While working on my engine I wanted to take the valves out and clean up the head.  I don't have a valve spring compressor....and I really didn't want to buy one as I need one so seldom.  I took my head to a local engine machine shop, and they took my valve keepers off.....and showed me how to build a tool that will let you use your drill press to compress the springs so you can remove and install the keepers.

I used a piece of steel electrical conduit, a washer and a bolt.  I cut the conduit to length, drilled 1/2 inch holes through the conduit and then used a hacksaw to elongate the holes, then welded a washer on top and put a bolt and nut through to mount into the chuck of the drill press.  You need to put a wood block under the valve - or tilt the drill press table to make the valve upright while compressing the spring.  A small screwdriver and magnet helps to get the keepers out and in....and it works great!