Abstract: A guide member for guiding a wire from a nozzle of a gas metal-arc welding device. The guide member includes a ceramic body portion having a generally centrally located opening for receiving and guiding an electrode wire therethrough. A plurality of gas diffusion openings are provided in the ceramic body portion radially outward from the centrally located opening. The guide member allows an extended wire stick out and a narrower tapered nozzle while protecting the nozzle and contact tip from spatter and heat and thereby enhances welding performance.