On a side note, most TV shows don't necessarily show the safest welding practices.
I was watching Xtreme 4x4 on the weekend and the chick on the show was mig welding with only a tight T-shirt on. No jacket or gloves.
That would leave a nasty scar if some slag hit her in the wrong place...
Doug
PS: Just a personal note, but I would not take any of he Monster Garage books as recommended reading, unless you were aspiring to be a hack. Just my opinion, but I could be wrong.