When I use paper tape I'll tear off a piece to do the seam and dunk it in a bucket of water. If I'm doing a corner I fold it before I put it in the water. The self adhesive stuff just eliminates a step of laying down a bed of mud before you put in the tape. The tape is more expensive than plain paper, but it is a time saver for this novice mudder. I've used all types, if they have the perforated paper I'll use it first though.
I like your bucket idea, I may have to make myself one. Though space can be an issue in getting my array of tools to WV. I prefer to bring all my own tools when possible. I usually bring a bin with drywall tools, two rolling tool boxes, one with an assortment of hand tools and the other with cordless tools and another bin with my hammer drill, multi-tool and roto-zip along with a briefcase sized plastic tote with miscellaneous screws, nails, wire nuts and the like. With these projects you just never know what you'll need. I had to scale back to the drywall tool bin with a few hand tools thrown in due to space going up to WV.
We had a good time. I'm the guy in the white T-shirts, my oldest brother is working with me and the other team is a father and son team. I know the father from work. My sister went along as well, she was working on another project. ASP does great work in the Appalachia area of WV, VA, KY and TN making homes warmer, safer, drier.