I really like the simplicity. A press that anybody can build with a minimum amount of tools...
I have two smaller homemade dutch presses and a very large lever press for cheddars. The small presses go up to around 25 kg while the big lever press goes up to around half a ton (it's 2,5 meters long). I tested it to 1 ton without breaking anything but it didn't sound healthy while doing that.
I've learned that all that weight is not really needed but I'm still happy to have the big press when making cheddar.
I normally use moulds around 20 cm (8") in diameter and that requires much more weight than a 10 cm (4") mould.
:-) Danbo
