I was looking for a good cheese mold/form and had not found any that seemed worth the money.I am just starting out and $30 up for what seems to be $2.50 worth of plastic did not sit well with me.
I ended up trying to get creative and may have found a stainless steel alternative.The only issue I have is that I have never made a cheese and I would like some advise.Does the attached photo look suitable if lined with cheese cloth?
Is using SS a problem?
It looks like it would work as an interim solution, you would have to make a pressing plate (commonly called a "Follower" ) that would fit in the top to press the cheese down.
The taper of the container might prove to be an issue if it isn't full of curds at the start, as the follower will jam part way down.
I used containers of a similar shape at first, and it worked OK.
As you progress, you will likely find you require a purpose built mould.
SS isn't a problem, but if you mean to continue your cheese making ventures, I would suggest that a proper mould will prove more useful in the long term.
I'd recommend checking on eBay for molds. I've found they're significantly cheaper, though you will have to wait some time for shipping since they not US based.
I bought a pack of 6 molds and 2 (patterned) draining mats for $30.