daddy said:I'd like to try building my own wheel sets. Maybe start off easy with
"adjusting" existing wheel sets, before plowing into an actual build.
Any recommendations as to a truing stand?
go with a Park TS-2?
any good links on the "how to's?"
I'm not worried one bit about the challenge. I'd really like to
learn how to build your own....
TIA
Daddy
You can use your bike...uncomfortable. Or use a truing stand...much better.
I have a TS-2 and build a fair amount of wheels for myself and my friends.
Wheelbuilding for me is an "In the moment." or "Zen" experience. I've been
doing it for ten years and still find it rewarding and relaxing, and a good
source of free beer!
I really like the Spokey Spoke wrench as it grips the nipple on three
corners. It's cheap too at about $9 US. I really want the DT $50 pro model
but I'm easily distracted by shiny objects.
Sheldon brown is a good source for free info. I've found the wheel
building chapter in Lennard Zinn's book to be easy to follow. If you want
the rocket science info get "The Bicycle Wheel" by Jobst Brandt.
As you lace the wheel slide your thumbnail up each spoke until it contacts
the threads and screw the nipple down until it touches it. A nipple driver
is a cool tool to have for this but again not necessary. This sets your
starting point. I've tried linseed oil to lube the threads and have settled
on Wheelsmith spoke prep as the best. I know it's a wheel builder's crutch
but I'm a gimp anyway. Put just a drop of oil at each eyelet where the
nipple comes through.
Then put the wheel in the truing stand and starting at the valve hole turn
each nipple 1/2 turn at a time to build tension keeping the wheel laterally
and radially true as you go. This saves a bunch of work and hassle later
trying to true the wheel. I usually run about 110 to 120 kgf (Kilograms of
force) on the drive side of rear wheels or the disc side of front wheels.
You can use a tensiometer or pluck the spokes and gauge tension by tone
(compare to a good wheel).
Stress relieve the wheels as Jobst or Sheldon prescribe and final true and
tension.
Go ride!!!
Mike