I was stuck on steel cables too...

Ugh, tell me about it.

Heard about a buddy who had his press fail mid-project last winter. He ended up using a big C-clamp and a chunk of countertop to get through it, which was a total mess. I mean, that kind of jury-rigging is so stressful when you're in the middle of something. I don't know a source offhand, but maybe check with some of the smaller print shops? Sometimes they upgrade and sell the old gear. Good luck, that sounds like a rough spot to be in.