That is a bummer.teamdicky said:
Facing a HT is always necessary, it's just usually done by the manufacturer before the frame leaves the factory. At least with the better brands. I always check mine to be sure before I build.frank n. beans said:
Good point. It still makes me cringe when I think about pounding in a King headset though, regardless of who is operating the hammer.fonseca said:
Why would you cringe? How many have you wrecked by this method? I've installed maybe a couple of dozen (Kings that is, many dozens of other makes) and haven't come close to damaging one. I once stopped a frame maker (who'd just made my frame) from installing mine cock-eyed with a fancy press and I finished it off easily with my block of wood and hammer that I'd taken along in anticipation of such an occurence.frank n. beans said:
You don't need to resort to a hammer to install a headset at home. This setup has round pieces of wood glued to the square pieces, that just fit inside the headset to keep everything nice and square. It cost less than $5, and I've done five headset installs with it with no problems.frank n. beans said:
I know it works - I have done it myself (block of wood method). Of course using a headset press does not guarantee success. You have to pay attention to what you are doing with either method. I just think that the linear application of pressure that you get from a headset press is a better method than pounding. Same thing for hub bearings or suspension frame bearings. I'm sure I could tap them in with a hammer, but I have a feeling it is much quicker / accurate / more consistent to press them in. I don't know. It is just smoother. I like smoothness.Mike T. said:
Very nice. The "round pieces of wood glued to the square pieces" is very smart - keep everything pointed nice and straight. I like it. How did you cut the round pieces of wood, and how far do they extend into the cups?VT Mike said:
