Your fruits must be prepared for pressing. The skins of grapes need to be broken and apples must be crushed to a pomace (grated like consistency). A purpose-built crusher can be used or a Pulp Master, which is an excellent entry level device at a very affordable price Freezing and thawing apples beforehand will make the job easier. Crushing is essential as a large amount of uncrushed fruit presents too much resistance to pressure and the press will not operate properly. Cutting the apples up into slices is not sufficient. Avoid the use of a food processor or liquidiser as they produce too fine a liquid for pressing afterwards.