Man, I would have said stick to the plan before. But seeing happy accidents work out totally changed my mind. Go with it.

That part about laughing at the idea first hits hard. I bet a lot of guys skip the simple stuff because it feels like admitting they aren't invincible. The real trick isn't just finding a good stretch, it's getting over your own ego to do it. That old-timer had to learn the same lesson once, probably the hard way too. It turns a simple routine into this quiet sign of respect for the job and your own body. You stop fighting basic help and just get better at your work.

Yeah, I was in the same boat thinking it was sketchy until a friend wouldn't stop talking about it. Hearing how much you saved and the local advice you got actually makes it sound worth a shot. Guess I might have to give it a look next time I travel.

Ha! I wish ours was just lumpy. Our first batch of recycled stuff made a mold so gritty it looked like a cement statue left in the rain. I spent an hour chiseling out what was supposed to be a smooth gear shape.