Abstract: This invention relates to welding torches of the kind comprising a torch body which incorporates a tubular core having means of clamping a refractory electrode which projects beyond the torch body, flow-means for an arc-gas, which flow-means consists of an annular passage between the electrode and an axial flow-controlling sleeve which is arranged about said electrode and co-axially therewith, and means for circulating water to cool the torch body; and a nozzle for shielding the gas surrounding the torch body with a gap therebetween. Such torches are referred to in the industry as "TIG" torches. In such a torch the invention consists in a combination of several features viz:A. the axial length of the annular passage is at least 10mm. and its radial width is between 0.5 and 3 mm. for an axial distance of at least 5 mm. from its upstream end;B. the annular passage is connected upstream to a chamber for distributing the arc-gas andC.