So, after flattening most of my Shaped
Inlays, I've noticed a problem.
FWIW, I'm using the 'standard' 170F for 45 min, cool down to room temp (1-1.5hr) process to flatten my chips. I'm using a squeeze to set hand clamp, ceramic blanks, etc....
I was looking over the chips very closely today and the edges caught the light just right and I noticed what appeared to be slight indentations in the sides of the chips.
I took a straightedge and examined a handful of chips and I discovered that the baking process had produced a minute concave shape on the edge of most chips (unbaked chips did not exhibit this problem).
Now, when I say slight, I mean very slight. Probably noone else but maniacs like us would ever notice as when you stack the chips, you can't tell. In fact, you have to catch the light on them just right to even notice, but a flaw is a flaw.
With all that said, what I gained from this process outweighs this resulting issue, but while I absolutely love these chips, it has been a pain in the butt and I hate the fact that I do not have a 100% product.
Anyway, just beware that there can be consequences to the baking process.
BTW, in case you are assuming that I am using way too much pressure on the clamp, the handles are fairly short so I really do not think that is the problem....I could be wrong however.....
I welcome your comments....
JC
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