Torch raises up tops out and then fires

[ChelanJim]

That makes perfect sense now that you say it that way “only applies to open paths”.

[pancakecustoms]

So those settings unchecked would have prevented this or checked?

[ds690]

That doesn’t really look like a lead in. A shorter pierce delay and increased plunge rate will minimize that. You will never completely eliminate the pierce hole defect.

You want to keep those boxes unchecked. A lead in would have caused a right angle or curved cut leading into the line.