My first go at building a front wheel. Problems..

[Brand X]

I chose the rim, hub and spokes myself with the aid of this spoke length calculator, which allowed me to enter the model number of the parts and generate a correct spoke length for me, so hopefully it's correct:
http://www.prowheelbuilder.com/spokelengthcalculator
Spoke length calculated: 211.6
Spokes purchases: 212mm

Rim: Sun CR18 451 (36 holes).
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/rims-tape/sun-cr18-20in-451-abt-rim-silver-36-hole/

Hub: Shimano Deore HB-M590.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/hubs-front/36-shimano-deore-hbm590-front-hub-silver/


But when I try to fit the second set of spokes (that is, I have fitted 18 spokes - 9 each side - and so I have another 18 to fit), I can only get two of them in; by the third spoke it's as if the spokes are too short; the third spoke will not go in, it's too far a stretch.

This is the video guide I followed, and I can't see where I have made any error. I think I followed it precisely.

 

[midlife]

Did you select the correct crossover?

Shaun

 

[Brand X]

Did you select the correct crossover?

Shaun

I think so. I'm following the "X3" pattern exactly the same as in the video.

 

[Brand X]

D'oh. Never mind. Figured it out - I think. I think I counted one too far. Sometimes you just need to sit back and think for 2 minutes..

 

[midlife]

Sorted

Shaun

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Keep on going. The end result will be worth the effort. One tip, next time you order spokes, round down, not up. Always buy shorter, by up to 2mm.

 

[Brand X]

Now that you mention it, the spokes do seem a little bit long. Should be okay.. I hope.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

Good on you for having a go. Wheel building is immensely satisfying, like a fine wine it should be savoured, except with a cup of coffee. I tend to start, then over the course of a few days, keep going back to it. Fettling time is never wasted.
Getting the radial trueness I find the most difficult, which is of course very important for the front.

 

[Brand X]

Good on you for having a go. Wheel building is immensely satisfying, like a fine wine it should be savoured, except with a cup of coffee. I tend to start, then over the course of a few days, keep going back to it. Fettling time is never wasted.
Getting the radial trueness I find the most difficult, which is of course very important for the front.

I didn't even know about "radial trueness", but I do now! I can see why some people invest in a wheel truing stand.

 

[rualexander]

Online spoke calculators can't be trusted to give a correct length.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Online spoke calculators can't be trusted to give a correct length.

What's your recommendation for a method of calculation with the best assurance, then? NB Other's numeracy and mathematical ability varies.

 

[I like Skol]

Online spoke calculators can't be trusted to give a correct length.

I normally run my spec through multiple calcs and go with the modal answer.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

The best spoke calculator is one that does a pure mathematical calculation and leaves all the rounding down and thin-spoke compensation to the operator. DT-Swiss' online calculator does that to an extent in that it adjusts for Revolution and double-butted spokes.

Ideally, you want to end up with a wheel where the spokes do not protrude past the nipple's screwdriver slot, yet no threads show on the nipple's other side. This requires skill, experience and access to just the right spoke lengths.

 

[Brand X]

My calculating is limited to how many fingers I have free at the time, but I cheated and used the product selector system on the Pro Wheelbuilder website.

 

[Brand X]

I'm on to my second (rear) wheel but the spokes I bought are rather on the long side. I might just barely get away with it, but they could do with being a full 2mm shorter. Is it possible to chop a bit off the ends of the threads so that they don't protrude? I've test-tightened the spokes up to the bottoms of the spoke nipples (just slightly sticking beyond the slot of the nipple) and the spokes are going "twang" rather than "twing" when I tap them. I guess I have another 1mm to play with, but I should have bought 204mm spokes rather than 206mm; the calculator (which I probably got wrong but bear in mind it's a Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub, so a bit awkward) suggested a 208mm spoke, so I'm glad I went for 206, but 204mm would be right.