The torch tip must be at a certain height to cut properly, especially at higher amps and thicker metal, check out this site to see pictures of proper height and the different types of DROSS, that is to say Dross can show up on top of the plate or under it, which tells you if you are too high or too low on the plate.http://www.agelkom.com.tr/capacitiv_&_voltage_thc.htm
You can drag cut but only on the thinner stuff.
Cannot help you if the handle is too long, guess you could cut some off of it...
Some of those lies people tell about me, are true