My first welding experiments were with Brass brazing rod I brought home from work. I found that I could melt it using a simple Propane torch. I think the first thing I brazed together were two nails. In no time I was making my own pegboard hooks. Not sure if I was getting the right penetration for building plane wings but my curiosity fuse was lit. Next I bought an arc welder from Sears. Then went to the local supply house and bought a couple of different number rods. I had all the scrape steel I needed from work. I was running beads in no time. If you can’t figure out how to lay a nice bead within 20 rods then maybe you should just remain in your current cubicle type job. Again you may not have the qualifications to be welding on the Oil Pipelines but you sure as hell could repair that shock absorbor flange on the family car. And besides if you’re the one fixing your own stuff who really cares how pretty it looks.