Ya Know, I am about to do a bunch of jigging in Aluminum (on my new little metal lathe
) so I have been thinking about Aluminum as well. I live out past the middle of no-where and I just called my local metal supplier/machine shop that I use from time to time and the price they quoted me for 1/4 inch plate was $15/sq ft CDN. That is like way less than half the price that any of these sites quote...J., you have to try your local source and see what they can do for you. My local source didn't have any 1/2 inch ( a size I am looking for) in stock but will bring it in if I want a whole sheet. There are lot of boat and snow machine and ATV accessory companies that make trailers and decks and stuff out of aluminum, you will be surprised probably to find one quite local, go there and check their scrap pile..a case of beer and you have your piece! The price of metal has recently plummetted and Aluminum was at the top of the price drop, shop around!
Good Luck
Shane