Hey Tony my son Braden is also 15 and we both are new to this as well. This is a great site to learn from if you spend the time and read, then read some more and if you have a question, use the search bar. It has probably been discussed already. As for the mower type, We like the Murray wide body but the best ones are the free ones. Ask neighbors, friends or your local lawnmower repair shop. As for building a mower or the steps to do that, read George Herrins post on his build, we followed that and have a great running mower. Again, welcome and I wish you success at this. It is very rewarding.