[JTGYK]

I've read of using a "Z" shaped bend on a longer spoke "that's been cut to size" for replacing drive side broken spokes on the road.

Have any of you wheel builders laced an entire wheel from in this way?
If so...How were/are the results?

Are there special tools needed to make the bends?

 

[JTGYK]

OK found a photo of the kind of bend I mean with a tool that forms the bend.
I assume you can do the same with rounded pliers.

Found at this site:
Eldi Emergency Spoke Bicycle Tool

 

[wild]

looks like the spoke goes in the grove and the bend is made with the notch

 

[hophead]

Have any of you wheel builders laced an entire wheel from in this way? If so...How were/are the results?

That's an interesting way to do a McGyver type wheel repair, but would be a really bad idea for a wheel build. First of all, the wheel would be nearly impossible to true. It would also produce a very weak wheel and very likely cause a hub flange failure.