Originally Posted by
3alarmer
...I think maybe it was you. Regardless, the "industry standard" (assuming there is one) is not the use of some sort of Loctite or Spoke Prep compound.
They mostly seem to work OK, but IMO, and some others who seem to me to be reasonably well informed, it's far from necessary. It just isn't. Solution looking for a problem.
Forgive me, but I am going to
now.
Oh well what more can I say?
There are two ways to look at this.
1.) Build with oil, or nothing and get your customers back a couple or more times a year to true wheels because eventually they will go out of true due to the odd spoke loosing tension, as it vibrates loose. They will need maintenance. This is the preferred way nowadays as it is more profitable to your business.
2.) Use a compound which lubricates with an easy breakable bond and build the wheel once needing no maintenance until the spokes fatigue and brake, after about 20,000 to 40,000 miles. The customer comes back after 3 to 6 years and you rebuild the whole wheel. This is the honest way, but not preferred as it makes less money.
The old timers who taught me used linseed oil, in the galvanized spoke days and they cut their teeth on building with wooden rims.