trained at a school and everything. So I am sure it just can't be done!  That was a great article. Thanks. PS, since I am not a moderator, can this be made a sticky??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:Originally Posted by RojodiabloSorry Pulser. Can't be done.  I know so, I read it on the internet. Some guys who were trained at a school and everything. So I am sure it just can't be done!  That was a great article. Thanks. PS, since I am not a moderator, can this be made a sticky??
Reply:The pipewelders obviously know that the way to weld it is to wire brush AWAY the anodized area ,back to raw  aluminum . I guess they want the public to think they got hold of some magic  formula ( a PROPRIETARY  SECRET ) .Seems to me they do ALL their welding , before it's anodized . It's only common sense.[SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:Originally Posted by Roy HodgesThe pipewelders obviously know that the way to weld it is to wire brush AWAY the anodized area ,back to raw  aluminum . I guess they want the public to think they got hold of some magic  formula ( a PROPRIETARY  SECRET ) .Seems to me they do ALL their welding , before it's anodized . It's only common sense.
Reply:Roy Hodges,Did you read the article posted?  No BS there.I have been around Pipewelders (Edison Irvine, the son of the owner, is a close friend of mine) and they have done probably 25 towers on boats I have sold.  No pre-weld wire brushing or any other removal of anodizing.  The base stock comes pre-anodized and then welded.  Welds are then painted with alum color paint to protect them.Have you ever seen an anodizing tank large enough for a 9 step full tower on a 65' boat?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.