Rims are a bit easier to replace now, this is due to the way spokes are now designed. Look at an old wheel or even a bicycle wheel with inner and outer ones that have the ends bent (85 to 105 degrees or so) and require a set procedure for initial installation that the new ones dont. Usually if I start with a new rim, clean spokes and a bare honda cr or yz hub I have a straight wheel in under an hour. I know people that could give you 4 or 5 similar ones.
You can make the stand from just about anything for the spokeup. I used a vice, and had the axle verticle for so long(usually used a pint can of gasket sealer that was always on the bench as a guide to start the process) that I still usuall do it that way rather than use a truing stand. Sometimes a bent one is a little peskier to deal with and I will use the stand for better viewing.
Motion Pro has some decent spoke wrenches, but the on I always seem to start with is a 4 inch crescent (by brand) which is of the wide jaw variety. It is short and fast and once y ou are used to rolling it tight works well to apply the tork, which is on the light side. I use the right ones once i have the alignment the way I want it.
My suggestion is to play with one awhile and see if you want to try it on your mount that you ride. Getting one straight is half the battle, the other have is straight and strong, which means even tension on the spokes. Listening to them ring doesnt do much for me, I have a feel that I like. Having it (the wheel)in a horizontal position allows me to put my weight on it and feel for flex and watch for movement as well. Before you ask, I don't know anyone else still living that does it this way.
There are some nice torque wrenches made for this, but so far I haven't bought one. Wheels are so much stronger now, it just isnt something I do as often. Like 5 times in the last 3 years. The old drum wheels were more like 5 times a month some months.
I havent looked, but the net must be full of pictorials and instrutionals.