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
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.
dripping an oil based coolent while drilling is a good idea.
Looks like you need a lot more holes in the sides, though. Congrats on the ingenuity!
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
What are you using for the followers?
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 (http://www.ullmers-dairyequipment.com/cheesemolds.htm)
Quote from: Chris_Abrahamson on June 07, 2011, 02:43:51 PM
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 (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.
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.
Very nice setup.