Upcycling Progress Report

For my upcyling project I am trying to make a press. Like a bookbinding press but for small art pieces and flowers. The goal is for it to use gravity rather than mechanical advantage to apply force, and to ensure that it doesnt take up extra usable space on my desk I’m attempting to make the top flat, which means the wieght will hang below it, which means it needs a stand.

I have gathered all the materials I will need for the project:

• A 60″ x 18″ x 1.5″ cuttoff plank from a countertop at my folks house
• 40′ of old 4mm climbing accesory cord from the retired ropes bin at work
• A 12″ x 7.5″ x 0.25″ piece of clear acrylic from the CINC woodshop
• A rock

I have also constructed the frame of the press, and done the majority of the sanding, although all parts still require finishing and assembly.