Spoke prep? Another wheelbuilder question

[EJensen]

I have gotten lots of very useful information from this board and other web resources in preparation for my first wheel build. Spoke prep is one issue that seems to have several different viewpoints.

First, as a matter of the basic physics, there seems to be universal agreement that the nipple/rim contact point should be lubed with oil.

As to the spoke thread/nipple junction, however, there seem to be two different directions. Some seem to say it should be lubed both to prevent corrosion and reduce induced twist in the spokes as they are brought up to tension. As the twist is relieved the wheel will have to be re-trued.

Another school of thought suggests some other liquid that prevents corrosion but also acts like an adhesive, thereby making it less likely that the wheel will go out of true as the nipples loosen.

Linseed oil seems to have a foot in both camps. Apparently it acts like a lube when wet but gets gummy as it dries, acting like an adhesive.

I have also seen, at least one Sheldon Brown's site, that the non-drive side rear wheel spokes should be treated differently because the tension is lower, perhaps dramatically so, then the drive side. I believe he says not to treat those spokes at all, at least with an adhesive.

So, Dirt and the other expert wheelbuilders out there:

-----What do you use on the spoke threads, and is it to act like a lube or thread lock?

-----For linseed oil, what is the period of time over which it gets gummy? I am looking at my first wheel build, so I would not be surprised to have the exercise span multiple sessions over a few days. Would it firm up and make it harder for me to finish the build?

-----Do you treat the non-drive side rear wheel spokes any differently than the others?

Thanks again for your input and the other helpful suggestions I have already gotten.

Regards,
Eric

[drevil]

If I don't have access to proper spoke prep, then I've used grease on the spoke threads. When tensions get high, this helps prevent windup. Also, it makes it easier to true the wheel later on and doesn't wash away as easily as oil.

[BikerMiker]

Grease isn't a good idea. It actually washes away pretty easily. I would use linseed oil. You can dip the threads and dump the entire batch of nipples in there. It lubes the threads AND the nipple against the rim.

mike

[drevil]

Grease isn't a good idea. It actually washes away pretty easily. I would use linseed oil. You can dip the threads and dump the entire batch of nipples in there. It lubes the threads AND the nipple against the rim.

mike
Where can I get linseed oil? I've asked at Home Depot before and they looked at me funny. Did I ask the wrong person, or should I wear pants next time?

[EJensen]

Where can I get linseed oil?
Here (http://groups.google.com/group/rec.boats.paddle/browse_thread/thread/f235364669393624/fc68a02090742f8b%23fc68a02090742f8b ) is thread of some boat geeks asking and answering the same question. They don't mentions anything about whether or not to wear pants at the time of purchase, however.

Regards,
Eric

[BikerMiker]

Local hardware store maybe. You buy $6 worth of that stuff and you'll have enough to build wheels for 100 years.

mike

[Dirt]

Like I said in the other thread, linseed oil is my best recommendation. I don't dump the nipples in it like Biker Miker does, but that isn't a bad idea. Give it a try if you want.

Like I said, I put one small drop of Phil Wood Tenacious Oil on the spot where the nipple pokes through the rim. It is easy for me to clean up when the wheel is built.

Any REAL hardware store should have Linseed oil. I shop at a small local hardware store that is 1/10 the size of the Home Depot in the neighborhood. With the exception of lumber, the small local hardware store has MUCH better selection of stuff and much more helpful people. I bought my can of linseed oil in 1992 and it is still going strong.

I've heard you can get it at West Marine too. You might want to call them and make sure.

Good luck.

Pete

[drevil]

I heard it's a good replacement for Frame Saver as well. Can you use it to lube chains?

[langer]

I heard it's a good replacement for Frame Saver as well. Can you use it to lube chains?
One stop shopping eh?
:D
-jon

[wrench177]

I heard it's a good replacement for Frame Saver as well. Can you use it to lube chains?
I don't know about chains but it works wonders in restoring the lead in stained glass windows. Seems to be quite the wonder liquid. :D

[Dirt]

One stop shopping eh?
:D
-jon

It's a dessert topping and a floor wax remover. :D

[jed]

Strosniders Hardware in Silver Spring has linseed oil. Or, at least, they did 5 years ago when I built the wheels for my Phil Wood! At least someone will be able to tell you whther they have it and where to find it.