Welder torch body

A torch body for welding comprising:

• a cavity configured to receive and support an electrode assembly;
• a first shield gas channel extending from an external surface of the torch body to a first plenum that is fluidly coupled to the cavity so that the first shield gas channel is configured to direct a first shield gas into the cavity, wherein the first plenum is defined, at least in part, by the cavity and is disposed radially exterior of a portion of the electrode assembly;
• and
• a second shield gas channel configured to direct a second shield gas to exit the torch body along a path that is radially exterior of the cavity, wherein the second shield gas channel comprises:
• a horizontal channel extending from a side of the external surface of the torch body;
• and
• a transverse channel extending from a distal end of the horizontal channel toward the side of the external surface of the torch body, wherein an angle between the horizontal channel and the transverse channel is acute.

A system for welding comprising:

• an electrode assembly including an electrode;
• a nozzle configured to be concentric with the electrode assembly;
• and
• a torch body including:
• a cavity configured to receive and support the electrode assembly;
• a first shield gas channel extending from the cavity, through a plenum formed between offset surfaces of the nozzle and the torch body, and to an external surface of the torch body so that the first shield gas channel is configured to direct a first shield gas along an exterior surface of the electrode and create a first shield flow around the exterior surface of the electrode;
• and
• a second shield gas channel configured to direct a second shield gas along a second shield gas path that is radially exterior of the first shield flow.