A little caulk hides it just fine"? That's wild to me. Once you see that perfect fit with no filler, you can't go back. It just looks so much more professional.

Oh man, that smell is the worst! Quick question though, are you sure it was the leachate? That stuff is usually the good juice you drain off. The real stink monster is more likely the fermented food itself if it gets too much air. Either way, been there, it's a rite of passage for sure.

Wow, what's the most unusual piece you've ever had to cut?