Originally Posted by
Classtime
Round up to make building easier. Rounding down can make it more difficult in my experience (using the Roger Musson method).
I agree with this advice and reasoning.
More controversially, I would recommend straight gauge spokes. Yes, I know that butted spokes can build a wheel that is both stronger and lighter, which is a rare combination, but straight gauge spokes are easier to work with as an inexperienced wheel builder. I have a theory that the likelihood of lost tension over time due to not having fully taken care of wind up will more than cancel out the strength benefits of butted spokes. Also, wheels built with straight gauge spokes are plenty strong. The weight difference is also fairly minimal.
That's just my amateur opinion, of course, and I have never seen an expert wheel builder endorse such a view.