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As a fairly recent initiate to wheelbuilding (I've built up 5 wheelsets now, over the past year), I'd echo what others have said about having as close to the 'right' length spokes, especially for your first couple builds. Being able to use a nipple driver is super handy to quickly get a somewhat even tension (all around for the front, per-side for rear/dished). I think after you've built a few sets of wheels and developed a feel (& sense of confidence) having exactly 'right' spoke lengths becomes somewhat less important.