Wheelbuilding setup

First off, apologies for yet another wheel thread.

I'm going to have a go at building up wheels and I was wondering what the bare minimum of equipment is for doing so? The topic is quite well covered by Sheldon but I'm interesting in knowing what our 'in-house' builders use/need.

I don't want to fork (pun intended) out a load for a bells-and-whistles truing stand. can i use something much simpler? how much should i expect to pay for the basic kit, not including the cost of the wheels themselves? Any tips would be appreciated.

finally, am i likely to wreck my hubs and rims if i go badly wrong? is that really possible? that's my only real concern.

Spoke key pretty much covers the necessary. You can true in your fork

Hubs can be fucked with strange lacing patterns. This isn't really a risk with 3-cross though.

and a radial is supposed to be easy right?

long thin screwdriver, cup of tea, crap TV in background, spoke key, patience.

get an old wheel, take it apart and put it back together again. can't fail

I have built 6 wheels and never used a truing stand for the initial build. However to get them really, really straight with not the smallest wobble you will want a truing stand. In my area the local LCC workshops have one.

And yeah, practise on an old wheel. I have one if you need it.

It is a pleasure building with a truing stand though. I got one for my birthday. How fucking cool am I?!?

Spoke key, and a nipple driver are recommended. Also good lube.

Check Arup's website, its the shizz for stuff like this.

PM sent.

Old pair of forks, fixed to a bench, will work quite well.
I gave my truing stand to plagiarist, how cool/bit of a cnut am I?

something a bit like this?!

Old pair of forks, fixed to a bench, will work quite well.
I gave my truing stand to plagiarist, how cool/bit of a cnut am I?

cool, yes, but also a bit of a cnut! ;) ;)

Old pair of forks, fixed to a bench, will work quite well.
I gave my truing stand to plagiarist, how cool/bit of a cnut am I?
It's still serving well, that stand has built many wheels. I just put the parts next to it, offer up a sacrifical beer to the veloGod and go to sleep. By the next morning the wheel is not only built but fitted with rimtape tube and tyre and on the bike it was intended for.
Now all I need to do is work out how to inform the cycle deity of the correct PSI as he always under inflates, the useless cunt.

http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=3542

long thin screwdriver, cup of tea, crap TV in background, spoke key, patience.

your so spot on Eybrows, honestly. Thats uncanny.

sweet, i'm really looking forward to this now.

would anyone be prepared to lend me a truing stand in exchange for, say, a t-shirt?!

A truing stand would be a good idea, really makes the process much easier. But not really worth buying one for single wheel builds. Take it slow and it should be ok.

I have a truing stand but its hardly portable im afraid

sweet, i'm really looking forward to this now.

would anyone be prepared to lend me a truing stand in exchange for, say, a t-shirt?!

you dont strictly need a truing stand.

I know but would feel happier as it's the first time.

the only difference is that you can work to within greater accuracy which is neither here nor there.
Doesn't really make the job that much easier. Trust me.

Use your forks on your upturned bike.

I am building a few wheels atm Josh, but you can borrow mine as long as you can do Wests pick up?

the only difference is that you can work to within greater accuracy which is neither here nor there.
Doesn't really make the job that much easier. Trust me.

Use your forks on your upturned bike.

I disagree.

thanks everyone.

well, I've built loads of wheels and i can't see the point of truing stands to be honest,other than to achieve that ultra true wheel, which is pointless since it will go out of ultra trueness very quickly indeed.

For races etc, probably yes, but for everyday wheels, most likely not neccessary.

well, I've built loads of wheels and i can't see the point of truing stands to be honest,other than to achieve that ultra true wheel, which is pointless since it will go out of ultra trueness very quickly indeed.

i have never had this problem...your wheel should not do this Dylan!