What hardwood for pressblocks?

The round pieces with the cutout for the spindle should be oak, but you could make them out of thick aluminum plate.

The rest of the pieces can be made from redwood or similar. BTW, I recommend cleaning up all the wood pieces of the press real well, thoroughly drying them and varnishing everything. That makes the press a lot easier to maintain.

Tom S

Poplar. Worked for me - I built my own press this summer.

Roger

Depends where you live. Any hardwood should do. Check with your local lumber store to determine which is cheapest.

However, if it doesn't come into contact with the wine, you may be able to use inexpensive framing lumber (which is usually Douglas Fir)! It's softer wood, but it doesn't crack very easily. I replaced a press block with something I cut out of a 2"x6", and it has held up very well. If you do this, make sure it is kiln-dried or aged wood. Green wood might bleed sap (into your wine).

Similarly, if it doesn't come into contact with the wine, you can use plywood. Bolt a couple of pieces of inexpensive 3/4" together rather than buying the more expensive 1.5" thick sheets.

Why do you need to replace all the blocks? If they are not cracked, or warped beyond recognition, you should be able to sand them down to clean wood.

Quit trolling and get a _life_!

Tom S

What sort of varnish do you use? I tried a varnish that was supposedly food-grade, and it smelled so bad (even after drying for two weeks) that I decided to sand it off rather than let it come into contact with me wine.

Polyurethane spar varnish works for me.

I used two coats of Man O' War. Finishes very glassy.

Tom S