Pretty much second everything that Pip said. the dishing tool is actually quite important, especially if it's a one-sided sprocket rear hub. a good set of nipple wrenches are invaluable. used a cheapo one before and it rounded the nipples rather badly. and yes...don't use alloy nipples...stick with brass.

now..you can make a very good dishing tool yourself. i also made my own truing stand out of mdf and it works a treat (and didn't cost me a thing). i check if the tension is even by using a plastic spatula to pick the spokes and listening to the sound. if all make the same 'ping' then they are even.

"Wheel Building" by Roger Musson is a good book and is available as a pdf.