plant press

As part of a science project, my daughter needed to prepare herbarium vouchers to substantiate her research.  So, I made her a plant press.

CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS REGARDING COLLECTING BEFORE YOU PICK ANYTHING!  Get proper permits etc.

Basically, I made two identical, incredibly simple frames.

Unfortunately, the first one I made wouldn't fit into a backpack for our collecting trip.  It was 16" by 22".

The instructable photos document the building of the extra large version.  The photo below is the finished project - It is 11" by 16 ".  Same wood, same weight as the larger version (because I overdid it on the number of boards I used!).  If I had to do it again, I would use ChrysN's Pocket Flower Press instructions http://www.instructables.com/id/Pocket-Flower-Press/, but make it larger and drill holes in the top and bottom pieces of wood to lighten the load and allow for air circulation..

Step 1 Materials

Wood
I used 1/2" x 2" boards but herbarium presses that are being sold use 1/4" x 1" boards.  It would sure cut down on the weight, especially if you are planning on taking it on collecting expeditions.  The thicker boards are very sturdy though.

You will need about 18 feet for a 11" x 16" press.  (Width times 10 plus length times 8.  For a 11" x 16" press, you would need 110" + 96" = 206" or  or just over 17 feet.  Say 18 feet to allow for waste from cutting and different board lengths.

Saw  I'm lucky enough to have a radial arm saw, which makes cutting the boards quick and accurate.  A hand saw would work fine.

Wood glue This is what is going to hold your boards together.

Finishing Nails (or whatever you have on hand)  To hold the wood frame together while the glue is drying.  They should be long enough to go almost all the way through two boards, flat side to flat side.

Hammer  Self-explanatory?

Straps  I bought two band clamps from the hardware store.   These will be used to tighten your press as your plants dry. 

Carpenter's square  I skipped using this the first time and ended up with my two frames not matching up and had to start all over.

Newspaper   To separate your specimens and to absorb moisture.  Blotting paper works as well.

Corrugated Cardboard  To separate your specimens and to allow for air circulation.

Comments

[handprints]

 Met with a REAL botanist yesterday and collected some ferns.  Picked up a lot of tips.  I think my dimensions for the press should be a little larger...more like 11-1/2" by 17".  Will add instructions on how to make a really simple field press (thank you to Liloa at Lyon Arboretum!!)

[Kiteman]

That's a really nice project - I like the straps as an alternative to the usual screws.

However, readers ought to be aware that (in the UK) it is illegal to collect wild flowers.  It is, however, perfectly legal to collect fallen leaves and other plant parts.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Section 13 identifies measures for the protection of wild plants. It prohibits the unauthorised intentional uprooting of any wild plant species and forbids any picking, uprooting or destruction of plants listed on Schedule 8. It also prohibits the sale, etc, or possession for the purpose of sale of any plants on Schedule or parts or derivatives of Schedule 8 plants .

(Especially noteworthy is the bluebell - selling or trading bluebell bulbs can result in a fine of up to £5000 per bulb.)

[handprints]

I added emphasis on the need for obtaining permits.  Thanks for the reminder.

Also, I added photos of how these particular straps worked.  I really like them.

Thanks for the comments!!!

[handprints]

Thanks, Kiteman!  Yup, here you have to get a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources before you can legally collect from any of the public lands.  And, you have to have a legitimate reason for collecting.  For plants on private property, you need to get permission from the property owner. And, as part of the documentation, before any reputable herbarium accepts your voucher, they require a copy of the permit for their records.  No one wants to encourage destruction of our environment. 

Good info to know about the UK.  I get to visit next August, Yay!!!  So I can pick up leaves from the ground and stick them in my (by then)  newly made pocket plant press?

Okay, you got me off track now...I'm gong to look up what a bluebell is and what makes them so very special.  Thanks again for the info!

[Kiteman]

Loose leaves are fine - they're only destined to be humus.

Bluebell.

[ChrysN]

Nice, that's great for large specimens!