If you do decide to go with a hotplate, you could always just order a flat or bar of copper from
http://www.onlinemetals.com
They have a great selection of just about any size copper/aluminum you'd need (along with other metals and delrin). The prices are also pretty good. That's where I get my material for the waterblocks I make. Another good thing is that their shipping costs aren't outrageous like some places I've looked at to order metal. I buy a lot of their 2" width 12" length and .5 or 1" depth/height copper. That size is pretty good for making some pretty monsterous water blocks.
Anyway, good luck with your pelt setup, it'll make you very happy.
