Thanks to everyone for the outpouring of advice. It's been very helpful and educational. I have finally found the exact type of book I was looking for. It is called "Welder's Handbook" by Richard Finch (Barnes and Noble). It is a good welding for dummies book and includes explanations of all types of welding and the physics involved. It outlines a step by step approach to each method to get you going. All chapters include a list of practice welds to do before moving on. I highly recommend it to folks wanted to get started. I wanted to take a community college course but the school is an hour each way for me and I know I would not make it most of the time. There is a professional welder in the neighborhood that happily offered to come by. My plan is to read the book, practice some and then get him to come by and help. Thanks again for all the info'!