I use 2% milk. I leave mine sit out. It can get a little thick but I give it a stir a couple of times. I have never noticed a foul smell. But then, my old lady smokes and there are 2 dogs in the house so there are probably a few odors that I don't notice either.
The Piccone Tip presses are excellent. I used to use a small hobby vise. That way you can see how much you press them.
I will Pm Joey as I think this is his formula so I don't want to get it totally wrong.
If you have a set of calipers, .180 thickness is approx a Medium tip. Smaller and you will get a harder tip and obviously thicker than .180 and it will be a little softer hit.
I usually get them very close to .180 and that is pretty much what everyone will like but I have experimented and got them a little softer.
Yes and no for me. I like but I don't like. Know what I mean? I find that they don't last as long and no longer become totally maintenance free.
And I find, for myself anyway, that it is not necessary to make them harder than what the medium will do for you. Unless you like a Super Duper hard tip. Then go for it.
I have pressed Le Pros and Triangles. I use them for a break tip usually. Nothing wrong with either, just rather stick with a Elk Master for a Dudly.
On a few, I have pressed them too hard. I just re soak them and press again. I have not noticed any difference in performance when I have done that.
I like to do my own but I also have a personal supply of Dawg's Duds as well.