Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of gas consumed during welding operations by reducing gas-surge principally for M.I.G. and T.I.G. welding systems. A preferred embodiment consists of a series of removable orifice bodies which may be threaded into a valve body. The removable orifice bodies restrict the maximum rate at which gas can flow from through the welding system. Gas-flow cannot exceed the maximum rate permitted by the particular diameter of the removable orifice body used, but may be adjusted up or down by substituting one of a plurality of available interchangeable orifice bodies. To allow for a higher gas flow rate, an orifice body with a larger diameter gas flow passage is used. For a lower gas flow rate, an orifice body with a smaller gas flow passage is used.