Ever try a flexible plastic edging as a form instead of a string line?

Ever try that with lentils? They cook even faster, no soak at all.

Gotta admit, the soapy water trick is a classic for a reason. But calling a smoke machine a "fancy tool that lies" seems a bit strong. In my experience, if the smoke test shows nothing, maybe the leak isn't in the usual spots, or the machine itself needs a check. Those tiny vacuum-only leaks are a special kind of headache, though.