Hi,

First post in the mechanics forum; I usually hang out in the Touring forum. I recently picked up a Park TS2 and a Campagnolo dishing tool from ebay. I already had a Performance bike tool set that has wrenches. I also got some used 26 inch and 700c wheels from Craigslist to practice on and used clunker bikes to put them on. Been following this thread with interest. Seems that mechanics often discourage amateurs from doing their own wheels. Everyone keeps saying it's an "art not a science". Well, I am intending to find out firsthand. Other than the wheel building videos on youtube and the above resources, are there are any pearls of wisdom that can be easily obtained before embarking on my first wheel?