As a former Boilermaker welder making high pressure welds.... you do need some practice, but just trying to weld pipe is a great start. Practice will make perfect is true, so don't get discouraged. As a tip to you , and you may know this already.... take your welding rod and bend it so that it looks like a ? mark before sticking it into the stinger. This allows you to get closer to the surfaces and easier to control the finish product. It also makes the stick and electrode roll easier around the pipe, which follows the contour of the pipe. You don't get to use the entire stick but it does make it smoother weld. Also, fit up just needs to be close, the rods will do the job of filling. The biggest concern is keeping the pipes straight. It sucks welding long pieces together and you don't want to make a u-turn out of it, and have to cut it apart later. Remember to have fun, that's what welding is all about.