We bought a 10 ton hydraulic press (https://www.amazon.com/Dake-Manual-Utility-Hydraulic-Capacity/dp/B00DWB1MTM). It was much much cheaper when we got it (I think it was roughly $150ish?)
It's overkill, but hard drives get crushed quickly and easily.
No problem.
Dake: wherever you order just make sure it ships free (190 lbs or so ship weight)
Amazon - 312.50 (get prime for a month for free ship) https://www.amazon.com/Dake-Manual-Utility-Hydraulic-Capacity/dp/B00DWB1MTM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481040084&sr=8-1&keywords=dake+b-10
Jet.com - there is a 15% coupon code if you search, maxes at 30.00 off 341.00 before coupon so 311.00 ships free
https://jet.com/product/Dake-Corporation-Hydraulic-Press/6c4ceeb24abc4b8aaebcc5d04a8780db
Plates: Here you have a choice, my advice is go with the best AMERICAN deal. Don't be lured in with import plates...yes they are cheaper but will cause issues down the line (electronics, uneven plates).
710 Snob had a deal a week back....5 x 3 plates with PID/Heaters for 280.00 shipped. They are "seconds" which in all reality means they haven't been polished. I bought a set for a friend (x-mas) and would order another at that price if they had them still. I spent a few minutes polishing one of the plates and it looks great...no need to just cosmetic. I can upload a photo if you want so you can see.
If the 710 snobs aren't on sale your build price will rise by 100 bucks unless you can find plates on sale, which may happen this time of year.
Lowtemp-plates.com
I have used or have friends that have plates from both of those companies and can say nothing but good things about them. Both will run you 380-400 shipped complete.
https://710snob.com/product/black-friday-scratch-dent-rosin-press-plate-3x5-kit/ Just saw they are out of stock, may be worth still reaching out to them to see if they have any at that price.
Aside from that....silicone mat for your plates...temp gun for accuracy (i use a meat thermometer as the guns don't read shiny surfaces) and parchment/bags and your good to go.
You can get the build down to under 300 if you go full cheap chinese import...HF press, import plates. I would not recommend this for safety reasons first...sanity second. HF press is fine to seat a bearing once in a while but for pressing on the regular you will have issues. A thrift store flat iron and an irwin clamp is a better option.
*I have no affiliation with any of these folks.
Right now you'll need to build your own setup for best results but all you need is a high pressure press and temp-controlled heated plates. If you have the space I'd consider getting an H-Frame press like this or this. For plates you can order them from rufiocraft or one of the many other upstarts who are coming out with heated plate solutions.
would something like this not work?