the workpiece to the plasma torch therefore in at least some embodiments en will be preferred referring now to fig2 plasma torch 111 and mig torch 112 are mounted on a bracket 201 which hold them a fixed distance apart as the welder or robot moves mig torch 112 in the direction of arrow 115 plasma torch 111 precedes it in the direction of travel plasma torch 111 is shown perpendicular to workpiece 113 in this embodiment it is angled between 10 and u2212 10 degrees and between 5 degrees and perpendicular or at any other angle in various embodiments angles are measured from the perpendicular and the angle is negative when the arc is angled in the direction of travel mig torch 112 is disposed at an angle a which as negative 30 degrees in this embodiment other embodiments provide for mig torch 112 to be angled between 10 and u2212 45 degrees or at any other angle when choosing the particular angle of plasma torch 111 and mig torch 112 the distance between the arcs the interaction of the arcs and physical limitations of mounting the torches should be considered generally perpendicular arcs will have less interaction and should be able to weld at a higher speed however the diameter of the torches near bracket 201 may result in the arcs being to far apart for high speed welding if the torches are perpendicular bracket 201 is chosen with the desired distance between arcs in mind higher speed welding may be performed with the separation greater although it is generally useful to have the arcs as close as possible without interaction the distance is about u00bd inch in the preferred embodiment between u00bc and 1 inch in another.