Lincoln 175 - Tig Welding Sch 40 Anodized Alum

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I have been Mig welding for years and recently picked up a Lincoln 175 Tig (SquareWave)... to test my skills at Tig and Aluminum work. I have the the Pulse module as well. I have a lot of 1 inch sch 40 Aluminum Pipe scraps to work with... but they are all Anodized. I know there are some challenges involved with the anodized material. And this probably isnt the best thing to learn tig technique with...My question is... Is my machine enough to even handle sched 40? mill or anodized finish?Second... Does anyone have any suggestions on the pulse settings?Currently I have been grinding the anodized layer off to practice. But I would like to be able to go through it, as I hear its possible. Thanks for any insights.
Reply:The machine should have enough oomph to get it done..Removal is still the best option..Trying to go thru it now is a waste until you get the clean stuff down..Then go play with the dirty stuff....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:Use the search function for "Anodized Aluminum" and you will come up with alot of info.  Apparently it's easily removed with Easy Off oven cleaner.  To weld without cleaning it off requires "bump welding" which will blast the anodizing off the surface.  SundownIII is the resident pro on that.  IIRC, you need alot of amps to do that effectively, but I am not a pro nor have I ever done it.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Grind it off or tale a flap disc to it to remove it. It will just make you life easier in the end.Miller bobcat 225g  - spoolmatic 1Mm250 - 30a spoolMiller spectrum 375Thermal arc 95 Everlast Ex 250As the boiler turns, these are the days of our lives
Reply:Thanks for the replies guys... I have been doing alot of searches online... and pretty much read up on everything that was just mentioned... except for the Easy Off. That's interesting, I will have to try that one. My biggest concern was the machine I have. I know alot of amps are needed, just wanted to make sure a 175 could handle schedule 40. I also have alot of 1/4 inch material. I know these are the "limits" of the machine. Was curious if anyone has any experience with similar machines and thickness... adding to it... the fact the material is anodized. Thanks,
Reply:Just take a rose bud, or regular torch and preheat the base metal, that way it will puddle with a lot less amperage.  A little heat goes a long ways.Miller bobcat 225g  - spoolmatic 1Mm250 - 30a spoolMiller spectrum 375Thermal arc 95 Everlast Ex 250As the boiler turns, these are the days of our lives
Reply:Originally Posted by Big ChiefI have been doing alot of searches online... and pretty much read up on everything that was just mentioned... except for the Easy Off. That's interesting, I will have to try that one.
Reply:papa: I picked up this machine w/ pulser afew years ago and didnt have much time to use it, till now. Over the years, I have been hearing the same thing about the pulser. It makes a HUGH difference in the process and thats just with me goofing around with the settings.Been looking on you tube and following the forums for advice on settings as there are so many variables to it. But I definitly see the value in it.  I'll take some pics of my welds and the current settings... maybe someone can weigh in. Thanks guys,
Reply:Pulser is next to useless with the aluminum you're talking about.Aluminum needs all the heat you can get.  The Lincoln 175 is underpowered for bump welding anodized aluminum.  Even the Dynasty 200 DX, with frequency control (helps) is marginal and you'll find yourself "waiting" a lot.Pulsing definitely has it's place (thinner SS, etc), but not for aluminum like you're talking about.  Purpose for pulsing is to reduce the "average" heat you're putting into the material.  Aluminum likes to be welded hot and fast to minimize the HAZ.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.