comparing Hiwin to Chinese rails is like apples to oranges. Fred also has the Chinese rails by the way and of course they are cheaper. If you are doubting £100 in a build of 2500, then definitely go with the cheaper.

I am saying this cause if you really want to cut aluminum when you pay 500 for a plate you will forget the 100 you ar doubting now.

140 sounds a good deal if they are precut. Depends though, i buy pre-cut aluminum plates any thickness at 5euro/kg +vat here in Spain. And steel at 1eur/kg but i have the means to cut it.