ArtMetal

I would follow the above procedure. I differ only in that I would use a size 3/0 blade. This blade is recommended for 20-22 gauge. It has ten more teeth per inch than the #1. It's a much finer blade being only .0095 thick. Teeth per inch amounts to the blade not getting catching in the material. There is a draw back to my approach (it's a very fine blade) not the finest available but fine none the less. That means that it break easily. Either way either size blade you will learn how to put in new blades. There is no cost difference. The #3/0 is the only size blade I always stock. I buy them a gross at a time. They sometimes come in a plastic tube. That is the best way to store them.
Don't get either of these blades wet. Sawing is a both feet on the floor activity. It's a concentration thing, and a bit of a Yoga thing do not tense up. Listen to the sound of sawing. Good luck practice I too saw much better than I type. Brad