[Kevin]

Phil, your script looks very good considering this is your first week at it, and hand pushing. Seems you graver geometry is good. Guessing you are not using templates or a sharpening fixture since you are on a low budget. If so, you are doing very very well.

I agree with you, that if you can do script well, the rest won't be to hard to learn. I enjoy script.

Try to make your wide cuts wider, and your hairlines as thin as possible. This is what gives script its beauty.
Also, in classic engravers script, the lower case letters are 1/3 the height of the Capitals. And there is more slant. About 52 degrees. But these rules can be broken and still have good looking script.

Don't go overboard on books for lettering if money is an issue. One good one is all you need. But do buy Meeks book if you can.

Remember, you can not make fine hairlines unless the point of your graver is very sharp. Took me awhile to figure that out even though it is pretty basic.
Kevin Scott