Abstract:
This disclosure describes an improved method of electron beam ("EB") welding utilizing a collection pocket (118). The method includes providing a first surface (110,146) and a second surface (100,132,140,144), forming a collection pocket (118) in at least one of the first surface (110,146) and the second surface (100,132,140,144), coupling the first surface to the second surface at a joining location (136,138), and EB welding the first surface (110,146) and the second surface (100,132,140,144) to each other at the joining location (136,138). The collection pocket (118) captures and contains excess weld material to prevent the excess material from escaping the joining location (136,138), and also reduces an amount of wall thickness required for EB welding. A method of reconditioning gas turbine components is also disclosed.