Originally Posted by Mad Honk

Ok Merziac, here goes with the wheel build process I use...
There are a few preliminary steps needed before the build can start. I use the UBI (United Bicycle Institute) spoke length calculator. If you do a search for spoke length calculator it should be one of the first three to show up. It asks for a few measurements and they are pretty easy to get. Here are some pics to get past this part of the build process.

I use a metal ruler that measures in cm/mm.

I read 604 for the inner rim diameter but I have to add two mm to account for the spokes seated in the SS inserts in the rim. Thus ERD is 606.

The calculator needs to know the center of the hub so I measure the over lock nut spacing and divide by 2. Here it is 126mm so center of hub is 63mm. This part of the calculations done later.

The The drive side flange to over-nut measurement.

The non-drive side flange to over-nut measurement
Ok so I have taken all of the measurements and now I can start ciphering to get the numbers to put into the spoke calculator.
I know I am building with a 36 hole hub and rim so I enter that into the calculator.
The hub over-nut spacing is 126mm I need to divide that by 2 to get the center of hub spacing. In this case it is 63mm.
The drive side flange to over-nut distance is 44mm. Subtract the 44mm form the 63mm and you get the center of hub to flange measurement the calculator needs. here it is 19mm.
From this point you put in the cross pattern and hit the calculate length button. I am building to 3X so I enter that. The calculator tells me I need 292 mm spokes for the drive side.
I change the input for the non-drive side center of hub to flange. In this case it is 63mm minus 29mm so I enter 34mm and the calculator tells me I need 293.8mm spokes. I round up to 294mm and I am ready to start the build with the correct length spokes. I had to order the spokes but they are here and now I can start to demonstrate the lacing process.