Mold Hacks

[smolt1]

You can buy sheets of 1/16 to 1/8 in HDPE that is flexible enough to bend into a hoop. A little heat from a heat gun (hair dryer) helps the bending process. It is easy to cut with  scissors. A 24 x 48 inch sheet should make four 12 inch dia by 6 inch tall molds.

[Al Lewis]

Yeah, I was thinking more along the lines of 1/2 gallon paint buckets.

[Martin]

Where can I get food grade paint buckets?

[Gregore]

Good idea , seems a reasonable price if one has a table saw to split it into strips

3/32  seems about correct

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23869

[smolt1]

I have used a paper cutter and scissors to cut 1/8 with no problem.

[Al Lewis]

Where can I get food grade paint buckets?

Check at Lowes or Home Depot.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/United-Solutions-5-Quart-Residential-Paint-Bucket/3734821

[Frodage3]

I use yoghurt containers. They come in a variety of sizes and are food grade.

[cbenner33]

I bought some basic food storage containers ($8), drilled holes into the largest one (7inch diameter)...i bought a plastic cutting board ($8) and cut out a circle from it and use that as the follower. I usually get about a 4lb pressed cheese from it with no problem.

[cbenner33]

I think the orange buckets at Home Depot are HDPE  you could slice them into strips the width of the desired mold height and make one of these

http://thecheesemouldshop.com/index.php?action=article&aid=71&lang=EN

You could use a  cable tie to tighten it up to size

That's a great idea. I might try that next time im making a Parmesan.

[Martin]

I went looking for various things to use and the only thing I came up with, that wouldn't cost as much as the molds, was 2 liter soda bottles. My only concern is that they might not be rigid enough. I am going to give it a try.