Making a Tortilla Press

I’ve seen other people making these on the internet, and it seemed like the perfect mix of some of my big passions in life – food and making things (as well as some thriftiness tossed in to boot!).  When I first saw this idea online, I was obviously curious what it takes to make the tortillas.  I quickly found that to make a traditional flour tortilla, you need a fair amount of lard or butter.  In my wife and I’s quest to eat more natural foods, that didn’t fit very well.  However, corn tortillas are really nothing more than Masa (corn flour) and water – that seems like a perfect mix!  That was all I needed to take this idea to the garage!

It's easy to make fresh corn tortilas when you have the right tools - a simple to make tortilla press does the trick!
It’s easy to make fresh corn tortilas when you have the right tools – a simple to make tortilla press does the trick!

Part of what makes this project fun is that you can go through your scrap wood piles and most likely find what you need.  I was able to find the wood I needed, but had to run to the hardware store for a bolt, the hinge and butcher block oil.  Below is the plan I used, but feel free to make modifications as you’d like and your supplies allow for.  The number one thing I learned from researching this before the build is to make the pivot point and it’s support bracket strong enough – after my first batch of tortillas mine is still holding up, but I’m wondering if I shouldn’t have found a better plan…  I’ll update if it breaks, but at this point I think it’ll be fine.  I tend to be a perfectionist and worry about the things I build that they aren’t “good enough” so I’m thinking it’s anxiety at this point.

Along the line of strength, the type of materials used is important as well.  I quality pine boards – I’m aware that statement can be a bit of an oxymoron.  I considered using oak, but I didn’t have enough in the shop and I’d rather hold onto my scrap oak at this point.  But I don’t see a plywood or other engineered wood being sufficient.  My press boards were 3/4″ but using thicker will really ensure you won’t have cracks or issues.  It does take some pressure to get the press to flatten out the tortillas, so expect a bit of stress on the device.

Lastly, I have a belief even the simple projects should have a touch of class to them.  For that reason, I did some extra routering and turned part of the handle on the lathe to ensure that it looked nice and was extra functional.  Of course these steps aren’t necessary, but in some ways I felt it was.  I like to be proud of anything I put effort into – and it’s easier to be proud of it if it looks nice and has those extra special touches.  When my wife first saw what I was working on she made comments “oh, these corners are even fancy”.  That puts a smile on my face – it’s cool to hear others take notice of my efforts.  That’s what makes it worth it, and will help encourage both of us to continue to use it on a regular basis.

Tortilla Press – Materials List

  • Top Press Board – Square, 3/4″ thickness or greater, 6″ square or greater
  • Bottom Press Board – Same thickness as Top Press Board, Same width as Top Press Board, An inch or two longer than Top Press Board to accommodate for the pivot support
  • Press spacer bar – I used a 1×3. This bar sits on top of the Top Press Board and is crucial to getting the proper leverage
  • Pivot support brackets – I used some stacked 1×3’s, but a 2×4 or similar would do the trick.
  • Press Handle – I used a 2×3 for this
  • Hinge – I used a full width piano hinge to ensure there isn’t a weak point
  • Screws for assembly
  • Bolt and nut for pivot
  • Butcher block oil to ensure the press is food safe
I used this piece of 1"x12" select pine for the top and bottom press boards.
I used this piece of 1″x12″ select pine for the top and bottom press boards.
The top press board is cut and I used this piece of scrap 2"x3" for the handle.
The top press board is cut and I used this piece of scrap 2″x3″ for the handle.
Creating the handle upright support.
I ripped this board down to 1″x3″ strips for the handle upright support.
I stacked two pieces of 1"x3" on each side for the upright support.  I later added a middle bar with two more pieces.
I stacked two pieces of 1″x3″ on each side for the upright support. I later added a middle bar with two more pieces.
I added notches to the upright supports for them to fit on the lower press plate.
I added notches to the upright supports for them to fit on the lower press plate.
Creating the tortilla press handle
I have a wood lathe, so why not use it, right? I wanted to make the handle a bit “fancier” and suitable for operation.
The finished tortilla press handle has a round portion of the handle to easily grip.  The upper portion is still squared off for added strength.  I also cut in and burnt some accent grooves for a nice look.
The finished tortilla press handle has a round portion of the handle to easily grip. The upper portion is still squared off for added strength. I also cut in and burnt some accent grooves for a nice look.
Adding the hinge to the tortilla press
I added a piano hinge to the tortilla press. You could use any type of hinge; I felt this was a good option since the full length hinge should offer even strength and support. When mounting the hinge, ensure that the top and bottom press boards stay complete flat to each other to ensure that you create thin tortillas.  Note – I took this picture when I was test fitting the hinge.  I later used a rotary tool to cut the corners out where I had routered the top press board to ensure that it doesn’t stick up beyond the edge of the board and I won’t get injured on it.
To keep the tortilla press food safe, I coated it with butcher block oil.  The oil will soak into the wood and keep it safe and sanitary but there won't be an oily residue.
To keep the tortilla press food safe, I coated it with cutting board oil. The oil will soak into the wood and keep it safe and sanitary but there won’t be an oily residue.
Tortilla press handle support
Here is the finished tortilla press handle support. I used plenty of wood glue as well as a few screws to secure it to the bottom press board. This is the weakest point on the entire press, so do your diligence to ensure this is built well.
Pivot point on the tortilla press
Using a bolt (smooth shaft, threaded end only) and an acorn nut, create the hinge for the handle.
Completely assembled tortilla press
The tortilla press is all done! It’s ready for some fresh masa!
I had some pre-glued feet that I tried to attach to the press to keep it from sliding around on the counter tops.  However one "flaw" in my plan that I learned is that they didn't stick at all with the oil.  I guess I needed to let it dry longer or something.  Another option is to get some rubber feet that could screw into the bottom.  But to be honest, I put it to use without the feet and all worked well.  And not having it elevated will create a stronger base for it to press against, so this might have been a blessing in disguise.
I had some pre-glued feet that I tried to attach to the press to keep it from sliding around on the counter tops. However one “flaw” in my plan that I learned is that they didn’t stick at all with the oil. I guess I needed to let it dry longer or something. Another option is to get some rubber feet that could screw into the bottom. But to be honest, I put it to use without the feet and all worked well. And not having it elevated will create a stronger base for it to press against, so this might have been a blessing in disguise.
Let start making corn tortillas!
The press is all done, I have my masa ready, and it’s time to make some corn tortillas!