I used to lift them off and on, but that was 40 years ago. Making a couple of guides out of old head bolts or buying a couple of bolts is very important. While you have things apart, I would suggest taking the intake/exhaust manifolds off and either lay a straight edge across them or take them to your machinist along with the head. Quite often they will be warped and will crack when you reinstall them. A machine shop can true them with a belt sander. Since I have gotten too old to lift heads and I usually lift heads by myself, I take the hood off and use some kind of lifting device. I also have a couple of bolts that fit in the rocker mounting holes with a T welded to them. It sure makes it easier to carry the head around.