Lincoln Pro-Cut 55

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Hey guys I'm pretty new here but have been reading lots of information on the site for quite a while. I just aquired a used Lincoln Pro-Cut 55 plasma cutter to use in my small home shop where I mostly work on a couple of old cars I have. I'm definetly not a pro when it comes to welding/cutting and don't know much about this machine. The only experience I have with a plasma cutter was about 5 minutes of use in my high school shop class 12 years ago.  I was wondering if anyone has any pointers I should consider when learning to use this cutter. Also, any pros or cons on this particular machine? Thanks for any comments, Jason
Reply:Step one go to Lincoln Electric's  web site. go to owners manuals and enter the code number of your plasma. Down load the owners manual and read it.Plasma machines need clean dry shop air to operate. You will need water, oil and particle filters. Oil and water shorten the consumable life and cause bad cuts.Air compressor must be large enough  to supply air with air pressure dropping off while cutting. Low air pressure will damage the torch head. To high of air pressure can cause tip to ware out fast and cut poor. Torches are designed to operate in a narrow band of air pressure of about plus or minus 5 psi. The torch used with the pro-cut 55 is designed to cut with the nozzle on the metal. Lifting the torch will cause the tip to ware fast.Protect your torch, do not let it get damaged while operating it. A damaged torch can damaged the output PCB $$$$$$$.The plasma will let you know when it is time to change consumables.See the owners manual about this feature.
Reply:Thansk for the info. I think I have all the requirements you mentioned such as clean filtered air and large compressor. The cutter has a "green area" on the pressure gauge and I've had no trouble keeping it there. I downloaded the owner's manual however it is a little vague. It doesn't go into specific instructions on how to actually cut. Mostly just specs and warnings. I just want to be sure I understand you correctly... It is OK to drag the torch on the piece being cut?