Method of welding utilizing both consumable and non-consumable electrodes

A method of welding a highly conductive workpiece comprising the steps of:

• connecting a power source of straight polarity to a non-consumable electrode and a power source of reverse polarity to a consumable electrode;
• producing a first arc between said non-consumable electrode and said highly conductive workpiece, and moving said first arc relative to said highly conductive workpiece at a generally uniform rate;
• producing a second arc between said consumable electrode and said highly conductive workpiece;
• positioning said second arc adjacent said first arc and moving said second arc relative to said highly conductive workpiece generally at said generally uniform rate;
• and
• blanketing said highly conductive workpiece in the vicinity of said arcs with inert gas to weld said highly conductive workpiece.