Electrode joint spacer

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode, comprising:

• an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode;
• a torque device positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode;
• an axial passage defined through the electrode holder and the torque device;
• and
• a plurality of retractable spacers movably connected to the electrode joining apparatus, each of the plurality of retractable spacers configured to selectively move into the axial passage.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode, comprising:

• an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode;
• a torque device positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode;
• an axial passage defined through the electrode holder and the torque device;
• a retractable spacer movably connected to the electrode joining apparatus, the retractable spacer configured to selectively move into the axial passage;
• and
• a spacer support structure connected to the electrode joining apparatus, the retractable spacer movably connected to the spacer support structure.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode, comprising:

• an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode;
• a torque device positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode;
• an axial passage defined through the electrode holder and the torque device;
• a retractable spacer movably connected to the electrode joining apparatus, the retractable spacer configured to selectively move into the axial passage;
• and
• a lift configured to vary the vertical position of the torque device, wherein the retractable spacer is movably connected to the lift.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode, comprising:

• an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode;
• a torque device positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode;
• an axial passage defined through the electrode holder and the torque device;
• a retractable spacer configured to selectively move into the axial passage;
• and
• a spacer drive mechanism coupled to the retractable spacer, the spacer drive mechanism configured to selectively move the retractable spacer into the axial passage.

An electrode joining apparatus for joining a free electrode to a fixed electrode, comprising:

• an electrode holder configured to selectively hold the fixed electrode;
• a torque device positioned above the electrode holder, the torque device configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode;
• an axial passage defined through the electrode holder and the torque device;
• and
• a retractable spacer pivotally connected to the electrode joining apparatus, the retractable spacer configured to selectively move into the axial passage.