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I have heard that freezing a headset prior to fitting makes it a lot easier? Or did I just imagine it?
Freezing it makes it smaller by a tiny amount. Very common when fitting car bearings to do this. Not really needed for a headset though.
Logically, it should, but I haven't tried it.
However, I suspect that because the overlap between the hot and cold surfaces will be relatively deep, that you will lose any temperature differential very quickly through conduction, before you get it very far in.
It certaily works for fitting bearings, which I have tried.
[edit] homemade headset press is the answer: studded bar, two nuts and some big washers from B&Q [/edit]
I used a homemade press and also added a couple of pieces cut from a nylon chopping board to make a bigger area for my 1.5" cup and to prevent marking the cups too. Works a treat so long as you are careful to keep it central.
I need to fit a headset in the next few days. Ill Have a go with the freezer and see what happens.
Think Ill bodge up a press too. Just in case like.
It helps but especially with headsets is marginal - you can heat the frame as well - a rag ties round it and pour boiling water over it