It depends on the quantity of apples you want to play with.
If you really want to build one yourself try this - http://freespace.virgin.net/roger.simmonds/press.htm
You'll need a small hydraulic car jack (which aren't expensive)and then putting the 'pomice' (chopped apple) in a muslin/nylon sheet or bag to press them.
Chopping the apples first is way to go, you'll extract more juice. Depends how many apples you have - a food processor handles small amounts but for bigger quantities consider a clean garden shredder (i.e. small wood chipper!) to do it faster.
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