This is really easy. In fact it's the easiest non-trivial repair there is on a car, because unlike other parts it's actually designed do be replaced as a wear part.

You'll need a jack, jack stands (pair), and a set of good socket wrenches (make sure you get 3/8 and 1/2 size - you'll need the larger sockets). A breaker bar and torque wrench are a nice bonus. You can get all of that at harbor freight for less than $100 (they do ship if you don't have one nearby). And considering the parts for a brake change cost around $100, but a shop charges closer to $600 it's a no-brainer financially.

I learned by checking out a chiltons repair manual from my local library and following the instructions. That works very well, and you can supplement by watching some youtube videos (not an option when I first started). (I would not do just youtube - you never know if they are skipping a step.)

Disk and drum brakes are all very similar within their type, so it hardly matters which model year chiltons book you get.

Like you, I'd also like to learn how to weld :) but the cost of the machine is too high to justify.

Edit:

http://www.harborfreight.com/64-pc-14-in-38-in-12-in-drive-s... http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-18-in-breaker-bar-6... http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-type-... http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-steel-jack-stands-61196.h... http://www.harborfreight.com/4-ton-hydraulic-bottle-jack-664...

Total: $95.95 (including coupons, the home page has the coupon codes)

Ask grandma! My mom taught me, but it was an even more common skill with the older generations. Or I guess there's always YouTube.

Does your maker space have a 4th axis for the laser? You can buy clear pint glasses and etch designs onto them. Combined with a custom etched coaster it makes an easy, inexpensive gift.