Try http://www.studiodepot.com/store/index.cgi?cmd=search&value=gaffer+tape&field=name

filmmaking.net

There is no substitute for Gaff tape. It is to films what oil is to engines. Try searching for cloth tape. Do not be suckered into buying duct tape. It is not the same. Also look at the websites for Birns and Sawyer, or the Panavision website. Or call Panavision ? (818) 316-1000 and ask for the Panastore. They'll ship to you.

wow, im just browsing topics and wondering what's gaffer's tape used for? what makes it better suited for its use than any other kind of tape?

Gaffer tape is used to hold pretty much anything to pretty much anything on a movie set: for example, you can often tell who works on movies by the amount of gaffer tape holding parts of their car together (like mine :)).

I'm not entirely sure of the specific benefits of gaffer tape over other similar tapes since I haven't tried comparative tests, but in general it seems to be pretty strong when holding things together but doesn't cause much damage when you pull it off after you're done... two things you want on a movie set. It's also designed to be very easy to tear into shape when you need a piece of a specifc length and width.

I have a background in theatre and there too is gaff the christ in adhesives/fix its/whatever!

It is worth your time to get the right stuff. I know we deal with a place in Salt Lake City that ships a box for not too bad a price.

Oasis Stage
http://www.oasis-stage.com/

Although inconvenient, it might be worth your time to email/call them. They aren't totally individual user friendly, but from what I remember our theatre gets stuff for a pretty good price. If your in the East, I know of another company, but I'll have to get back to you.