Abstract: The method includes aligning a first plurality of cylindrical workpieces of a first diameter such that the longitudinal axes thereof are substantially coincident and welding the workpieces together end-to-end to form a cylindrical member of a desired length. The welding step includes rotating the workpieces about their longitudinal axes while maintaining a welding electrode at a fixed position along the workpieces and at a fixed distance from the outer circumference of the workpieces. The method includes cutting openings in the cylindrical member wherein the cylindrical member is rotated about its longitudinal axis while causing a cutting means to move linearly along the length of the cylindrical member. In one embodiment, the method is repeated with a second plurality of cylindrical workpieces of a greater diameter with some of the steps in processing the first and second plurality of workpieces being carried out at substantially the same time. Other forms of the apparatus and method are disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable headstocks which are spaced apart. A side beam extends along at least a portion of the distance between the headstocks with the side beam being substantially parallel to a line connecting the centers of rotation of the headstock. The headstocks are respectively of a configuration to securely receive an end of a first one of a plurality of cylindrical workpieces. Support means is provided for rotatably supporting the plurality of cylindrical workpieces in end-to-end manner with the longitudinal axes thereof being substantially coincident. Controllable welding means and controllable cutting means are coupled to the side beam and are capable of linear translation therealong. Controllable drive means is provided for: rotating the headstocks so that the cylindrical workpiece secured thereto is caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis; causing the welding means to translate along the side beam; and causing the cutting means to translate along the side beam.