Abstract: A gas shielded plasma arc torch and collet assembly having a collet for receiving and gripping an electrode wherein the collet has spherical front and rear surfaces for engagement of and rotation in seats within the torch and a means for locking the position of the collet thereby locking and fixing the position of the electrode with respect to the torch.

Abstract: A gas shielded plasma arc torch having a collet for receiving and gripping an electrode wherein the collet has a portion with a substantially spherical surface geometry for engagement with and rotation in first and second seating means within the torch and means for locking the position of the collet thereby locking and fixing the position of the electrode with respect to the torch.

Abstract: In combination, a plasma arc torch having an electrode structure adapted to be connected to a power supply for establishing a transferred plasma arc between the electrode structure and a workpiece and a nozzle assembly for constricting the plasma arc wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a first and second arc constricting passageway separated by a water chamber with the length of each passageway and the length of the water chamber being defined by a predetermined relationship to optimize the cutting speed and to minimize sensitivity to torch stand off.