I have a number of platens , steel , ceramic and when I want a soft platen I use a high density industrial felt 3/8 or 1/2 in thick . They hold up well and when they ware , peel them off and use contact cement and stick a new one on.
Just a word or two on the Spirit of the Blade show. I had a table next to Jess Hoffman and could not have asked for a better table mate . I had the pleasure of meeting Jeremy Bartlett as well . All and all had a good time but felt the floor traffic could have been a little heavier. I will repeat.
Jeremy I look forward to making acquaintance , I think the show will be a great meeting place.
Dennis I am not sure of the species of that wood , it was in my mystery box.