Cutting torch guide structure and cutting torch guide system

A cutting torch guide system, comprising:

• a base structure having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and a channel formed in the base structure;
• a mechanically switched permanent magnet coupled to the base structure and configured to mechanically switch between a first magnetic state, having a first magnetic field strength that fixes the base structure to a metal workpiece and a second magnetic state, having a second magnetic field strength that releases the base structure from the metal workpiece;
• and
• at least one cutting torch guide structure configured to be releasably received in the channel and magnetically coupled to the base structure by magnetic attraction between at least one permanent magnet fixed in a at least one recess in the channel of the base structure and a guide structure permanent magnet fixed to the at least one cutting torch guide structure, wherein the at least one cutting torch guide structure is configured with a first portion that is removable received in the channel of the base structure and a second portion that overhangs the base structure and includes an edge that defines a predefined shape and is configured to be in slidable contact with a cutting torch tip.

A kit for a cutting torch guide system, comprised of:

• a base structure having a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, and a channel formed in and defined by first interior sidewalls of the base structure and a channel floor within the base structure;
• a mechanically switched permanent magnet that is fixed to the base structure, has a working surface that is substantially coplanar with the bottom surface of the base structure, and is configured to releasably fix the base structure to a metal workpiece by physical rotation of a first internal permanent magnet relative to a second internal permanent magnet within a housing of the mechanically switched permanent magnet;
• at least one permanent magnet fixedly received in at least one recess in the base structure, a thickness of the at least one permanent magnet is less than a distance between the channel floor and the bottom surface of the base structure;
• and
• at least one cutting torch guide structure, comprising:
• a first portion configured to be releasably received in the channel;
• and
• a second portion that overhangs the base structure, is spaced apart laterally from the base structure, and includes an edge that defines a predefined shape, wherein the edge is configured to be slidably contacted by a cutting torch tip of a cutting torch to guide the cutting torch tip while cutting the predefined shape from the metal workpiece.