Hello all,

I'm starting to become interested in the idea of building my wheels but had some questions:

1) In addition to the spoke wrench I have, I was planning on getting: TS-8 Truing stand and the TM-1 Tensiometer. Is a dishing tool like the WAG-3 good to have, or can I get by without it? (the truing repair page says it is optional)

2) If I don't get the TS-8, I might get a PCS-1 stand and a TS-5 Truing attachment. Is this just as good? Can the stand go low so I can sit at a normal chair and work?

3) I'll be doing 36-spoke wheels, how should I decide on a pattern?

4) In what minimum quantity should one buy spokes to save money? (150?)

5) Is Wheelsmith spoke prep worth buying? Where/when is it applied? (and how much)

6) Nipple cream? (get some, or is this the same as the Wheelsmith spoke prep)? When and how much?

7) How many wheels do you feel it is necessary to build before an investment in a home-building kit is worthwhile? (I plan on buying/building 2 wheelsets within the next year - that I know of now - this might increase).

http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html
http://parktool.com/repair/byregion....ageField2.y=13

Thank you