tig welding
#2222602
12/29/16 02:36 AM
12/29/16 02:36 AM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,257 gulfport, ms, west mi
rowin4
OP
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OP
master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,257
gulfport, ms, west mi
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Going to do some welding on aluminized exhaust tubing. Does the aluminized coating need to be removed in the weld area or can it be tig welded as is?
it's ok to butt heads, just don't do it with a butthead
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Re: tig welding
[Re: rowin4]
#2222656
12/29/16 10:01 AM
12/29/16 10:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,243 Charlotte, North Carolina
sgcuda
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Charlotte, North Carolina
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I'm pretty sure it has to be cleaned off. That coating is only there as rust prevention. Best thing to do would be to cut a couple of inches off and do some test welds.
[image][/image]
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Re: tig welding
[Re: rowin4]
#2222705
12/29/16 12:18 PM
12/29/16 12:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,540 Milwaukee WI
TRENDZ
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master
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Posts: 2,540
Milwaukee WI
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I've always found aluminized tubing to weld fine without any removal of the coating.
"use it 'till it breaks, replace as needed"
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Re: tig welding
[Re: rowin4]
#2222744
12/29/16 01:47 PM
12/29/16 01:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,540 Milwaukee WI
TRENDZ
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Milwaukee WI
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Its not zinc. Aluminized exhaust tubing is made to be welded.
"use it 'till it breaks, replace as needed"
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Re: tig welding
[Re: rowin4]
#2222751
12/29/16 01:57 PM
12/29/16 01:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,540 Milwaukee WI
TRENDZ
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master
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Milwaukee WI
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Zinc does, aluminized doesn't.
"use it 'till it breaks, replace as needed"
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Re: tig welding
[Re: TRENDZ]
#2222753
12/29/16 02:02 PM
12/29/16 02:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 52,972 Romeo MI
MR_P_BODY
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Master
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Posts: 52,972
Romeo MI
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When welding you want the metal to be clean for the best weld.. alum in steel is debris and makes for a crappy weld... can it be done.. sure.. I have done plenty at work when I was in a hurry.. didnt turn out nice but it works
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Re: tig welding
[Re: rowin4]
#2222802
12/29/16 03:05 PM
12/29/16 03:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,718 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,718
Fulton County, PA
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I've done it. Not the best results. TIG welding likes for the material to be clean. Aluminum and steel don't like each other when trying to weld something. Grind it off or get some raw steel pipe and bends. Not hard to find.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: tig welding
[Re: rowin4]
#2222831
12/29/16 03:39 PM
12/29/16 03:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,540 Milwaukee WI
TRENDZ
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Milwaukee WI
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No weld fumes are safe. I am not suggesting that you should breathe any fumes. All I'm saying is the fumes are no more dangerous than welding either steel, or aluminum. The zinc coatings in galvanized steel are very dangerous. Never knew about the beryllium copper. Wouldn't have ever considered welding it, but glad for the info.
All I can tell you is aluminized tubing welds like any steel tubing, is sold as directly weldable, and other than the fact that the aluminum rises to the top of the puddle, working with it takes no additional steps. I've never had an issue with its appearance or strength. Your results may vary.
Use as much caution as you see fit. If you don't mind the extra work of removing the aluminum, go for it.
"use it 'till it breaks, replace as needed"
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