Welding system and method

A welding system in which a first workpiece and a second workpiece are brought together so that a gap exists between the workpieces, comprising:

• (a) a stationary welding fixture, said welding fixture including means for releasibly coupling to at least one workpiece, said welding fixture including a pair of opposing welding shoes which are placed on each side of said gap to form a welding cavity between said workpieces and said welding shoes, said welding fixture including means for symmetrically positioning said welding shoes adjacent said welding cavity;
• (b) a welding torch, said welding torch coupled to said welding fixture adjacent said center line;
• and
• (c) means for oscillating said welding torch within said cavity.

A method for welding metal substrates, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a welding fixture, said welding fixture being stationary and including means for releasibly coupling to at least one substrate, said welding fixture including a pair of opposing welding shoes, said welding fixture including means for symmetrically positioning said welding shoes about a center line, said welding fixture including a welding torch and a guide tube, said guide tube adjacent said center line;
• (b) positioning first and second substrates adjacent to each other with a gap between said first and second substrates;
• (c) attaching said welding fixture to at least one of said substrates, said welding fixture positioned with said center line located adjacent said gap between said substrates;
• (d) positionally adjusting said opposing welding shoes of said welding fixture relative said center line to define a welding cavity between said welding shoes and said substrates, said guide tube and said center line positioned within said welding cavity;
• and
• (e) filling said weld cavity with molten metal to form a weld connecting said substrates.