These tips are now part of the method_two page
The Tips Page
In addition to the main method page there are other little tips and tricks that I have been gathering along the way and I wanted to list them here to share them with you. I hope they will be useful.
Oiling the Threads
In the method page I mention the idea of oiling the ends of the spokes along the threads so that they will move easily in the nipple. This is good for when you are nearing full tension and make the nipple easier to turn.
The other place to oil would be around the nipple, so that the contact between the nipple and the hole in the rim is lubricated. This again would make it easier to turn when you get close to full tension.
If you are doing radial lacing, then you should not oil the ends of the spokes because in this spoking pattern they are more likely to work loose especially if they are lubricated. Some wheel builders recommend using linseed oil here as it becomes hard or use spoke prep.
Getting the Valve Hole Correct
Using my 3-cross pre-cross method I have noticed that sometimes I seem to get the valve hole in the wrong place. There should be no crossing under the valve hole. If I get this wrong, then the only way to remedy it is to remove all the spokes on one side move them one hole along. Obviously you want to avoid having to do this. So here's my tip.
Before you put in all the spokes on each side, just put 4 pairs each side. Just enough for a few crosses. Then with the heads out spokes pointing to the right, the one nearest you should be further to the right.
Did you follow that? That means the head of the spoke is on the outside of the hub spoke hole. Hold the hub perpendicular to you. The tip points to the right. Cross and tie the few pairs and hold the rim in place. Should work. Saves you having to take it all apart.
Seating the Spoke Heads
This one comes from Gerd Schraner's book. Once you have laced the wheel and added a little bit of tension you can seat the spoke heads into the hub holes using a centre punch.
For whatever reason sometimes a few spokes would not be seated completely in their holes. I would try and push them with my finger or tap them a bit with the nipple wrench, but that would be it. No more. Now I hammer each one all the way home. Gently does it though.
