I've built up a few wheels just using the forks as well. If you decide to go that route just make sure you've started with equal turns at each nipple, assuming your rims are new or perfectly round (redundant?). I measure between the blades to the sides of the rim and tape some stiff paper, string, zip tie or whatever to each side of the forks level with the outer edge of the rim and use a mark the center position of the rim's sidewalls. Easy as pie my friend. Oh and for god's sake, get a spoke wrench. It's like 3 bucks, won't round your nipples, won't require you to constantly turn your rim to use the driver, get obstucted by the spoke protruding the nipple. After you ride a bit you'll want to check again for true - you'll be able to use your newly honed skills to do it on the spot without removing the tire.
There's nothing like riding what you build.