Peter G, If you had a sample of Flight Metal to compare head to head with the aluminium tapes sold at hardware stores you would find a vast difference. I too was a sceptic and can tell you there is no comparison. The Flight Metal will burnish down over compound curves very easily. The adhesive is also very thin and strong not like the rubber like cements on the others. The cost is really not great as most planes can be done with around $30 worth of flight metal. Also you are supporting a person that loves the hobby and trying to develop a source for specialty scale prouducts. I'm all for saving money but without our support most of the specialty manufacturers will dissapear. Don