Originally Posted by
dsbrantjr
...it seems to me that you are letting the tail wag the dog by constraining your rim choice to the spokes you have on hand. It would make more sense (to me) to buy the rims you want and get the correct spokes...
I 100% agree.
While you are at it, why not buy a new axle and purchase a hub to fit, or a 29.6mm seatpost a find a frame to fit.
They make spokes in dozens of sizes for a reason...
edit: also, were the nipples in your old wheel brass or aluminum?