this thread is hilarious...
my input:
1. don't feel obliged to use the very last mm of stringer, (even tho it took forever to figure out how to pull it evenly) - u
will burn yr finger
2. when u do burn that finger (lol), don't, i repeat DON'T automatically stick yr finger in yr mouth. Grilled human flesh tastes even worse than it smells.
3. don't try to blow silver leaf into the right place on yr marver
4. don't use the side of yr hand to swipe yr work area clean. not even if it looks like nothing is there. ouch! splinters!
5. Exploding glass from improperly heated rods flies a lot further than u would think... and yes, that smell is from the carpet in the far corner burning.