I always start new people with a thick apron and safety glasses, it takes the edge off. Honestly nora_sullivan8, the right gear makes it way less crazy than it looks.
Reminds me of when my friend forgot his apron helping me with a weld. A bit of hot metal landed on his jeans and left a nasty burn on his thigh. the_evan is right about gear making things safer, but that scar sure taught him a lesson. Now he suits up like he's going into battle.