If you could have just one press, which would you choose?

[Blue Box Studio]

Parameters: 1st press, using a HH, can't afford more than one right now.

I've looked at Breadpress, Zoozii and Spheres of Glass; I'd like to keep to the UK or Europe - Customs seem to like writing to me at the moment 

Which would be easiest for a newbie on a HH?  Ss Lentil, fat lentil, slim lentil or a spree? (Not sure I know exactly what a spree is - looks like a fat lentil with straight sides).  I like the shapes of these.

I've had a good read through the other threads, just can't make my mind up which to go for.  Anything you wouldn't go for, make or shape (can PM me if you'd rather not say publicly).

[SilverGems89]

The first press I ever bought was a beadpress ss lentil, and it is probably the one tool that will have to prised from my cold dead fingers!
So easy to use and a lovely shape (or so I think)
I got it about 2 months after I first started lampworking and have never struggled with using it with the hot head!
HTH 

[madpup]

"If you could have just one press, which would you choose?

Easy, a wine press (i'll get my coat) 

[Pegasus]

It has to be the marble press, though you only need one half of it to make round beads.

[sparrow]

Another vote for a straight-sided lentil - I bough a 'proper' lentil press a my first, and found it quite frustrating.......but maybe that's just me.    I still use my SS lentil 9 times out of 10 when I use a press (actually, I really need to have a press clear out!)

[princess pink]

Probably a zoozii ss lentil if you want to make sets or a bead press one for focals

[Tills]

I'm with the last three lovelies  SS lentil... but not too big especially with a HH!

[Mand]

Defo Zoozii lentil trio (slim).  I love Zoozii presses.    The kalera is also good for a "second press"! - and then I got a crunch which I luuuurv!

[Trudi]

I got a SS lentil from a German based Ebay supplier http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190444708052

and I wanted the hole to go the other way - and they kindly did this for me.

This is a nice shape and easy to use!

[Rainbow1]

Sorry to but in but can I ask Mand what a "crunch" is?

Jo x

[Kalorlo]

My first one was a Beadpress lentil trio. Not SS, and I like it just fine! Then I got a Zoozii kalera L&L which is also lovely (and I want a mini kalera-style trio too).

[Billie]

My first press was a spree/flat sided lentil.  Eventually though, I decided I preferred the regular lentil and have lentil presses in a variety of sizes.  Also a crunch press is very versatile.  A crunch press is...

http://www.cattwalk.com/crunches.htm

[ScarletLeonard]

I'm in the same boat still no press to call my own.

got my eye on http://www.beadpress.nl/stempelwinkel/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=38&products_id=358 since it has both lentil and pillow (which I like)

Then a little voice inside me says no get something more unusual as your first so I end up all confused again.

Billie The cattwalk site is dangerous just been looking at their forming trays and crunches and now my wishlist has tripled in length.

[Billie]

I've found it's dangerous looking at any site to do with lampwork    We all went for such a cheap craft 

[Jay9]

My first press was a zoozii lentiol trio which I found great to start on.  I find it a little small now but is good to use for earrings.  It was pretty easy to learn on.

I then bought a Beadpress ss lentil (about 30-32mm I think).  It has taken me a while to get to grips with the amount of glass needed but I love it now. 

My next buy/s will be heart and probably a crunch - I need to do some research on both these re: sizes, shapes and supplier though.