new PP 256 - Ugly results with plasma cutting - probably doing something wrong

[ozzy]

Fair warning - I'm new to plasma cutting, so I may be doing something wrong here. I will blame the lack of documentation that came with the PP256

I was cutting some 3/8" mild steel and it was more like a messy melting experience than an actual cut. What should have been blasting through the steel, it seemed like the arc was just melting as there were large drips of molten seem coming out the bottom and staying on top of the work surface (that's what concerned me more). The kick-back of molton steel ate through the stand-off that is attached to the torch - as you can see from the picture. I was using 60psi and pretty much maxed with the amps. I had similar results with 1/16" steel - not as messy but the edge of the steem was still didn't have a nice slice cut, rather a melted bubbly look. So, my questions are:

1) Is there a diagram somewhere that shows what settings (PSI/AMPS) to use in conjunction with the type of material (thickness and type of metal)? I was using max settings as I figured this would easily blast through 3/8"

2) Are you supposed to use that stand-off with metal this thick?

3) This is a new torch that I guess Everlast just switched to that is supposed to be better than the old - Trafimet a81. I damaged the black ceramic piece (see picture) with part number PC0115 - where do I get a replacement(s)? I found some replacements online for the stand-off.

Thanks