Joining of dissimilar materials is of increasing interest for a wide range of industrial applications like nuclear, thermal power. The automotive industry, in particular, views dissimilar materials joining as a gateway for the implementation of lightweight materials. Friction welding of tube to tube plate using an external tool is an innovative friction welding process and is capable of producing high quality leak proof weld joints. In the present study, friction welding of steel tube to commercial aluminum tube plate using an external tool with and without tube projection have been performed. The joints were evaluated by mechanical testing and metallurgical analysis. The results of bonding interface hardness and joint strength reveal that steel tube with projection are better than the steel tube without projection.