If you are going to do a lot of work with carbon grids and have an access to Carbon evaporator you could do it yourself in which case by trial and error one can get the right thickness, etc. It's easy once you get the hang of it and whole lot lot cheaper. But if it's for one time deal then go with commercial one. But remember, these are hand made and no telling the quality. In any case make sure you glow discharge or plasma clean before using to make sure the grids are super clean and also hydrophilic. Good luck!