matty,cider was made long before welders! i see yer in wales,next time yer looking for a day out pop down to hereford to the cider museum.take a camera,thers several wooden cider presses there ,it wouldnt take too much working out.
ive been making cider for a while ,i dont use apples i use the scrumpy kits,they realy make a nice pint,ive found that it helps to add 4 cartons of cheapy apple juice,boil it first to ensure theres no preservative left in it as this could kill yer yeast.