First and foremost, buy Chris's book and DVDs on repair and building.
Also Joe Barringers as he offers his ideas and methods. Nothing wrong with learning 2 different ways.
I truly believe that learning the cue repair trade is the first major step in learning how to build cues.
I love your enthusiasm but first things first.
You see the end goal Grasshopper but each little step is a stepping stone in a pond, you must touch each one before you reach the other side.
After a year of studying, a couple of lathes and a ton of goodies, a year or so of just repairing and conversions, I am just starting to consider building cues this winter. Now, your ability might be much quicker than mine and if so, thats a good thing.
Just sayin, thats all.
SS joints are cool but they come a long way after pins, inserts, plugging holes, drill, bore, tap, phenolic collars, ferrules, tenons etc.
Do you have a Community College in your area that offers night classes in Lathes and milling machines?
If you do, please consider taking just one class in Lathe 101. That will give you so much insight into this craft.
Altho, I have to say that after watching the first DVD in Chris's library on lathe operation and repair, you should have the ability
to start working with your lathe. The DVD is just that good.