Sources for Humidifier Evaporator Pad Material?

[blue_steel]

Anyone know where I can buy the material to make my own evaporator pads?
I am sick of paying $21 for something that cost pennies to manufacture.
Thanks.

[HotBacon]

I just dropped $45 on two new pads from Aprilaire, then saw a replacment pad at Lowe's for $7. It wasn't an official Aprilaire pad, but said it was compatible w/ my Aprilaire model right on the box.

[mitchella]

I know these pads come "pretreated" with mineral crud to help the water evenly distribute, but I have had great success by taking the season-long used pad, soaking for a little while in warm water-vinegar solution, and rinsing with clean water. Enough crud is left, but the pores are opened up. Make sure the pad is well centered in the holder and the distribution tray above the pad is nicely positioned and the pad immediately under the distribution tray is not compressed or dented so the water gets a good start traveling down the pad. A pad can last several seasons.