A method of friction welding first and second parts together at an angular
orientation relative to each other includes the steps of mounting the
first part in a spindle for axial rotation and the second part in a
non-rotatable holder. The spindle is then rotated and the angular
orientation of the first part relative to the second part is determined
at any specific time. The holder is moved toward the spindle to bring the
second part into frictional contact with the first part at a selected one
of the specific times that the angular orientation is determined.
Accordingly, due to frictional contact, the respective contacting surface
of the parts are melted. The speed of the rotation of the spindle is then
decreased and the holder is moved toward the spindle to forcibly urge the
first and second parts together at the contacting surface. Rotation of
the spindle is stopped at a specific determined angular orientation of
the first part relative to the second part while continuing to forcibly
urge the parts together to allow cooling and fused solidification of the
contacting surfaces.