I just started building wheels myself. I have the Minoura stand and a good spoke wrench (not a Park). I read Gerd Scrhader's book but didn't like the way he laces wheels and took the whole thing apart and built a la Sheldon. I'm going to buy Roger Musson's book today.

I also bought a tensiometer and dishing tool. I felt since I was a novice I should have a second check on spoke tension since that seems to be the most important factor in making good wheels. I'm glad I did. My wheels were prefectly true but way too tight.

I also bought the cheapest dishing tool I could find because I could tell the Minoura stand just doesn't seem centered. It's just another way to check your work. I don't regret investing in all this stuff. I've spent literally hours reading about and playing with the wheels. I intend to build more, and I look at it as an investment in a new endeaveour.