Welding torch diffusers and welding systems having welding torch diffusers for use with welding wire liners trimmed flush with a welding torch neck

A welding system comprising:

• a welding torch comprising a welding torch neck, an end of the welding torch neck defining a neck opening, the welding torch configured to conduct weld current from a welding cable to the welding torch neck;
• a welding wire liner configured to be inserted through the welding cable via the neck opening;
• and
• a welding torch diffuser, comprising:
• a first section configured to couple to the welding torch neck;
• a second section configured to receive a contact tip;
• a first interior surface extending from an end of the first section toward the second section, wherein the first interior surface defines a first cavity configured to receive the welding torch neck;
• and
• a lateral aperture extension extending at least partially into the first cavity,
• wherein:
• the lateral aperture extension defines an aperture between the first section and the second section, and
• the lateral aperture extension defines an interior aperture cavity configured to capture the welding wire liner and align the welding wire liner with the aperture.