The bain of my existance for some time now, easy diametrical cutting on a plasma table Solution? build a rolling axis. I have this made up primarily out of scrap I've accumulated. I can chuck upto 6" diameter and upto 8' of length depending on what length Kindorf rails I use. I made a "sidearm" for the Z axis so it is not directly over the cutting, this sidearm carries the torch.
The axis is operated from the X axis programming and is geared to operate on the same programming thus to mimic the X axis only in rotation. The Y axis is still fully operational for longitude cuts. As far as the X axis, it stays stationary and when the R axis is ordered to move, the work piece rotates under the stationary torch. When I'm done and want to return to normal table operation I can un-plug the R axis and plug the X axis back in and hang the entire 55 pound R axis on the wall beside the table.