Stainless steel molds

[Jaspar]

I was checking out Stainless steel molds on line 65 bucks for a small one,  Really?
  Well I can't afford that: hmmmmmmm
what if went and got a 8 dollar stainless steel canister from Walmart and used my
drill press to put holes in, and then used my dremel to smooth out the holes.


.......tada x2

[ArnaudForestier]

The only issue I can foresee is that it might be hard to avoid heating up the thin metal, between the drilling and the dremel-smoothing, so you'd end up with sensitized metal, and a permanent tendency to corrosion on every hole.  You also risk embedding carbon in your stainless, unless you're using stainless in your drilling and grinding.  This will also induce rust. 

[Tomer1]

dripping an oil based coolent while drilling is a good idea.

[george]

Looks like you need a lot more holes in the sides, though.  Congrats on the ingenuity!

[Randommate]

I know the holes may be a bit big but have you thought about stainless cutlery holders/drainers? They are also designed to stack so could self press some cheeses.

Just my 2c worth

[steampwr8]

What are you using for the followers?

[Chris_Abrahamson]

I know this has been posted in the past but Ullmers Dairy Equipment carries some nice stainless steel molds.  Very nice people to deal with as well, IMHO.

http://www.ullmers-dairyequipment.com/cheesemolds.htm

[wharris]

I know this has been posted in the past but Ullmers Dairy Equipment carries some nice stainless steel molds.  Very nice people to deal with as well, IMHO.
http://www.ullmers-dairyequipment.com/cheesemolds.htm

Completely agree.

BTW, i would imagine that if you used a store bought SS pot a couple of things come to mind.

First, quite often, they are only plated with SS,  Second, they are so thin, you will probably deform them pretty quick.

[Jaspar]

I cut followers from a large HDPE cutting boards. I've used these for a while now and haven't had any problems. They are pretty thick and I've pressed cheddar at four psi a couple of times.

Of late I've been using a 10 inch collender with the handles removed to make 8 to 10 pound wheels of Cheddar and Parmesan.


Collender in photo with a cutting board follower beside it.

[wharris]

Very nice setup.