A hand-held thermal cutting torch of the plasma arc or oxyfuel type commonly used for cutting metal workpieces such as steel plates, employs a new concept of motorized driving to provide more uniform cutting rates and improved quality of cut. A driving element coaxially surrounding the cutting torch nozzle includes an annular surface for engagement with a template guide surface, the driving element being rotatably mounted and driven from an electric motor that is carried in the handle of the cutting torch.