Most of the steel in my press was stuff I had in the pile. I am a bit of a packrat.
As to the wiring issue bouncing around about this project, I second
@Mañ'O'Green's message, wiring house voltage stuff is hardball, so you need to be careful. If you are not confident with this stuff, you will need to get some hand's on advice from someone who is. The circuitry is pretty simple for someone with an electrical background so you may know someone who could help.
@DaleDenton, I checked the plates on my press, and they are 3"x5"x1"
Happy DIY mischief peeps.