Wheel building questions...

[spokelacer]

Hi folks,
I am new here. I am an experienced wheelbuilder who still seems to use an old Wheelsmith Tensiometer. I am building with more Sapim CX-Rays than ever due to other spokes dropping off the market. The spokes are great but seem to be kind of off on the tension calibration chart. I have been using the 1.2-2.2 mm column. The spoke is typically 0.9-2.15mm so it doesn't actually fall into that column. Anyone have tension measurements that might be more accurate? Anyone know how the tensiometer's chart would be used?
Thanks!

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by spokelacer

Hi folks,
I am new here. I am an experienced wheelbuilder who still seems to use an old Wheelsmith Tensiometer. I am building with more Sapim CX-Rays than ever due to other spokes dropping off the market. The spokes are great but seem to be kind of off on the tension calibration chart. I have been using the 1.2-2.2 mm column. The spoke is typically 0.9-2.15mm so it doesn't actually fall into that column. Anyone have tension measurements that might be more accurate? Anyone know how the tensiometer's chart would be used?
Thanks!

I use a DT tension meter and use the 1mm center section on the chart for DT aerolites and CX-Ray...

I find it hard to impossible to get Sapim(all) in all lengths..DT aerolights are easy, on the other hand.

No reliable sapim distributor in the US..KHS, but often they don't have most popular lengths, even in even sizes, like 294/6..

Who do you get them from? I would use them if I could reliably get Race, Laser, silver and black in like 258-304 type lengths, like I have now with DT.

[10-4]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

I use a DT tension meter and use the 1mm center section on the chart for DT aerolites and CX-Ray...

I find it hard to impossible to get Sapim(all) in all lengths..DT aerolights are easy, on the other hand.

No reliable sapim distributor in the US..KHS, but often they don't have most popular lengths, even in even sizes, like 294/6..

Who do you get them from? I would use them if I could reliably get Race, Laser, silver and black in like 258-304 type lengths, like I have now with DT.

http://www.hasgllc.com/

Those guys have just about everything I need just about every time I order.

[echelon_john]

I had great luck and service with Alchemy for Sapim spokes, but apparently they're getting out of the spoke business as of Sept 1 to focus on other parts of their business. Maybe a chance to go direct to Sapim and become a distributor in your 'retirement', Peter? ; )

[guyintense]

I used to buy Sapim spokes from http://provelousa.com/
and they have a spoke cutting machine but the last time I bought from them the butts were really inconsistent. That sort of thing bugs me and I haven't been back

[sales guy]

Provelo and hoss are the same. Or neighbors anyways. 3548 and 3550 n union st in olney

[spokelacer]

Yes, I have a spoke threader so if my spokes are close I just buy the longer size and thread them. A dremel brings down a few millimeters off a spoke quickly and smoothly and doesn't take long for a low spoke count wheel.
However, does anyone have a suggestion about what column I might use for the spoke tension chart assuming you have used a wheelsmith tensiometer?