Buying a Headset Press, worth it ??

[stevek]

problem with threaded bar DIY job is that it doesn't self align, so easy to push in angled unless you are careful.

Ah, I can see that you've tried this method before then..

You're right of course, great care is needed when you start to tighten the nuts up and the cups start to press in.

 

[andrewl]

problem with threaded bar DIY job is that it doesn't self align, so easy to push in angled unless you are careful.

I've got a similar home made job but to lessen the alignement isses I tacked some tube onto the flat plates (washers in stevek's case).

I also put a bit of thin rubber on the plate to same scratching nice King headsets too - it also keeps the headset where I want it when lining things up.

For crown races as previously mentioned, pvc pipe or copper pipe works a treat.