<p>An apparatus (10) includes a nozzle assembly (12) having a nozzle orifice (18) formed therein. A highly pressurized fluid source is in fluid communication with the nozzle orifice (18), wherein a fluid jet (20) is discharged through the nozzle orifice (18) into a chamber downstream of said nozzle assembly (12). A sensor (24) is in fluid communication with the chamber (22) for sensing the fluid condition in said chamber (22) which provides an indication of the quality of the nozzle orifice (18). An alignment portion (33) aligns the orientation of the fluid jet (20) relative to the workpiece based upon the indication of the quality of the fluid jet (20).</p>
