Sturdier Press

[y2kbugger]

My take on the sturdy press.



Differences

• Maple ipo Pine, stronger, allowing halving dimension of verticals
• Feet are underneath instead of on the side.
• There is only a single pin, the lever bears against the solid maple block. This eliminates the side plates.
• No screws. 100% glued dowel joinery, which is much stronger.
• Quick-release pin ipo bolt.

Finish
12 coats of hand rubbed ruby shellac.

Weights

Now this I got really lucky with.

Plunger by itself: 1.0lb
With weight W:  5 + 5*Wlb

W  |  Force (lb)
X    |      1 (lever disconnected)
0    |      5
1    |      10
2    |      15
3    |      20
5    |      30
7    |      50

It is possible to insert another block closer to pin, and make it a 10x lever as well! No photos of that unfortunately






Started this back in 2017 when I had a pressing for a pepperjack fall over in the middle of the night.  I didn't think it would take so long, but I am back I had an account from back then but it got deleted, I guess because I had never posted, so here is my introduction, and my first pressed cheese in ~8 years:

[snailmoresnail]

Hello and thank you for posting this "sturdierpress"

With nearly 1,500 views, i am surprised to be the first to comment! First, i love its simple and compact design. second, quick release IPO pin, thank you so much.

Overall really looks like great work, might want to double check you math for f = 5 + (5*w) when w = 7.

I am wondering, plain and simple, if you wouldn't mind sharing dimensions? I'd be real happy to try my hand at building this sturdier fellow.

[tecla]

Heh, good catch snailmoresnail, at 7x that should be 40 lbs.

This is indeed a sexy and stout-looking press.

[snailmoresnail]

So, using that 12" straightedge in the bottom corner of the photo as a reference I kinda eyeballed a 3D model of what I think the dimensions are. I might try to lengthen the lever arm otherwise I imagine I'll keep the rest the same. Am considering making it 6" wide instead of 4.5" because it just seems like it wants to fall over.

I'll do a practice build over the next few weeks and post photos. If it works out I'll add an image with dimensions for future cheese people.

[snailmoresnail]

The 3D rendering should actually appear this time. Reverse designed from that photo with the 12" square in the corner.

[tecla]

Nicely done, you've probably got the right dimensions.

I built a dutch-style press, probably not quite as stout as this one, but I could post my dimensions as well for you to compare and contrast. It can fit a pretty decent-sized form in the press area, and I've taken it up a bit over 100 lbs press weight without the arm giving up, so it can handle some cheddar territory cheeses.

[snailmoresnail]

If you have that info readily available, it would be a great way to compare designs and perhaps see where to make adjustments.

[snailmoresnail]

Chopped the parts today. I used 5.5" wide planks, and left the lever arm at 36" inches for now. Adjust some proportions allow more overlap to attach the arm to.

Used poplar instead of maple, another type of hardwood.

3/8" x 4.25" clevis pin from auto shop to act as the quick release pin and the now infamous combination square that started it all.

[snailmoresnail]

After doing a rough mock up, I realized this press is going to be far too small for the size tomme molds I'm using. I am completing the build anyway using scrap wood which should still be good for any smaller cheeses I make in the future. Also note that I added in steel bolts at the lever arm connection simply because it feels like it will hold much better than glue and screws. I'll also add that I am no where near as talented at woodwork as the OP.

I'm calling it "Son of Sturdier Press"



Based on what I learned and some mistakes on this first mock up, I made some adjustments and built a 3D model for the larger version. Note that the mold in the picture and the mold in the 3D rendering are the same size.

[snailmoresnail]

junior / el señor

I haven't yet tested the weight multiplication factor. The little scale I have just says EEEEEEE when I try testing the weight on el señor so I think i'll be getting some good pressure from it.

Let me know if you would like dimensioned drawings and cost to build.

[tecla]

Gah, I forgot to post my press parts and dimensions too, I need to go do that.

@snailmoresnail those are nice looking presses. You might want to consider putting a couple of feet sticking horizontally outward from the base (in the direction the lever arm goes), as when you put significant weight on the end of the arm it'll put the center of mass possibly past the wood on the base, causing it to tip over towards the end of the arm.

Ask me how I know...