I also wanted to learn and read up to a point yet everything remaines quite abstract...once I bought some greens and started to experiment things went quickly as I find that roasting is not that difficult. Currently am using a reclaimed Illy can on an electric drill over a propane camp stove but am building a 1 pound roaster.

Just give it a try to see and smell what goed on, all you need is a sieve, or a cast iron skillet, or a wok and some elbow grease for stirring. It's funs to do and observe the stages and smells and sounds.