I built a press for $255. I sourced materials from Amazon, Harbor Freight, and Menards/Lowes. @Lpindians
It was not all that hard to do. You really could use a drill press for the holes in the aluminium bars. This doesn’t include any tools you might buy, just the things needed. This build will save at least $150 over buying a pre-built press.
Aluminum bars $30.99 (Bar Stock|2 ea 3x6" 1.5" thick 6061 aluminum) Amazon
PID, Thermocouple, SSR $27.99 Inkbird ITC-100 PID, 40amp SSR, Thermocouple Amazon
Cable Glands $6.29 6 each 11mm Cable Glands Amazon
|Floor Flange 1 1/4" @ $5.29 flange Menards
Enclosure- 6"x6"x4" (to house the PID and cables) $12.70 Menards
|14 awg extension cord @ $14.83 (Use this for you wiring to bars and to plug in. Harbor Frieght
|Cartridge heater YXQ 9x60mm |2 each@ $9.99= $19.98| Amazon
Thermal paste 1ea @|$6.95 20 gm Amazon
12 Ton Press $129.99 Harbor Freight (Google for 20% off coupon)
If anyone wants to do the build here is the schematic for PID. Otherwise remember to put the right code in the PID for the K type thermocouple and you’re done. Piece of cake
