Excited to get started.

[Storm256]

Hello everyone!  I have been recently bitten by the "bug" as thankfully you all have or you wouldn't be here reading this and offering up all the outstanding advice I have been reading throughout this forum.  I have just begun cheesemaking and have only two one gallon batches of raw goat chevre under my belt, it was delicious but obviously I want to try my hand at the more complex cheeses and have begun to gather equip. / supplies ( I'm a "bit" obsessive about being prepared before beginning any task). I did post a pic of a direct pressure press I had built in a previous post and enjoyed all the input I got back from you folks, while most advised using it to start with and building a dutch press later as the need arose I was unable to put off such a fun project! 
A few years ago I was able to salvage many of the beams from the twisted pile of debris that had in earlier days been my Grandfathers dairy barn a place very near to my heart. I can close my eyes and picture it even now some 40 years after I last saw it standing in Camas Washington.  I had the beams resawn into 2.5 inch thick pieces which I used to build oversized outdoor "picnic" tables for my sister and myself,  the question of what to do with the remaining pieces was solved when I decided to make this press.  It seemed so appropriate to turn what had been a dairy barn into a cheese press I felt inspired.  I didn't use a plan per say just read alot of posts about presses and looked at lots of pictures and let the wood decide what it would look like when it was finished.  I have attached two pics the first is the press and the second is of a very happy 4 year old sitting on his Grandpa's tractor on a summers day back(way back) in 1962! You can see part of his milking parlour and the barn to the right of the tractor.  When I use this press I'm sure I'll have the blessing of Curley, Paleface , Opal and the other ladies who once called that barn home. And with any luck my Grandpa's hand guiding mine once again.
The press works great, an MA of about 9:1 is going to be enough to make most any cheese I want , if not then so be it, it wasn't meant to be.
I look forward to a long and fruitful stay here on your site,  Thanks for having me.   
Bill

[Gürkan Yeniçeri]

Gee, that is a beautiful looking press complete with engravings and yes the legend of your childhood memories lives in this press I guess.

Many many happy cheesemaking Bill.

[smolt1]

Now that press is a thing of beauty!! You will have happy cheese.

[Boofer]

Welcome to the forum, Bill.

That press looks like a piece from an art exhibit. Well done.

Looking forward to seeing and hearing more from you in your pursuit of the elusive artisanal cheese. 

-Boofer-

[ellenspn]

Not only is that a beautiful press, but it is very close to your heart.  Enjoy that piece of you family's heritage!

[FoxDog Farm]

Wow, that press is gorgeous.  And I love the traditions and memories behind it!  I've always wanted a barn like your grandpa's.  Wasn't able to find one in good condition up here in north-western wa for sale.  Everyone is keeping them, and rightly so!