Very nice pics, Ive done a little price checking over the weekend and using pre polished ground rods and using 1018 for the plates youre looking at approx $150.00 in metal. This is for something like a cross between the Walnut Hill and Mega Mite.
I Think with Manley's pics and the info on the web a guy could make a pretty respectable press.
I do like the idea of the extra guide plate like the Mega Mite and Walnut hill. The extra space between the support/guide rods as well.
I also like the way the Walnut hill is setup with the linkage going from the toggle to the top plate.
A guy building his own could incorporate the features he likes