Lapping film suggestions?

I just left my local glass shop with 3 3X8 inch 1/4 inch thick plate glass sheets for use in honing with lapping film. I've never used lapping film or honed a razor before.

So a few questions:
1. Where is a good place to buy the film?
2. How long does a sheet of film last?
3. What grades of film should I buy?
4. Do you have any pointers to get started?
5. The goal of this setup is to save money, will I get a fine edge if I go this direction?

Anything else you'd like to add, by all means. Thanks a bunch guys!

Matt

I guess I should have posted this in the honing sub-forum.... oops..

I just made the switch to stones. Film is easy and great way to start. My only complaint was the stone I was using was less than perfect. Glass should be fine. I bought 30u, 3u, 1u, and .5u from Amazon. You could do without the .5u if you wanted. A bit of paper under the polish is supposed to help sweeten the edge. I would guess you get 3 to 5 hones per sheet before it slows to unuseable.
Wet the sheet, slap it on your bsse and go. When switching between grits. Give it a rinse, and slap on a new sheet. Pretty painless and works great. It's a great way to get your feet wet for little money.

This is a long but very informative thread that answers a lot and fills in the blanks.
I am now just investing in stones, but I have been using film for five years.
Film has a small learning curve to great great results with a minimal investment.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/283576-Lapping-film-try-it?highlight=Lapping+film

Does anyone have any specific brand preferences?

The film from Thorlabs is usually what's most recommend IIRC

Thank you guys

I bought from specialized.net. No complaints from me.