What about using foam pads under the clamps to spread the pressure? I put thin craft foam between the clamp and the book, and it stopped ALL those marks. Even pressure is KEY, but protecting the surface makes it perfect.

In big construction jobs, real blade skill comes from moving tons of dirt on schedule, not shaping a small pond. Those gentle contours don't prepare you for the demands of a real site with tough grades and deadlines. Spending hours on a backyard project might even make you too slow for professional work. I've known operators who focus on small stuff and then can't keep up when they join a crew. Fine control is nice, but it doesn't match the need for speed and accuracy under pressure.

I tried to rewire a light switch at home last month and almost set the garage on fire. Seeing someone actually master the code books and pass that test on the first try is wild to me. Huge congrats, that's a serious grind paying off. Enjoy not having to study for a while, you've earned it.