MDZ1rider wrote: If you really want to make an investment in wheel building tools, I would recommend a spoke torque wrench. .It's a little pricey if you'll never build another set of wheels. It's one of those tools that you'll get a lifetime of use from.. I bought mine probably 15 years ago and have definitely got my money's worth. Over tightened spokes can be worse than loose ones.
+1 on the spoke torque wrench.
Buchanan Spoke & Wheel had a spoke info presentation at Barber last year that was well over an hour long. In addition to mentioning hub offset, they also addressed how critical correct spoke torque is. Apparently, some hubs (Sportsters and old Triumphs were mentioned) are delicate enough that pieces of spoke mounting flanges can be cracked or pulled off of the body of the hub entirely by over-torquing spokes.
We bought the adjustable one from Fasst Co. Pricey, but as mentioned will last a lifetime.
The first wheel we built from scratch was from a basket case; loose hub, spokes, nipples and rim. It was also the first wheel we had
ever built. Took 40 hrs. Really. The second one took 8.
Our truing stand is very similar to the one pictured in OP. Works fine. It came with our No-Mar tire changer.
Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE