Very interesting when the term "Weld symbol" is thrown around so loosely because this term is only referring to a part of the welding symbol which indicates the type of weld and, when used, is a part of the welding symbol.
Now "welding symbols" consists of several elements including the weld symbol... Only the reference line and arrow are required elements. Additional elements may be included to convey specific welding information... Alternatively, welding information may be conveyed by other means such as by drawing notes or details, specifications, standards, codes, or other drawings which eliminates the need to include corresponding elements in the welding symbol.
All elements, when used, shall have specific locations within the welding symbol
(Refer to figure 2 on page 3 in ANSI/AWS A2.4-98.. quickest one I found ;) ) Mandatory requirements regarding each element in a welding symbol refer to the location of the element and should not be interpreted as a necessity to include the element in every welding symbol.
So please let's get the terminology correct here! ;)
Respectfully,
Henry