A method of friction welding a workpiece to a fluid element includes the step of placing a workpiece weld surface in contact with a fluid element weld surface. The workpiece weld surface is driven in a predetermined pattern along the fluid element weld surface. Pressure is applied between the workpiece weld surface and the fluid element weld surface to produce friction and heat sufficient to raise the temperature of the weld surfaces to welding temperature. A weld bond is formed by stopping the driving of the workpiece weld surface while applying the pressure between the weld surfaces. Before and/or after the weld bond is formed, at least a portion of the workpiece is machined to form at least a portion of a fluid fitting configured to receive and sealingly attach to a pipe in a non-leaking manner to convey a flow of fluid therethrough.