Please refer to the First steps of Alchemical Initiation article mentioned above. Notice the section on salts. A burner of some kind. Steve, the burner can be a regulated device such as a single burner unit that is flat and fairly precise in temperature. Take one from your local hardware store.
Medium price works better than too cheap.
Soxhlet - what are your opinions versus the more ordinary method. Soxhlet's are great for specific types of separations of oils etc. More ordinary methods can vary depending on your intention and purpose, which herb you are preparing, and what you will use the preparation for. Many variables in a complex yet satisfying research project. Liquid to liquid soxhlet's may extract some oils.