Thanks Martin, I tried that and many other variations without luck. (I really want to avoid putting together a hydraulic system because it's too expensive and I don't know how ;-))

These are the sort of things I'm after:
http://www.jackxchange.com/images/pdf/345.pdf

I didn't really want to say what I want if for because it'll probably generate a lot of negativity but I'm trying to build a press on the cheap for laminating that I can monitor with an electronic sensor.

It's really frustrating to know that the ideal thing is available for under $50 but I can't hold of one for under £180!


Kingcreaky, thanks for the link :-) One extra option.

I have been wondering about the release port, but surely its an indirect link otherwise wouldn't it leak? My mechanical knowledge is not good :-)