Systems and Methods for Separating Consumables Under Pressure in a Plasma Arc Torch

A contact start liquid-cooled plasma arc cutting torch is provided that includes a translatable liquid-cooled electrode, a nozzle, and a multi-piece cathode. The electrode comprises an electrode body defining a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the electrode body. The electrode body includes a coolant cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a coolant tube of the torch for directing a liquid coolant flow distally through the coolant tube within the coolant cavity. The cathode is disposed about the proximal end of the electrode body and includes a first body shaped to matingly engage the electrode and a second body shaped to matingly engage the torch. The first body slidingly engages the second body such that the first body and the electrode are axially translatable relative to the second body along the longitudinal axis.