Three or four stutters is my max too, but I've been thinking about where you put them. Does @oscarmurray find a big difference depending on if you drop it at the beginning of a line versus in the middle of a sentence? I always thought that worked best when someone is trying to correct themselves, like when they start with the wrong word. But a hesitation in the middle feels more like a real person gathering their thoughts, especially if they're nervous or lying. I'm curious if you've noticed one spot feels more natural than the other, or if it just depends on the scene.

Nah, I think most folks are mature enough to handle borrowing a shovel without starting a blood feud.

Yeah totally @bell.emma nailed it. I used to run wet lube all year too and my drivetrain looked like a tar pit. Switched to dry lube for summer and it stays so much cleaner.

Hasn't that dish soap trick just saved your sanity on a basement job? I've been there in Portland with those crusty old corners that just tear the paper no matter what you do. The water and soap trick really does make the mud slide like butter, I started doing it a few years ago after a framer buddy put me onto it. My only other tip would be to keep that corner trowel sharp and clean between dips, a dull edge will still grab and mess with your rhythm.

Yeah I actually used to swear by the old school feel but the digital readout caught a bolt I would've absolutely hammered past the point of no return.