Yeah, @paul251, that "thicker mix" trick works until you get a batch with a slightly different cement chemistry and it just... doesn't flow right at all.

Bad batches are the worst, had that happen with some paint primer once lol

Ever notice how that happens with other things too? Like trying to fix a problem by going straight at it, but the real answer comes from looking at it from a different angle. I get stuck in my own routines and miss the obvious pattern staring me in the face.