Always thought that was just an old wives' tale until my blade got stuck on some thick pipe. Tried the soap trick out of pure frustration and it actually worked. Couldn't believe how much smoother it cut, way less of that awful screeching sound too.

Tell them fast, cheap, or good, pick two.

Did he ever call a structural engineer?

Actually, I read a whole article on that, @craig.reese.

Oh man, the big pot advice is like a gardening myth that just won't die. I did the same thing, bought these giant tubs and my plants were all leaves, no tomatoes. Switched to a patio variety in a normal pot and it was a total game changer. It's like they forget that some tomatoes are just meant to be small. You don't need a swimming pool for a goldfish.