Welding Anodized Aluminum

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I had to make a temporary handle for my washing maching last night.  I cut a piece of 4" diameter bright polished  .060 aluminum pipe because it matched the curve I needed for the mounting area.  I cleaned it, brushed it, put my machine on 80 amps AC and tried to weld it.It welded like aluminum on DC.  There was a skin that wouldn't budge on it.  I kept checking the machine to make sure it was on AC, then I lit up on another piece of aluminum and ran a normal bead.  I tuned up the DCEP to 35% which helped.  So is this the hard way to find out the material is anodized?TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I usually find out just like you did, true! Sending a PMI hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:The "search" feature is your friend.  You'll find a HUGE debate that went on here several months ago about the very question you're asking.  It was hashed out over and over again.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:On top of possibly being anodized, some aluminum is clear coated and will be a mess to try and weld. Welding anodized is not too difficult, but you need to give it a little practice and try to follow the ways we have found it to be successful. Balance: 70. Frequency; 75-100hz. Amps- standard; I tend to run on the high side and use the pedal to correct. Start hard on the amps. get the puddle to form; add a dab. Often, you will have to run a very light arc over the anodize to get it started cooking. The high amp run will blow the anodize off to the sides of the puddle, and you need to add filler decisively. Best is not to dwell in an area; weld and move on for good results.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.