I just finished soldering my spokes on my 1878 Rudge hi wheel. Many were done way in the past without wire and they eventually separated. I used old telephone copper wire that when stripped gave a nice clean finish to work with. I then looped and wrapped just like twining handlebars. I finished with a tin lead fluxed core solder using a mini torch that can be purchased at home depot for under $25. Came out nice, I do advise cleaning the area to be tied before and after.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ