Oh I must admit I was very skeptical before eventually trying the plate quench. Enough makers that I held in high regard convinced me that I would be less than fair to myself not to give them a try. I DO NOT use the forced air wind tunnel anymore. I use aluminum quench plates on all air hardening blades, unless too large for my current set of plates. Make the plates thick enough and in square area large enough. Aluminum is a optimum choice for your plates and too think is not a consideration. You will NOT need forced air between the plates and you do NOT have to remove the blade from foil pack before quenching. The secret is unchanged regardless of type quench; quickness to quench is most essential although somewhat more forgiving with deep (air) hardening steels. Try the plate quench without wasting as much time as I had before doing so. Be sure, regardless of type of quench or hardening type of steel, to temper immediately upon steel becoming hand warm.
Rlinger