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
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.
Now that press is a thing of beauty!! You will have happy cheese.
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-
Not only is that a beautiful press, but it is very close to your heart. Enjoy that piece of you family's heritage!
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!