We have found that relatively few cheesemakers venture into pressed cheeses, and even those who do so rarely make them very frequently. Therefore, we no longer stock and sell cheese presses. But it is not hard to make a cheese press of your own at home from wood, or even from a couple food-grade buckets. Consider these DIY cheese press options:
Sonoma Style Cheese Press:
The name refers to the years during which we had these made locally for our cheesmaking customers. You will find them quite simple to construct if you have even modest woodworking skill.
All that is needed are two 1" x 8" lengths of lumber and a wooden dowel. Drill holes in both planks of wood for the dowels. The dowels are glued into one plank. Finish the project by painting the press with a food-safe clear sealant.
For use, add weight plates (used for barbells) onto the dowels to create the pressing weight suggested in your cheese recipe.
Two-Bucket Cheese Press:
For an even simpler cheese press with no construction required, you can use two 5+ gallon buckets nested together.
The cheese (inside its draining mold with follower) will be placed in between the buckets and weights added to the top bucket to allow for pressing.