How to reduce 7" leader press for small batch filtering?

[Ryan Mahar]

I have a standard 7" press with ~9 plates from leader. I would like to reduce to just 5 plates to filter small batches of syrup (5 gallons) but not sure how to. The rods that the plates sit on only have tread on the last 5 inches to compress all the plates. Does anyone have a trick to reduce the plates in my situation?? Thanks........

[maplekids]

put the plates on the press you want to use that slid 1" pipe on the rods washers and put the nuts on and tighten.
I have done this for many years.

[Ryan Mahar]

Now why did I not think of that!!!??? Simple! Thanks...........

[Amber Gold]

I do the same. It's also good to have a couple different lengths of pipe, so you can vary the number of plates you put on.

[upsmapleman]

A simpler solution is to have a piece of say 16ga stainless cut in the shape of your plates. Then you can drop it in where ever you want your syrup to stop. 1 plate 5, 7 makes no difference and you don't have to take press apart. Drop it in tighten it up.