I am not sure how to reply to this. But here I go anyway, let's see where this goes. If the Op had asked before starting we'd have given much the same advice. I feel it's best to stop doing the "wrong" thing and get straight early on. If we share our experience and help him build safer bikes I think he'll be happier then if we say "ata boy, you will get the hang of it if only you keep doing the same thing". The Op has a very good tube set for either future bikes (with a couple of replacement tubes) or to do a lot of practice with. His torch will be fine for the home copper plumbing. The book will be a reference (although I wouldn't take it as the best it's a start) which he'll out grow as he gets more exposure/experience (like from this forum). As to his attractiveness- can't say as this is radio and not TV Andy.