Abstract: A conventional plasma arc cutting torch in which the plasma gas passageway of a cutting tip is flared about 90 degrees outwardly, the cutting torch angle-to-work is about 45 degrees, the torch stand-off from the work is about 3/16 inch, and the torch travel speed is about 60 inches/minute to obtain metal preparation of consistent width and depth dependent on the work metal and its thickness. Changes in these characteristics, when limited to established parameters, varies the width and depth of the resulting metal preparation which remains constant for each combination of changes.