Would High Pressure : Short duration make a decent plug?

[KroBar]

Please move or let me know if this belongs somewhere else. thanks!
I've started making some blends, and I've read lots of threads on pressing plugs and carrotes and the like...
Made a bunch of twists, got some great methods on my DAC (toast it!), now I'd like to try some plugs.
I have a 2 ton Arbor press in my shop (also a 12 ton hydraulic, but the 2 ton is SO easy to use, it's fun).
If I press a plug at 4" square, it's looking at 500psi (unless my figgerin is wrong).
It's squashed flat, but not obliterated, and decompresses some over a little time, so it's not rock hard, and easy enough to delaminate.
Obviously, I can't stand there for a week holding pressure.
What's the difference between squashing it, releasing it, then leaving it to age, vs lower pressure, over a longer time.
I'm not going for perique, just flake cut / coin cut... you know, plugs.

 

[adamziegler]

I have pressed stuff over night in a bench vice that noticably changed in flavor and texture.

Try a blend you do overnight vs one that sits there for a month and try them side by side a month out?

 

[GreenDragon]

Just FYI - high pressure over an extended period will turn it into a rock that is extremely difficult to slice. Ask me how I know

I prefer to press mine for 1-2 weeks at low pressure. Enough to squeeze the "juices" from the leaf and force it all to mix and mingle. Some members have had success pressing for a period of time, then transferring to a vacuum sealed bag for aging.

Experiment, have fun, and share your results!

 

[KroBar]

I have pressed stuff over night in a bench vice that noticably changed in flavor and texture.

Try a blend you do overnight vs one that sits there for a month and try them side by side a month out?

yes, I've noticed a difference from pressing 2 minutes, and letting it sit out of the press overnight.
The Cell walls still get crushed under that high pressure.

Just FYI - high pressure over an extended period will turn it into a rock that is extremely difficult to slice. Ask me how I know

I prefer to press mine for 1-2 weeks at low pressure. Enough to squeeze the "juices" from the leaf and force it all to mix and mingle. Some members have had success pressing for a period of time, then transferring to a vacuum sealed bag for aging.

Experiment, have fun, and share your results!

haha, I'll bear that in mind.
have you experimented with High pressure Short duration, then aging?

 

[Juxtaposer-]

After pressing you can hold the plug down with less weight until it sets.

 

[KroBar]

Just pressed a coil (a twist rope coiled up like a spring) in a 1 1/2" tube. It might be too much.
I am able to uncoil it, but it seems pretty hard.
I'll leave it overnight and see if it plumps up a little by the morning.

 

[adamziegler]

For plugs that are too dense, I have loaded them up in my tobacco kiln at high humidity and 125F. They will start to expand after a few hours as they reabsorb moisture.

 

[KroBar]

I think it was just a little damper than previous ones. It cut great.
it sproinged out some overnight too.

 

[KroBar]

For plugs that are too dense, I have loaded them up in my tobacco kiln at high humidity and 125F. They will start to expand after a few hours as they reabsorb moisture.

Good to know.