Nick, welcome to AllMetalShaping. Starting by doing work with just hand tools is the way to learn quickly. You have Davids DVD and that will help you a lot. Take a look at this thread,
http://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=1198
This is the other "must have" DVD to help you understand metal shaping when you first get started.
There are some regional gatherings in your area coming up soon. If you can attend one of them you will learn more in a couple of day that you will in months just trying things on your own.
Thanks for joining us.