The author is making a PCB to serve as an adapter for a new controller on a laser cutter, which has connectors with 2 mm pin spacings instead of the usual 2.54 mm, which prevents it from fitting into prototyping boards.
To prepare for this, the author practiced on other parts of the project that didn’t require as much precision, as a way to boost confidence before tackling the more critical bits.
While insisting on 100% effort all the time might be ideal in an ideal world, in reality balancing precision with practicality is often key.
The author suggests plotting out tricky operations ahead of time, before taking on a project.
A previous Hackaday writer suggests ditching the flex cable to simplify the installation of the new controller.
