Roger would have done better if he simply said "true and centre the wheel."
TBH I understand exactly what Rogers means and I guess most people would too, perhaps reading how he explains the process makes a difference but since I go through the process several times while I build a wheel, the terms balancing / equalising the spokes come naturally to me. This is not the process of truing the wheel BTW. As for the term
centring a wheel, I would imagine the process of adjusting the spokes tension so that the rim is in the middle of the two hub ends, consequently the wheel is in the centre of the dropouts when fitted to the bike. and that process I know it as dishing the wheel.
I have not heard about that book, but I'll keep in mind your observation.
I don't know how many books are out there but when you read them you find little things that are the same as in other books. Other things are little variations. Jobs Brandt's book is a bit different, it deals with the physics involved that other books don't go into any depth and that is why I read it, having said that, that very same reason puts other "want to learn" wheelbuilding people off and don't read it. I'm a fun of Roger Musson book, he can come across a bit patronising but his practical and hands on approach suits many readers, furthermore, he keeps it simple enough. I, like many people, want to get on with things so I just need enough information at that point. Later, I'll seek further information.
I had a friendly discussion with a professional wheelbuilder about wheel lateral strength and lateral stiffness. I quoted JB where he basically says if the wheel is strong enough is also stiff enough. The wheel builder did not appreciate the importance that JB gives to lateral stiffness, he felt JB underestimated lateral stiffness. Basically the two points of view were "Although it is worth analyzing, stiffness is not an important consideration in wheel design" VS "Stiffer wheels flex less which mean spokes fatigue at a slower rate so it is very important indeed" I'm afraid I didn't do a great job defending JB's book, partly due to the fact that perhaps my English language skills were not up to the task but also the man had some very valid points, or at least I thought so
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