Abstract: A system for closely controlling the standoff distance of a nozzle in a remotely controlled fluid jet abrasive cutting system. The system comprises a head assembly having a support section and a nozzle body. Control means move the head assembly along a desired cutting path relative to the workpiece. A nozzle is mounted in the nozzle body and oriented to dispense cutting fluid along an axis directed against the workpiece. The nozzle body and the support section are interconnected by means which function to bias the nozzle body relative to the mounting section in a direction along the cutting axis of the nozzle. The nozzle body is provided with a standoff member which is adapted to ride on a portion of the workpiece and which projects beyond the nozzle tip by a distance sufficient to hold the nozzle off of the workpiece by the desired standoff distance.