Greasystring
Active member
I made a quick press from a 2x4, two 6" c-clamps and a scrap board. Besides the novelty of pressing your own cakes I discovered a greater benefit, space efficient long term storage.
This setup can do 16oz, though I've only been pressing 1/2 pound cakes for ease of use down the road. I figure I can fit 8oz in two pint jars, one can be vacuum sealed and the other smoked from. If it seems the first 4oz needs longer I've not committed to breaking the seal on 16oz (4 jars clogging up the cabinet).
I can stack 8-10 pounds of these in the footprint two quart / four pint jars consume in my cabinet.
My next step would be to build a more tightly fitting box. I'd likely rip longer lumber to get straight edged pieces. The rounded edges of the 2x will leave a spine sticking up around the perimeter. This defect can be trimmed or pressed down before sealing.
I know this is pretty hokey, but I've been building a press in my mind for some time. You know how the thought project goes, it becomes too complicated$ and I you shelve it. I was in Harbor Freight, saw the clamps and figured why not go simple.
This setup can do 16oz, though I've only been pressing 1/2 pound cakes for ease of use down the road. I figure I can fit 8oz in two pint jars, one can be vacuum sealed and the other smoked from. If it seems the first 4oz needs longer I've not committed to breaking the seal on 16oz (4 jars clogging up the cabinet).
I can stack 8-10 pounds of these in the footprint two quart / four pint jars consume in my cabinet.
My next step would be to build a more tightly fitting box. I'd likely rip longer lumber to get straight edged pieces. The rounded edges of the 2x will leave a spine sticking up around the perimeter. This defect can be trimmed or pressed down before sealing.
I know this is pretty hokey, but I've been building a press in my mind for some time. You know how the thought project goes, it becomes too complicated$ and I you shelve it. I was in Harbor Freight, saw the clamps and figured why not go simple.