New monster press

[sominus]

Hi all...

I wanted to make some gouda, so I needed a press.  But, you see, I didn't need "just a press" -- it had to be unobtrusive and not be in the way when not in use..

So off I went to Home Depot to put this all together...  Some electrical U-channel, some threaded rod, a couple pulleys, some rope and a few odds and ends......  Then off to Academy for a weight...

Pictures are attached...



The press is (thoretically) capable of applying about 1000 lbs, though that's the high end.  I tested it at 600 and decided to call well-enough alone.

At the moment the press is applying about 200 lbs to my gouda (about 4 psi)...

-Michael

[DeejayDebi]

Very nice Michael. Should hold up for a long time.

[FarmerJd]

Looks great.

[sominus]

I just took the gouda out of the press this morning -- will brine it this eve.

I made a mistake and pressed it for a while at 6 psi...  Oops.  The press does QUITE well.  All I need is one 25 lb weight and a doubling pulley (optional) and I can press my way to Australia.

-Michael

[Sailor Con Queso]

Michael,

Can you post photos of your pulley setup?

[sominus]

Sure, Sailor... I'll take a pic tonite..

[sominus]

Sailor:

  Here are pics of the doubling pulley...

  Pay no attention to the messy garage..

  As I look at this, I realize that all three lines are attached to the lever arm.. I should probably take the 'initial' attachment line and attach it to the underside of my bench table, no?

-Michael
Geeks try to make everything as complicated as is humanly possible.  I eschew obfuscating the obvious inanities, idiosyncracies and conundrums of life, preferring prestidigitation and various tomfoolery devices to clarify the issues.