Next time, I may "cold press" the puck awhile longer before I squish it. Probably just use my bench vise for an hour-ish...The PVC works great for me too
I'm still using plain ol steel plates, uncaged, & heated with a torch. Too many variables involved to also be worrying about a cumbersome puck.
Pretty sure I'll be getting my plates this month though... can't wait! I'd have em already if our recent vacation hadn't wiped the bank clean... lol
Soon.....