The alignment issue you posted won't necessarily be fixed with a pen press. There is nothing wrong with buying a press, but start with SKIE's recommendations for making sure it's "prepped well". That will help with alignment and prevent splitting thing blanks due to tight fits. Lots of great advice in this thread.
I have a small shop and have used a number of different methods, usually with stuff I've had on hand.
1) Lathe with some plastic inserts: Method I've used the most. Very easy to control, not the "fastest" with having to screw/unscrew the tailstock.
2) Wooden screw clamps: Worked ok, a bit awkward to hold though and could be tough on tight pens. If clamped to a table it can work ok.
3) Squeeze quick clamps: same as above, a bit difficult to hold unless its clamped down, and harder to regulate the amount of force.
4) Pipe/Bar clamps with wood/leather to protect the metal on metal contact. Probably one of my favorites, really easy to control pressure with one hand while holding the pen with the other.
5) wood bench vice: very easy, quick and already something most of us have in our shop. Easy to hold the pen and turn the vice with the other hand.
6) Drill press: My current method, very fast, easy to control and hold. Put a scrap of wood down to protect the metal on metal contact.