Yes, thanks, Jim. However.... now we need a definition of "hob". I take it that's a piece of metal produced early in the process, from which the mold is made??? One hob produces a mold for one chip, or a 20-cup mold in your example?

Don't suppose you would have a picture of these, would you? Sure would make an interesting exhibit at one of our conventions. I've seen the clay at various stages of manufacture, but never the tooling for a modern chip.