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

Below is the plan I used, but feel free to make modifications as you’d like and your supplies allow for. 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. Part of what makes this project fun is that you can go through your scrap wood piles and most likely find what you need. It’s easy to make fresh corn tortilas when you have the right tools – a simple to make tortilla press does the trick!

Tortilla press flat plate diy