The real trick is finding out what you actually need before you buy anything. Most people pick up all the fancy supplies first and then figure out they just need a pen and paper.

The trick is to go back to the basics when you mess up. Check your water temp and your grind size before you blame anything else. @murphy.blair nailed it with that analogy about the oven, half the time it's just a tiny adjustment that fixes everything. Once you get the pressure right, most spoons work fine.

Jumped through those same hoops with my old Silverado, except I let the battery drain one too many times and it warped the posts. @lisak26 is right about the risk, but honestly I think I saved a little face by not being seen slumped over a Chinese alternator in the Autozone parking lot. Dead alternator or dead dignity, take your pick.

Funny enough I used to think sitting still was a waste of time too. Then I started giving myself 10 minutes just to look out the kitchen window before diving into anything. It actually calms my brain down and I get more done the rest of the day.

Just surface mount them after inspection, saves everyone a headache later.