Hi Rick,
This was a contest that was for all and had 3 classifications.
Thanks Steve for this and many other great contests, a great forum, and for making a state of the art tool.
I did a thread on exactly what you were looking for which was for a newbe to be able to start engraving with minimal tools up to using the Classic.
Includes vises, optical, H&C, transfers and links to many of the threads on Steves site that puts many of the other's helpful hints in one spot.
Visit it and check out links. This should give you a idea of where to start plus more.
Link:
http://www.handengravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=2365
AirAmp