[TerraSerenity]

Lets understand your needs first, What is the size of the space?
What do you plan on using your patio for?
How much will you use it?
Will it have to hold heavy loads like a hot tube. Monster Grill, tables.....

Your soil - Clay like with stones?
Do you have any drain problems-is the ground flat or slopping...
POST a pic of the area.

What have you been reading to come up with Sub-Base, and Compaction...

"The best way to insure that your patio holds up for twenty years is to hire a qualified, experienced hardscape contractor to install it."

I DON'T AGREE
Last time I checked walls in Scotland and England were built by farmers. But at the same time I have a accountant and a Lawyer for a reason!!! You do the math. You want to take on the job- DO IT.
Your on the right track by asking questions on this board. Second great thing about dry laid stone is that in one year if your having problems with your work you can always pull it back up. The best idea of Recycling. Sorry getting off track with your Patio.

So lets get back to your Soil and Use. Then lets move on to How To! after