Originally Posted by jz19
I thought I would give an update as I completed my first headset installation yesterday with the help of my home made press. It took me a couple tries to make the cups go straight and found that it is easier if the washers contact the inner lip of the headset cups instead of the external lip. I had to take the cups out a couple of times so needed the home made extractor made of PVC pipe. To make the press contact the internal lip I just bought some extra washers of the right size at Home Depot. I tried again to find copper bushings that are supposedly softer than the steal washers but could not find any that seem to fit right and would press perperndicular to the cup's lips so went with the washers. All in all I recommend you guys to try this method as it is cheap and works if you have the patience to not force it.
It may take a couple tries as you say to start the cups in straight but large oversized washers with a
THICK bolt have always worked for me. I don't see how a smaller washer inside the lip would make any difference......besides I would be afraid that a smaller washer may gouge or deform the inner lip.