Abstract: A method for cutting a plow bolt hole in a work piece using a cutting torch includes receiving a computerized part file including elements representing holes to be cut in the work piece. An element is selected and assigned a plow bolt hole identity. The selected element is associated with an aspect of an inner shape and an aspect of an outer shape of the plow bolt hole. A tool path is developed for the cutting torch that accounts for the aspect of the inner shape and the aspect of the outer shape and is associated with the selected element. Instructions are output to a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to move the cutting torch along the tool path so as to cut both the inner shape and the outer shape of the plow bolt hole in the work piece consecutively without interrupting a flame of the torch.

Abstract: A method for cutting a plow bolt hole in a work piece using a cutting torch includes receiving a computerized part file including elements representing holes to be cut in the work piece. An element is selected and assigned a plow bolt hole identity. The selected element is associated with an aspect of an inner shape and an aspect of an outer shape of the plow bolt hole. A tool path is developed for the cutting torch that accounts for the aspect of the inner shape and the aspect of the outer shape and is associated with the selected element. Instructions are output to a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to move the cutting torch along the tool path so as to cut both the inner shape and the outer shape of the plow bolt hole in the work piece consecutively without interrupting a flame of the torch.

Abstract: A system for thermally working a workpiece has a torch body having a first axial end positionable near the workpiece and a torch receptacle coupled to a second axial end of the torch body. A plurality of ports extend axially through the torch receptacle from a first axial end of the torch receptacle to a second axial end of the torch receptacle. A plurality of fittings provided at the second axial end of the torch body for communication with a subset of the plurality of ports. The torch body comprises one of a plasma torch body and an oxy-fuel torch body that is exchangeably coupled to the torch receptacle. The subset of the plurality of ports is a plasma subset when the plasma torch body is coupled to the torch receptacle and an oxy-fuel subset when the oxy-fuel torch body is coupled to the torch receptacle.

Abstract: A system for thermally working a workpiece has a torch body having a first axial end positionable near the workpiece and a torch receptacle coupled to a second axial end of the torch body. A plurality of ports extend axially through the torch receptacle from a first axial end of the torch receptacle to a second axial end of the torch receptacle. A plurality of fittings provided at the second axial end of the torch body for communication with a subset of the plurality of ports. The torch body comprises one of a plasma torch body and an oxy-fuel torch body that is exchangeably coupled to the torch receptacle. The subset of the plurality of ports is a plasma subset when the plasma torch body is coupled to the torch receptacle and an oxy-fuel subset when the oxy-fuel torch body is coupled to the torch receptacle.

Abstract: A cutting torch splatter and glare guard includes a collar that is structured for releasable engagement with a cutting torch. The collar has first and second collar portions that are biased towards a first position for engagement with the cutting torch and movable against the bias towards a second position for disengagement with the cutting torch. A guard plate coupled to the collar and structured to block splatter and cutting debris emanating from a cutting surface. A plurality of shield plates is pivotably attached to the guard plate so as to pivot info and out of an orientation extending generally perpendicular downwardly relative to the guard plate.

Abstract: An edge detect system, using a torch height control system based on the use of a free floating probe in contact with the workpiece, uses a drop in pressurized air supplied to the probe tip in contact with the workpiece when the probe moves off the plate edge to generate a signal that prevents the torch from following the free floating probe downwardly and thereby prevents the cutting tool from crashing into the workpiece.

Abstract: An edge detect system, using a torch height control system based on the use of a free floating probe in contact with the workpiece, uses a drop in pressurized air supplied to the probe tip in contact with the workpiece when the probe moves off the plate edge to generate a signal that prevents the torch from following the free floating probe downwardly and thereby prevents the cutting tool from crashing into the workpiece.