The wire trick is the real deal. I got a set of torch tip cleaners at Harbor Freight for like 6 bucks after a guy named Ray at the Denton swap meet told me the same thing about my CB360. The smallest one is around 0.013 and I run it through the pilot jet and the emulsion tube holes every time now. What got me was the little holes on the sides of the emulsion tube, mine were almost sealed shut with green crust and I never would have found them without poking through. Spray alone just cannot get that packed stuff out no matter how much you soak it. Pete did you a solid, that little wire is worth more than any can of carb cleaner.

Passion is just code for "will accept low pay.

Tbh the lumber yard guy was right and it stings to hear it. Wood needs to dry out and do its shrinking and cracking thing before you trap it under a finish. If you seal it too early the cracks still happen, they just happen under the stain and look worse. Letting it sit a full season gives it time to move and settle so whatever you put on after actually sticks. The fancy coatings can't fix bad timing, that's the whole deal.