I bought the same press this year also. We were using 3-4 cups for 10-15 gallons. It works like a charm. The DE cakes came out at about a 1/4 inch think when we finished. We premixed it well and recirculated it till it was all in. It was expensive? yes, but was it worth it? hell yes!
One thing I did add was a SS ball vale to the outlet port on the 1st plate. Keeps the syrup from spilling out when you take off the hose.
2010 - barrel stove & a steam table pan. 10 - 12 trees
2011 - same deal as the year before. My son is now hooked along with me.
2012 - Took over the garden shed and set up a Mason 2x3. Hoping to tap 30 - 50 trees. Ended up with 100 taps out.
Finished the season with 16 gallons made
2013- - Purchased a Smokey Lake 2 x 3 Hybrid pan. WOW, what a difference!!