Abstract: Methods are disclosed for rating a welding electrode and/or for ranking two or more electrodes with respect to gas tracking effects in gas shielded flux cored arc welding processes. The methods involve performing a standardized welding process using an electrode of interest to create a test weld on a workpiece with a linearly varying contact to work distance in the process, measuring a distance from the beginning of the weld to a point at which gas tracking is first observed, and rating an electrode or ranking several electrodes according to the measured distance.

Abstract: A welding torch has a nozzle; a contact tip positioned within the nozzle; a tube extending from the nozzle; wherein the tube has a gooseneck portion having a radius, and the tube has a second portion adjacent the nozzle which has a longitudinal axis which is substantially collinear with a longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The gooseneck tube has a single radius extending from a distal portion to a proximal portion of the tube.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for rating a welding electrode and/or for ranking two or more electrodes with respect to gas tracking effects in gas shielded flux cored arc welding processes. The methods involve performing a standardized welding process using an electrode of interest to create a test weld on a workpiece with a linearly varying contact to work distance in the process, measuring a distance from the beginning of the weld to a point at which gas tracking is first observed, and rating an electrode or ranking several electrodes according to the measured distance.