^^^^ Threadkiller!
There are many ways to do bacon.. But that one thirdeye posted is a damn good one!
BrewerDJ, What you have there sounds good. I have found that books usually print a fairly basic recipe.. You will find yourself doing this again.... and again, adjusting the recipe each time. (more bacon isn't a problem... I'm just saying.)
As for the skin... you'll get the hang of it after a couple. A knife really is the best way (for home) Get yourself a curved boning knife... makes they job much easier.
This is the one I have... Works great and it's fairly cheap as well.
Cheers.