i can instruct you on methods of creating yer own templates for your gtx. somewhere in the archive i posted a few fotos of ones i've made the transfer technique is quite easy. shoot me a pm. i can help you. the gtx was a steal at $ 75. btw, welcome to the forum.
one thing to note about grs goodies, they last, and last, well you get the picture don't be fooled on ebay by foreign-made knockoffs. most of this stuff will bring more grief than joy !
just a pleasure to look at your creations. you cast doubt on the premise that the hand can never achieve perfection. do you direct draw on the piece, or use transfers ?
welcome, mikeg. yours is possibly the most intelligent first post i've ever seen. there's no better way to start such an undertaking than taking a class to see what all is involved in this art.
the suction, as previously mentioned, gets even worse as dust and gunk congregate there. try using lighter fluid to creep down inside. it may reduce the viscosity of the gunk.