Finally made some time to make a valve spring compressor.  Yes, these things are expensive.  Not if you shop at Harbor Freight though … just buy an 8″ c-clamp for $7.50 (less with 20% off coupon & get a free flashlight, voltmeter, measuring tape, or screwdriver set while you’re at it), get a magnet & stick it on the threaded end, and add a socket with a smaller magnet inside of it.  Presto.  One functional valve spring compressor.  Just make sure to use a flat magnet that won’t crack/shatter when being compressed.  Hint:  Don’t use the small ones you can get from the inside of a dead hard-drive.  They crack/shatter with 3 or 4 turns under pressure.  Need to make a trip to Harbor Freight & see if they have anything stronger.