A friction stir welding spindle includes a support having a center bore. A spindle shaft is adapted to support a stir welding tool and extends within the bore. A bearing assembly allows simultaneous rotational and axial displacement of spindle shaft in the bore relative to the support. A sensing device is adapted to provide an output signal indicative of at least one of a force coincident with axial displacement of the spindle shaft and an axial position of the spindle shaft.
展开▼
