Welding assemblies and methods

A welding assembly comprising:

• a current generator;
• a first electrode electrically coupled to the current generator;
• a second electrode electrically coupled to the current generator;
• and
• a shunt member located between the first electrode and the second electrode,
• wherein the first electrode is moveable relative to the second electrode between at least a first position and a second position,
• wherein the shunt member is electrically isolated from the second electrode when the first electrode is in the first position, and
• wherein the shunt member is electrically coupled with both the first electrode and the second electrode when the first electrode is in the second position.

A method for welding comprising steps of:

• positioning a workpiece between a first electrode and a second electrode;
• moving the first electrode and the second electrode toward each other;
• passing a welding current through the workpiece;
• further moving the first electrode and the second electrode toward each other;
• and
• passing a portion of the welding current directly between the first electrode and the second electrode.