Originally Posted by
Sammyboy
I'm planning to build a new wheelset for my Raleigh 20, and I got a killer deal on some rims yesterday. Then I considered the fact that these 406 rims were destined for Nexus 7 or 8 rear hub (depending on whether I can find a cheap used one), and that those are 36 hole. I have a feeling that this is a non issue - that you simply skip every 4th hole, but am I right? I've yet to build a wheel, so I'm a little out of my depth.....
Not a good idea. Rim spoke holes are offset side to side according to the flange their spokes come from. If you do this, half of the spokes will be going to the wrong side of the rim.
Also, the gaps where there's no spoke in the rim will create 12 weak spots in the wheel.
Building your first wheel is enough of a challenge without stacking the deck against yourself this way. Don't do it!
See also:
http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild
Sheldon "Rims Aren't Expensive" Brown