I am also a Newbie to welding in the 21st century. The last time I spent any time welding was in the 70s with a stick welder in one hand and a colt 40oz in the other hand. to say the least my buddies and I were repairing welds on our moto cross bikes every other weekend. NO skill needed back then just turn up the heat and and stick it!
I am currently on my first MIG welding project "welding Cart" for my new Lincoln 125 HD. My second project will be a Welding Table........... similar to yours.