Manufacturers produce presses that have characteristics that can be changed to accommodate different sizes, shapes or types of seeds or nuts. Not all manufacturers accommodate all of the following setting changes, but most allow at least some of the settings. Remember that the press should be shut off and the power disconnected before changing the settings.
For screw type presses:
distance between end cap (press head) and screw end
speed of press
tip size (diameter of hole through which meal is expelled)
type of screw (distance between and depth of auger flights)
Considering each of these characteristics in more detail provides the effects of each setting. Because each setting can have an impact on other settings it takes time, record keeping and patience to find the acceptable setting for each type of seed, or even each batch within a type of seed. It is for this reason that operating a press is more of an art than a science. Changes in moisture content or other characteristics may also require changes to press settings for acceptable oil recovery.
