Tip for using autoblend (Elements+ Action)

I've  been using panos autoalign and autoblend actions for years with Elements.  I just recently figured out a neat tip for using autoblend so the computer does the work instead of me filling in blank areas after I've straightened an image.
You might still have to do some fixing, but I've found that the action does a pretty good job.
The trick is to bring in your original, get rid of the padlock, straighten the image, copy the image, highlight both layers and use the autoblend action.