DIY valve spring compression tool.

A while ago I posted a question about replacing a head gasket. many thanks to all who helped with advice.
The head is off , and the valves looked they could do with a clean , one was not even closing 100% .
But I never had taken out valves of a head - all I ever did was head gaskets.
But some 50+ years ago trained as mechanic that should not be too hard ?

Searched and found one needs a tool to compress the valve springs to start with. Ordered one on eBay - it never arrived....
So made one myself - works great.
The photos speak for them selves.

Between the head and the clamp I used a piece of plywood to protect the head surface.
I used a rag ball between plywood and valves to keep the valves pushed upwards - saves fiddling to pull the valves up..

Attachment 85042Attachment 85041Attachment 85043Attachment 85044

Words of advice:
-- DO NOT USE A WOODWORKERS CLAMP - they can loose their grip at random and parts will fly. Use a decent mechanics clamp as in the photos
-- WEAR SAFETY GLASSES - the little collets can find your eyes when compressing a spring goes wrong
-- Have a magnetic picker handy for when a collet want to hide in a hole
-- Be patient positioning everything accurate in line before even touching the collets - saves time and frustration
SAFETY FIRST