Originally Posted by
hubcyclist
that's awesome, I kind of want to build my own. I still have the original wheelset of first raleigh roadbike, which came with 105 hubs (8 speed, but I still ride 8 speed on my allez) and sun m13II rims which could serve as a learning platform, but I don't even have a truing stand so at the moment it's kind of moot.
You don't have to use a truing stand. You can put the wheel in the frame or fork to spin it or rig up something else. A tensionmeter would be helpful, but you can even get by without one if you have a good feel for the tension, especially if you're just practicing.
I've built wheels and I don't like doing it, I'd rather pay someone who's really good at it. It doesn't cost that much. It's the only thing I pay someone to do on my bikes or even my car.