Honestly the part about drawing your own layouts is the real game changer. Tbh I started using a paper planner because it forces my brain to slow down and actually process what I'm writing. With a phone calendar I just tap stuff in and forget it exists. Ngl the lack of reminders is tough, but I put my planner right next to my coffee maker so I see it first thing. That physical habit of checking it over breakfast works better for me than any notification I used to swipe away.

Oh man, that rule is about more than just looks. It's about the wood itself. Wood moves with the seasons, swells up with humidity. If you don't leave enough gap, it's gonna bind. That tight feeling you got? That's the wood fighting itself. Three fingers forces you to plan for that change. Saves you from a stuck drawer next summer.

Ouch, that sounds brutal. I'm curious, what brand was the old rotary drill that failed on you? That might help narrow down what to avoid.