Wheel builders, what do you use?

[Splatter Paint]

.....and a spare wheel to hand so when things get all confusing you can use it as a point of reference.

Before wheel building strip the hubs and make sure they are 100%, I spent a fair amount of time rebuilding and polishing a wheel and then found the cones were shot..... pillock.

SP

 

[Scrat]

Instead of a "tensionometer" - give the spokes a "ping", they'll all ring the same note if the tension is even.
So "tune" your wheel as if its a guitar

 

[sancho]

Instead of a "tensionometer" - give the spokes a "ping", they'll all ring the same note if the tension is even.
So "tune" your wheel as if its a guitar

I do that, too, but I use it mostly to get the spokes up to the recommended tension.

 

[RockiMtn]

bringing back an old thread i started. what truing stand would people recommend.

i picked up a Ulimate/Feedback Sports TRS-80R truing stand. it's a single arm stand and i don't think it's for me.

 

[fatfixie]

After building 5000+ wheels, over 20 years ,i use

a chinese copy of a cast iron victorian era jig.

spokey spoke tool

campag wheel dishing tool.

an old dt revo spoke for dropping nipples into deep rims.

Don't use lube on nipples, but lard and linseed oil are the best if you do....

Andy

 

[Pip]

My wheel building tools:

beaten up old apollo frame that I know is straight
ancient set of MTB rigid forks
2 large-ish zip ties
Dishing tool made from plywood, bolt, wingnut, and a slotted bit of plate brass (cos thats what was spare)
Park spoke key
Home made nipple driver.
home made 20mm adapter
very cheap engine oil.

I dont build huge amounts of wheels, total of maybe 60 sets, but I can produce straight, round, tight wheels and I was taught by a very good builder.

Obv. I can only do 135mm QR rear wheels with this, but thats what all my bikes are )

Pip