I also run mine at max settings.
Make sure you use a good air filter on your air supply. Plasmas don't like water.
You have to slow down your cutting speed on thicker metal. Thinner metal like body panels you should be able to cut almost as fast as you can move.
I always drag my torch during the cut, holding it up ever so slightly off the metal if I can.
You will need to remove any paint where you attach your ground, and where you want to begin your cut. I don't worry about paint in between, the plasma will burn thru it. Sometimes you need to remove any rust in those places also. But not always.
Stick to the recommended air pressure of the machine. It should have a built in regulator.
It won't take many cuts to see when your moving too fast. Sparks shouldn't come back at you, just blow strait thru.
If your moving too slow you will get a build up of dross ( slag) on the underside of your cut.
Have fun, and try not to catch anything on fire.
Bruiser
