Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic cutting torch assembly for making cuts of any predetermined shape in a metallic pipe. Rollers are provided for the pipe to be processed which permit back and forth movement of the pipe. A photoelectric tracer unit and a cutting torch are mounted on a longitudinally extending bar which is also movable back and forth. The tracer unit and cutting torch are aligned with the axis of the pipe and are adjustable so as to be brought in close proximity to the pipe regardless of the size of the pipe. A pattern line is placed on the pipe and the tracking of the line by the tracer unit results in providing the correct cutting locus for the torch. A resolver unit senses the instantaneous angular position of the tracer unit and translates the sensed signal into two signals which correspond to the circumferential and angular components of the sensed angular position.