So 'patience is the secret ingredient', isn't that the truth for baking? How do you tell when it's cooled enough to avoid cracks, or do you just go by a timer?

Kits are legit helpful for starting out. Did a coffee table kit last year. Taught me how joints fit together. Now I can eyeball measurements for simple repairs. That initial guided build makes later DIY less scary. You start with instructions, then trust your own skills.