Method for holding high speed friction spot joining tools

A method for performing high speed friction stir spot joining (FSSJ) of metal work pieces using an FSSJ system, said method comprising:

• 1) providing an FSSJ system including an FSSJ tip comprised of a shank, a shoulder and a pin, providing an extended shank that rotates the FSSJ tip and which holds the FSSJ tip against work pieces at a distance, providing a shank holder which holds and rotates the extended shank, and coupling a spindle to the shank holder and thereby making the shank holder and the extended shank an extension of the rotating tool, wherein the extended shank includes a plurality of channels for a cooling fluid, the plurality of channels extending through the extended shank from a distal end held by the shank holder and ending in proximity but short of reaching the shank of the FSSJ tip;
• 2) rotating the FSSJ tip by rotating a spindle that is coupled to the shank holder and by rotating a spindle motor that rotates the spindle at a rate of speed that is greater than 4000 revolutions per minute (RPM) to thereby preserve the benefits of using Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) that have been hardened as the work pieces;
• and
• 3) plunging the FSSJ tip into and then removing the FSSJ tip from at least two metal workpieces to thereby perform high speed FSSJ of the at least two metal work pieces in a FSSJ process.