compressing O360 valve springs

[trib]

I've read a couple of threads in the past about assembling your own Lycoming engine. A list of special tools needed was given, but nothing for compressing the valve springs. Is there a way to do this without a valve spring compressing tool that is commonly performed? I have just received an ECi kit for an O360 (parallel valve) and was wondering if anybody had info concerning this.

thanks,
Tim Ribble

[hngrflyr]

I welded up a rod with a foot on the end to go around the valve stem, then put it in the chuck of my drill press. Then I cut a length of 2x4 to fit inside the cylinder and hold the valves closed. I used the drill press like an arbor press to compress the springs with the plate on top, then slipped the keepers on.