Ever have that moment where you realize you've been doing something the hard way for no reason? I was using this old iron for years that just didn't get hot enough... seams would look okay for a month then just let go. Switched to a better iron with the right tape and it was like night and day. The stuff in my own entryway has taken a beating from my dogs and still looks new. Makes you wonder what else we're all using that's just... not quite right.

My own stubbornness cost me a whole fishing season once, just like sandrahayes said. I learned the hard way that a few extra phone calls beats waiting around. Now I treat parts shopping like a sport.

Switching to soft jaws for my three jaw chuck was the same kind of wake up call. It saves so much time on second operations and keeps the finish nice. Felt lazy at first but now it's just smart.

What's not a big deal to you, @rivera.susan?

Those recommended speeds are more like a suggestion box, and the suggestion is usually "buy more end mills." Learned that one the expensive way too.