I really like making it from hash. I know tons of people do it from buds but I feel like the end result is way better with hash. Plus with hash you can use live material, can't press fresh nugs.
I don't even have a big press yet. I still just use an old hair straightener, you don't have to have one when using hash. I get a 50% return so it's pretty good. But I'm planning to upgrade at some point. Mainly just for bigger plates and the availability of filter bags.
Site sponsor dabpress makes some nice equipment for the best prices I've found around. I'm planning to grab a 10ton tabletop when I can afford it.
I'll try and find the link to the thread with a bunch of active squishers.