I am looking at an auction for some Merlin 33 pens... new uninked but without sacks... looks like the seller has some that were never sacked... they have the buttons and bars and are brand new...

How hard is resacking a pen... and for a beginner is this a good pen to start practicing on... I may be able to get them for a real nice price....
I have ordered "Da Book" and will be going over it from cover to cover before attempting any repairs..

I don't know that particular pen, but re-sacing a pen is very easy. I highly recommend reading http://www.richardspens.com/ref_info/sac_replacement.htm
The instructions are very clear and the resource list at the end is very good.

Congratulations on starting on repairs . As you have already discovered, it opens up the world of great bargains.