Built my rear wheel. MikesXS AL rim and SS spoke kit. It sucked. But I guess I'm ready for the next one. I learned a ton.
Outer spokes needed pushed over 90* via the wood, vise and hammer method. Not that big of a deal.
Spokes too short especially outers. I found a few longer ones for the outers and methodically laced wheel only turning each spoke a thread or two making sure to save the long outers for last in case I needed them and I did.
This was possibly due to the horrible weld and grind job during mfg of the rim. After lacing and attempting to true with an old motorcrosser to no avail, I broke the wheel down one last time and readyed myself for one last lace and true with my machinist mind on full alert. After lacing with all the spokes loose using the method above I rigged up two and could have used 3 or 4 dial gauges.
The day and days leading up to this I talked to a bike shop, two motorcycle shops, two friends who laced wheels, BMX and MX, and Hugh from HHB. All of them gave me some great advice and told me that every rim is square and wobbly. So I decided to take it slow and easy. In the end I got it as close as I believe it can get. .010 thou left to right and .010 thou up and down with jumps of .015 and .020 here and there where the weld/grind job is and where a few little dimple dents are. I'm pleased but not convinced until I get some ride time. I was super excited so I mounted up the tire and of course when I went to fill it there was a leak. I'm guessing a burr on a spoke nip or I pinched it putting it on even though I was careful. Side note: the rim from Mikes is very shallow which makes mounting the tire somewhat more difficult.
Not sure I wanna show the pic but eff it. I'm building a Japanese Frisco with KYB Sporty front end and Sporty Big Drum laced on a 21" wheel. Most of the parts you see here I already had sitting so. It is what it is.