1. A virtual reality welding system comprising: a programmable processor-based subsystem; a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem; at least one wireless mock welding tool configured to wirelessly communicate with the programmable processor-based subsystem and the spatial tracker; and at least one wireless face-mounted display device configured to wirelessly communicate with the programmable processor-based subsystem and the spatial tracker, wherein said system is configured to simulate, in a virtual reality environment, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics, and display the simulated weld puddle on the at least one wireless face-mounted display device in real time.