A method of friction welding a first component to a second component, the method having the steps of: rotating the first component relative to the second component about a rotation axis; and bringing the first component into contact with the second component; wherein, while the first component and the second component are in contact, a first average force is applied during a first stage of the friction welding process and a second average force is applied during a second stage of the friction welding process; and the second average force is different from the first average force.