Anyone have advice for novice?

Does anyone use the seated chest press machine to make the pectoral muscles stronger? Do you have advice for novices? Fitness trainer Nancy Cole says in her fitness column in the Miami Herald that this is a good machine for novices. She explains the grips, the seat height, and posture needed to use the machine safely and effectively but how can a person gauge how much weight is the right amount for starters. How many reps are appropriate for a beginner?