If you were building wheels in the 70’s you had to contend with problems that don’t much exist these days. I’m old-school too so I get it.
For instance we used to grease spoke threads b/c it made for better wheels even if they loosened a bit. Spoke threading & materials are so high quality now that it’s unnecessary & hastens their demise. Same with reaming hub spoke holes – not a good idea anymore since flange tolerances are much tighter. Many can’t sustain radial lacing because the manufacturing processes have changed.
Since you’re enjoying it you may want to invest in a couple modern books to bring you up to speed on the little things that have changed. They aren’t basic by any stretch & are a pleasure to read, some amazingly advanced tips. Try The Bicycle Wheel 3rd Edition & either of the Zinn mantainance books (rd or mtb).