I bought a cheap book press online and it was a huge mistake
I thought I'd save some cash and got a $40 press from a random website. The wood was warped right out of the box, and the screw mechanism stripped after maybe ten uses. I ended up having to buy a proper one for over $200 anyway, so I just wasted that first forty bucks. Has anyone found a decent budget press that actually holds up?
That sounds really frustrating, especially when you're trying to be careful with money. I read a forum thread a while back where someone said the real issue with cheap presses is the metal parts, not just the wood. They just can't handle the pressure over time. @seananderson has a good point about the type of books, too, since thicker projects would strain a weak press faster. It seems like that mid-price range is a real gamble, and sometimes saving up for the known good brand is the only way to go.