Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I recently went down to my local Home Depot to pick up some Sheet Metal where I used to get it for about $1 for an 8x12" sheet.

Now, however, it seems that the sames sheets range from $7-$11 in price, and it's like this everywhere.

I'm currently trying to magnetize both of my Fantasy armies in their entirety (72,000 points between the two, but only about 50,000 are getting trays), and obviously with this price increase, Sheet Metal is no longer an option.

As a result, I'm looking for some alternative methods, and it loos like Plasticard/Balsa Wood and Flexible Magnetic Sheets could be the answer. Any suggestions on Plasticard and Flexible Sheets, or any other alternative options?

*GW Boxes/Cereal Boxes/Sprues are not an option here. I'm running 50-150 man units, and need some more durable.

the bigger sheets (12"x24") are a much better deal, thats what I use.

Of course, you may have to cut them.

If you don't like that, head to goodwill, and buy old cookie sheets.

I'm all for cutting them. I've made plenty of trays out of the stuff over years. Thanks for the tip.

*Edit: I've actually just had a revelation of sorts. After a little inspection, it appears that the metal I've been using are actually "steel shingles" http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202221060?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=metal%20shingle&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=202221060#
and not considered sheet metal. Apparently the Home Depot closest to me doesn't care them anymore, and that's why I was only able to find the expensive sheets.

Hopefully I can grab hold of these shingles at a different location and this wont be so bad. Balsa Wood straight to the metal sheets are truly a blessing.

Of course, I'm still open to other suggestions on the off chance that I'm still unable to find these.

Cool.

However, if you do need bigger sheets later, I would still suggest these;

http://www.homedepot.com/p/MD-Building-Products-1-ft-x-2-ft-28-Gauge-Steel-Galvanized-Sheet-56020/100282523?

They are 1'x2' and galvanized (i.e. won't rust).

Best of luck sir!!!

Many thanks, I believe those were the ones I was looking at when I went the last time. For the price though, I can get roughly 12'x6.6' worth of basically the same material by buying the shingles.

I guess it also helps that when I do my 150man units, I break them up into 2 trays of 80 (got to have that extra rank for characters) since moving a 150man tray as one is rather hazardous, so the shingles are actually perfect.

I think the biggest problem with the bigger sheets (for me anyways) is cost. I have 700+ Orcs, 500+ Night Goblins, and around 200 Cavalry to make trays for in my OnG army alone, so at $10 a sheet, I'd likely go bankrupt >.<

That said, those sheets might come in handy for some of my Monstrous Cavalry units in my WoC army, so consider the link saved!