if you cant find any used ones here, get some at a glass shop cut for you.. if not, drsforsterandsmith always have them.. free shipping for $49 i think..
But many people like the convenience of the lids that open and close in the front.. Glass pieces usually do not have this unless you buy the hinges, or leave an inch or so in the front for feeding purposes. Last time I used the glass front of an old picture frame that I taped the edges with painters tape..worked fine.
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Additionally, glass from a hardware store (Lowes, Ace etc.) in not tempered glass and is fragile. When it is cut, the edges are extremely sharp and should be roughed down if you are going to handle it over and over again.
I would guess that Christine was asking how long each application of silicone works. A tube would last for a long time, but if you had to make a new "hinge" every month, I would think it would become a time consumer.