Abstract: Welding apparatus for inert gas shielded arc welding comprising a welding gun for holding and controlling a non-consumable electrode and including means for supplying inert gas to the welding arc region by way of a gas cup surrounding but spaced from such an electrode when positioned in the gun, the welding gun being further provided with an extended gas shielding wall arrangement protruding a substantial distance beyond the gas cup and capable, either by itself or in combination with a narrow gap weld preparation, of substantially enclosing an electrode in the gun, except for its tip, when the electrode is protruding for a similar distance beyond the gas cup.