That reminds me of when my plaster mold cracked from heating it too fast.

Did your friend ever get an apology from his cousin? @nathan_jenkins is spot on about tools being for work, not toys. Losing a specialty drill for two months means real money lost from canceled jobs. What did the cousin even say when it finally showed up?

Honestly, I gotta disagree. Lead works, sure, but it's nasty stuff. The health risks during install and the environmental runoff just aren't worth it anymore. We have modern peel-and-stick membranes and composite metals that last just as long without the poison. Why use a toxic material when safer options do the job just fine?

But what happens to all that plastic when the barrels wear out?

Totally get why admin stuff worries you. Dealing with tax forms or insurance papers can feel huge when you just want to work with plants. I know people who put off starting because of that fear. But taking it step by step makes it less scary. Try setting aside an hour each week just for paperwork. In the end, having your own business might be really rewarding.