Torch support and guide apparatus, method of using same, and kit for constructing same

A torch support and guide apparatus for use with a plasma cutting torch, the apparatus comprising:

• a main support body comprising:
• a base plate having a rectangular shape with a cutout opening formed therein at a first edge portion thereof, the base plate having a horizontally extending groove formed in an upper surface thereof, the groove extending parallel to a second edge portion of the base plate, the base plate further having a threaded bore extending therethrough proximate a portion of the groove;
• a pair of integrally formed support arms extending upwardly from the base plate and configured to support a handle therebetween, each of the support arms having a vertically extending slot formed therethrough;
• a handle which extends between and connects the support arms;
• a pivotally adjustable clamp subassembly disposed between the support arms, the clamp subassembly comprising:
• a U-shaped swing member having a panel portion with a notch formed therein and two upwardly extending flanges on opposite ends thereof, at least part of the swing member fitting in the cutout opening of the base plate, each of the flanges of the swing member attached to one of the support arms by a fastener at the vertically extending slot thereof so as to permit both vertical and pivotal adjustment of the swing member by selectively adjusting the fasteners;
• a clamping bracket adjustably attached to the front end of the swing member at a side edge of the panel portion, the clamping bracket provided for selectively clamping a working end of the plasma cutting torch to the swing member;
• a fence having a guide portion with an L-shaped cross section, and a slide arm integrally attached to the guide portion and having a horizontally extending slot formed therethrough, the slide arm fitting slidably in the groove of the base plate, and
• a threaded fastener adjustably attaching the slide arm to the base plate by passing through the slot of the slide arm and into the threaded bore of the base plate.