Yeah, the "glassy smooth" finish is worth the extra time. I had to learn that the hard way too, @jamiesingh. Switched to a similar method with thin coats and it changed everything.

Honestly think that sharpie trick is overkill. Loading film is supposed to be part of the fun, messing it up is how you learn.

I should try that, my last batch was so crumbly it could've doubled as taco filling!

Man, that's the worst kind of break. When a tool fails right in the middle of a stretch, it throws your whole rhythm off. I've had a rivet pop on an old kicker before, sent a spring flying across the room. Now I give the head a good wiggle check before any big job, listening for any play or weird clicks. It's saved me a couple times from a similar trip to the supplier.

My first bin was a total starvation chamber too, @jordan134.