Reading books are good, you will get the idea. But until you start welding it will not click. How many professional welders do you know that learned from a book? I have been welding for 8 years, I do it for work, and for hobby such as my offroad business. I love it. But loving it and doing it right is 2 different things. You have to take your time, clean material makes the best welds, and practice practice practise. Weld above head, laying on your back, bent over welding under you, every bad situation you could have to weld in, exspect at some point to do it. I started out with a ac/dc stick welder. I have welded high pressure steam lines, down to thin sheet metal. Mig makes it easy, and even with a pretty weld, you might not have the right penetration. If you practice you will learn how to control your heat, adjust your speeds, and hopefuly you are using argon mixture, much cleaner. The rest is up to you, get a good welding shield and sleeves. Be prepared to get burned from time to time. Good luck with your welding. And again what size welder are you going to use?