Welcome to the forum Larry. There is a lot of good information here.
If you are interested in meeting some other people with a similar interest and trying some tools and techniques first hand you should consider attending one of the metal shaping meets that are held periodically.
Dan Pate holds one in Dennison MN each spring and I have one coming up in about a month in Cumberland, WI (About 3 hrs north of you.) The meets are inexpensive and a good place to learn.
Pat Brubaker (Patman) is holding a couple of classes the weekend before the meet if you are interested in that sort of thing. Pat is a great teacher. You can get more info on the meet and Pat's classes here:
http://www.allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=16900