Originally Posted by tomacropod

When I have a build of an "odd" size eg a 16" or 20" wheel, I will either order spokes from someone else who has a high-volume spoke cutter (and I won't order a box, I will order the number I need, plus two spares per side), or I will custom cut them and thread them with the Hozan. The cutting and threading takes about as long as the whole wheel build - but I can't charge double the labour - so I'm eating that time when I could do something else. It is my impression that ClarkinHawaii is seeking to build up a business, and is not a time-rich retiree for whom hours have little monetary value.

If I didn't borrow money to buy the excess spokes in the first case - they don't cost me money, just a bit of space.

Having the right length in a cupboard right now means I can book in wheel builds and know that I don't have to spend time doing a calc and either ordering or cutting spokes. It saves time at all ends.

I know that this forum is "about" Bicycle Mechanics and not "for" Bicycle Mechanics but if Clark wants to make money (or lose less money) he needs to start considering his time as a resource which can earn for him.

- Joel