what's the best way to set up alignment on ribs on wings?

It is a good habit to get into in the early stages of the hobby. Analysis paralysis can be frustrating. Let's take it one step at a time.

I you are talking about getting them vertical, I just eyeball it. Get back a couple of feet and take a look at them. If any are crooked, they will stand out. If you have trouble seeing them, you can use a small plastic triangle.

I assume you are building on a flat surface over plans, that should take care of getting them straight.

Tom

I always use a small square or triangle. The more you check and use a good sqaure the truer everything will end up.
Flat
Straight
Square
You just have to have those three things or flying your plane just won't be any fun. And if it ain't fun then it's called work. :cry:
Al

Mark the spars with a square and pencil where the ribs have too go.
glue the outer rib and inner rib on with CA using a steel rule as a square, take some time to get these 2 right.
now just insert the other ribs using the pencil marks and it should all work out, you can double check using the rule as a square.
If it's all balsa constructon you can use CA on the lot if theres ply or hard wood involved tack with CA then use PVA.

Have a look at www.spadtothebone.com for ideas for your next plane