My neighbor's slide hammer is still stuck in his garage wall.

Ever try just tracing around a small object from your desk? I use a coin for circles and a binder clip for rectangles. It's way faster than a stencil and you get a clean line.

Honestly, are you sure the extra time isn't just from being in a new shop? Tbh, maybe your old place was cutting corners on those checks. I've seen older systems need just as much fussing if you do it right, the book time just didn't show it. Ngl, bidding higher now might mean you were undercharging before.

Ever had a client tell you to just breathe? Same energy, and it works.

Totally, that idea about tool marks showing human work came up in a pottery class I took. The instructor said the little imperfections are what make each piece feel alive.