Need Advice on Machining the Intake Surface of the Head (gasket crush)

Wait...why did you put the washers in there? I'm not getting that. Take the washers out and see what you have.
I used the washers to simulate the thickness of the intake gasket and limit the crush of the clay. I plan on using the Felpro gasket that leaves the heat crossover open. The gasket measures 0.055 / 0.060. On the drivers side head, that gasket thickness looks marginal on bottom the ports. Did you read the Hugh's reference article? They use steel washers with their wax material.